Grab your board and head to Montréal's skateparks!
As summery rays brighten our days, we are heading outside to pursue Montréal’s many urban pursuits—and skateboarding is definitely one of them! This action sport has skyrocketed in popularity over the years, for good reason: it’s relatively inexpensive, hassle-free (no lugging of heavy bags of gear), good exercise, and a great way to meet new people. And from counter-culture to Olympic cred, we know it’s here for the long run. Herein, some top Montréal picks on where to go to shred it.
Vans Pro Skate Park (Olympic Stadium)
An world-class skatepark built on the Big O’s Esplanade—in itself imminently skateable—the Vans Skatepark is a beauty to behold. The big draw is its deep, long undulating bowl (nearly the length of half a soccer field) and oodles of other cool street-style structures in a truly tony terrain park – such smooth surfaces! Another definite must-skate while you’re there is also the iconic Big O Pipe, formerly the Olympic Park entrance. A word to the wise: bring along some sunscreen because you’ll be out in the wide open.
Parc Père Marquette
Like a refreshing desert oasis, the Parc du Père-Marquette skatepark provides an ultra-cool escape for skateboard, scooter and BMX enthusiasts. Built with the input of local skateboarders, it features fun obstacles, ledges, rails, manual pads and awesome flow. The vibe here is very welcoming, and this spot is a favourite among families, with picnic tables and the rest of the park to enjoy.
Parc Raymond-Préfontaine
Parc Raymond-Préfontaine skatepark, one of Montréal’s older skateparks, remains a popular spot with skaters and can be easily accessed by the Préfontaine métro station. This is a great option if you want to spend a few hours on its rails and ramps working on your tricks. Another plus is that the Rollin’ boardshop is also just across the street, so you can stop by pre- or post-skate and check out some truly awesome equipment.
Van Horne Skatepark
The Van Horne Underpass Project is proof that a little imagination goes a long way. The Viaduc Van Horne skatepark is part of a green corridor that features gardens, outdoor furniture and an amphitheatre, has injected lots of life into a once-dreary location. It features a flat-ground street-style section and a snake run, with ledges, rails, manual pads and more for ultimate sliding and grinding. Plus, you can enjoy easy métro access, a cool backdrop of urban art and Mile End’s great shops and restaurants.
Place de la Paix (Peace Park)
Tucked away at the south end of St-Laurent Boulevard, the Place de la Paix skatepark is the only public park in Montréal where skateboarding is actually legal. This urban square in Montréal’s former red-light district holds a special spot for many skateboarders who are passionate community advocates: their fight to legalize skateboarding here even spawned a documentary. The company, vibe and nearby venues and attractions (The SAT, Pool Room, Chinatown, to name but a few) all make this iconic spot worth it.
Parc des Royaux
This De Lorimier Avenue-adjacent skatepark is a hotspot for local skateboarders with its own cachet of cool. It’s an earlier model but much-loved skatepark that has ramps and ledges and vibe aplenty, inside an equally buzzy community park.
Verdun Skatepark (Parc Arthur Therrien)
Modeled after the 1980s video game 720° by Atari, the amazing Verdun skatepark covers 20,000 sq. feet and features rails, ramps, steps, quarter pipes, bowls and much more. All of this fits into its “mini-city” design, replete with curbs, streetlamps, crosswalk markings as you cruise around town. It’s an amazing skatepark that’s popular among skateboarders as well as BMX and scooter riders big and small.
Projet 45 DIY (TAZ)
The backyard of the TAZ is home to Projet 45 DIY, which was built thanks to a very hard-working group of volunteer skateboard enthusiasts and private donations. It’s got oodles obstacles, a good flow, fun for all ages, a relaxed vibe and it’s well-lit at night, so you can keep practicing your tricks long into those beautiful summer evenings.
Parc Delorme (Saint-Léonard)
The Parc Delorme skatepark has all the flow, street sections and transition sections skateboarders love. Newbies and seasoned shredders will find what they are looking for here, from quarter pipes to banks to ledges and myriad obstacles that will keep you inspired to push yourself further. Easy access, great vibe and it’s got shade by day (thank you, trees!) and lights by night.
JACKALOPE
For the past 10 years, JACKALOPE has been the ultimate gathering of Canada's action sports communities, the meeting place for top athletes, industry professionals and enthusiasts.
This festival is known for its unique atmosphere, its inclusiveness, and the quality of its world-class competitions and demonstrations by, you guessed it, world-renowned skateboarding. They also have bouldering, BASE jumping, and breaking stars. In addition to all the things to see, shop in the pop-up shops, stuff your face in the food trucks, enjoy free sessions in the ephemeral sports facilities and attend concerts.
Montréal’s boroughs have lots of other smaller skateparks, which may be a better option for beginners, or in terms of time and proximity. Check out the list on the Ville de Montréal’s website. Happy skating!
Rebecca Sellers
Hailing originally from the big country skies of Manitoba, Rebecca adopted Montréal over 20 years ago after living in Québec City and France as a student. When she is not writing, translating or teaching English, she can be found pedaling the city’s bike paths, strolling the streets in search of hidden gems, and striking up conversations with local merchants, creators and folks in the neighbourhood.