Up at Beaver Lake Montreal slows down. The small, clover-shaped pond in the middle of Mount Royal Park, Lac aux Castors in French, is where the city comes to skate, sled and cross-country ski in winter, and to picnic, row and lie on the grass in summer. It’s free, it’s 15 minutes by bus from the metro, and the rental service based at its 1950s pavilion hires out everything from skates and snow tubes in winter to rowboats in summer. One thing has changed that older guides miss: since 2017, winter skating happens on a refrigerated rink right beside the lake, not on the lake itself.
Here’s what to do at Beaver Lake in each season, how to get there, what it costs, a little of its history, and what to combine it with on the mountain. For Mount Royal as a whole, from the lookouts to the cemeteries, see our Mount Royal and parks guide.
Beaver Lake Montreal at a Glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Where | Mount Royal Park; the Beaver Lake Pavilion is at 2000 chemin Remembrance |
| Created | 1938, on a former swamp |
| Size | About 200 m by 150 m, shaped like a four-leaf clover |
| Winter | Refrigerated rink beside the lake, free sliding lane, snow-tube corridors, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing |
| Summer | Rowboats, outdoor games, picnics, lawns and shade |
| Rentals | At the pavilion in winter; beside the lake in summer; helmets $2.50 |
| Food | Café des Amis in the pavilion |
| Cost | Free to visit; rentals and snow tubes extra |
| Getting there | Bus 11 from Mont-Royal metro (Orange); paid parking near the pavilion |
A Short History
Mount Royal Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, and inaugurated in 1876. Beaver Lake came much later. In 1938 the city turned a swamp near the summit into a pond, to a design by the landscape architect Frederick Todd, and named it after an old beaver dam found during the works. The result is a four-lobed pond about 200 m long and 150 m wide, framed by lawns and trees.
The pavilion on its shore is a landmark of Montreal modernism. Designed by Hazen Sise and Guy Desbarats of the firm Arcop, it was built between 1956 and 1958 and inaugurated in 1961, with a zigzag corrugated roof and walls of glass looking out over the water. It was restored between 2005 and 2007, work that won an award from Quebec’s order of architects for heritage conservation. Today it houses the rental desk and the Café des Amis.
For decades, Montrealers skated on the frozen lake itself. That ended in 2017, when skating moved to a refrigerated rink alongside it, which opens earlier and stays open longer than natural ice could.
Beaver Lake Montreal in Winter
Winter is Beaver Lake’s great season. On a sunny Saturday in January, the rink is full, the sledding hill is loud with children, cross-country skiers set off into the woods, and the pavilion smells of hot chocolate. It’s the best place in the city to see how Montrealers actually enjoy the cold.
Skating
The refrigerated rink beside the lake covers 2,500 m², and it’s free. Because it’s refrigerated, it opens earlier in the season than the city’s natural rinks and stays usable through mild spells that close them. The pavilion rents skates, and helmets cost $2.50, a sensible choice for children and beginners. Go on a weekday or in the morning for the quietest ice; sunny weekend afternoons and the Christmas holidays are the busiest times. At dusk, with the lights on and the snowy trees around it, it’s one of the prettiest places to skate in the city.
The rink usually opens in December, depending on temperatures; our guide to Montreal in December covers the start of the season. Check the City of Montréal’s daily rink conditions before you go, especially after snow or a thaw. For the city’s other rinks, from the 500-metre loop on Parc Jean-Drapeau to the Esplanade Tranquille downtown, see our guide to ice skating in Montreal.
Sledding and snow tubing
The slope above the lake is one of the city’s favourite sledding hills. It has a free groomed lane for anyone with their own sled, and reserved corridors for snow tubes, which you rent at the pavilion’s rental desk for a fee. The tube runs are a big hit with children, and with plenty of adults, too. Bring your own sled if you have one; otherwise, the tubes are the way down.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Mount Royal has 22 km of cross-country ski trails, and the pavilion rents skis and snowshoes, so you can go from a downtown hotel to gliding through the woods in about half an hour. The trails loop through the forest on the mountain’s upper slopes, with views over the city in places. Snowshoeing is the easier option if you’ve never skied, and a good way to explore the paths away from the crowds. For bigger ski days, see our guide to skiing near Montreal.
Warming up
The Café des Amis in the pavilion serves snacks and hot drinks to skaters, skiers and walkers, and the pavilion itself is the place to lace up, rest and thaw out. On very cold days, take regular breaks indoors.
What to wear
Dress in layers you can adjust: skating and skiing warm you up, and standing around at the top of the tube runs cools you down fast. A thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer, a windproof jacket, snow pants for sledding, a tuque, mitts and a neck warmer cover most days. Wear thinner socks with skates. Our guide to what to wear in Montreal in winter has the full list, and our guide to Montreal in winter covers the rest of the season.
Summer at Beaver Lake
In summer, Beaver Lake becomes the city’s back garden. Families spread out picnics on the lawns, students read under the trees, and children chase ducks along the water’s edge. It’s cooler up here on a hot day than down in the city, and much quieter than the Old Port in Old Montreal.
- Rowboats. In summer the rental service beside the lake hires out rowboats, a gentle way to spend half an hour on the water.
- Outdoor games. The same service rents games for the lawns, handy if you’ve come with children and forgotten the ball.
- Picnics. Pick up supplies at the Jean-Talon or Atwater market, or a bag of bagels from Mile End, and claim a patch of grass.
- Walks. Paths lead from the lake into the woods and on towards the summit and the lookouts.
The lake isn’t for swimming. For a swim on a hot day, head to the city’s beaches instead: the free Verdun beach, near De l’Église metro, or Plage Jean-Doré on Parc Jean-Drapeau (adult entry was $8.69 plus tax in 2026). And if you’re on the mountain on a summer Sunday afternoon, walk over to the east side for the tam-tams, the drum circle that gathers by the George-Étienne Cartier monument from May to September.
Autumn and spring
Autumn is spectacular. Montreal’s colours usually peak around mid-October in the city, later than in the countryside, and the maples around the lake turn red and gold against the water. Spring is quieter and muddier, as the snow melts and the paths dry out, but the first warm weekend in April or May brings everyone back to the lawns. Our guide to the best time to visit Montreal covers the seasons across the city.
The Pavilion
Even if you don’t rent anything, stop at the pavilion. It’s one of the most elegant mid-century buildings in Montreal, with its folded roof and glass walls framing the lake, and it works as well today as it did in the 1960s. In winter it’s the base for rentals and the warm-up stop for skaters; in summer, the rental service moves beside the lake. The Café des Amis inside is one of the few places to eat on the mountain, so bring snacks if you’re arriving early or staying late.
Getting There
By bus
The easiest way up is the STM’s bus 11, which runs from Mont-Royal metro station (Orange line) over the mountain and stops close to Beaver Lake. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and the same fares apply as on the metro: $3.75 for a single trip as of 2026, or use a 24-hour or 3-day pass. Children 11 and under ride free with a fare-paying passenger aged 14 or over. Our guide to getting around Montreal explains fares and passes.
On foot
From the Côte-des-Neiges side, it’s a walk of about 20 to 25 minutes uphill along chemin Remembrance from the neighbourhood’s shops. From downtown, the classic routes climb from Peel Street and avenue des Pins, but the downtown-facing slope is being redeveloped until spring 2027, and in September 2026 construction was disrupting access around the summit, including the Kondiaronk lookout. Check the current routes before setting out on foot.
By car
There are two paid parking areas near the Beaver Lake Pavilion, among the five paid lots in Mount Royal Park. They fill up on sunny weekends, especially in winter when the rink and tube runs are busy, so come early or take the bus.
Beaver Lake Montreal opening hours and seasons
The park is open daily, and the lake area is free to visit at any time the park is open. Rental and café hours change with the seasons and the weather, and winter activities depend on conditions, so check the Les amis de la montagne website, which runs the rentals, before you go. The rink’s condition is posted daily on the City of Montréal’s site.
Combine It With
Beaver Lake sits on the western side of the mountain’s summit, close to several of Mount Royal’s other sights.
- The Kondiaronk Belvedere. The famous downtown lookout is a walk away through the woods, though construction was hampering access in September 2026; check before you go.
- The Mount Royal Cross. The illuminated cross on the summit, above the lookout.
- The cemeteries. Notre-Dame-des-Neiges and Mount Royal cemeteries spread across the mountain’s northern slopes, peaceful for a walk in any season.
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory. Canada’s largest church, on the mountain’s western slope across Côte-des-Neiges, free to visit and open 06:30 to 21:00.
Our Mount Royal guide has routes linking all of these, and our list of the best things to do in Montreal places the mountain among the city’s other highlights.
Walks From Beaver Lake
The lake makes a good starting point for exploring the mountain on foot. Three routes worth knowing:
- To the summit and the Kondiaronk lookout. Follow the paths east towards Maison Smith and on along chemin Olmsted, the broad carriage road that winds around the summit, to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for the classic view over downtown. Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way, and check access first: construction was disrupting the area around the lookout in September 2026.
- Across the mountain to the Plateau. Continue past the summit and down the eastern side of the park to avenue du Parc and the George-Étienne Cartier monument, then into the Plateau for cafés and dinner. It’s a satisfying half-day walk, downhill for most of the second half. Our overview of Montreal’s neighbourhoods covers the Plateau.
- Through the cemeteries. Walk north from the lake into Notre-Dame-des-Neiges or Mount Royal cemetery, whose winding lanes, old trees and monuments make one of the quietest walks in the city, especially in autumn.
In winter, wear boots with a good grip, since packed snow on the paths turns icy, and consider ice cleats for the steeper sections. In any season, carry water and a warm layer; it’s cooler and windier on the mountain than down in the streets.
Visiting With Kids
Beaver Lake is one of the best free family outings in Montreal. In winter, the free sledding lane, the tube runs and the refrigerated rink can fill a whole afternoon, with the pavilion for hot chocolate and warming up. Rent helmets for small skaters. In summer, the lawns, rowboats, outdoor games and ducks keep children busy, and the bus ride over the mountain is an adventure in itself. Dress children more warmly than yourself in winter; they stand still in the snow longer than adults do. For more family ideas, see our guide to Montreal with kids.
A Beaver Lake Day, Season by Season
| Season | What to do | Bring or rent |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (December–March) | Skate on the refrigerated rink, sled or tube down the hill, cross-country ski or snowshoe | Warm layers, snow pants; rent skates, skis, snowshoes, tubes |
| Spring (April–May) | Walks as the snow melts, the first picnics | Waterproof shoes for muddy paths |
| Summer (June–August) | Picnics, rowboats, lawn games, shade on hot days | A picnic; rent a rowboat or games |
| Autumn (September–November) | Fall colours around the lake, peaking around mid-October | A warm layer and a camera |
A winter afternoon
- 12:30 Bus 11 from Mont-Royal metro, about 15 minutes over the mountain.
- 13:00 Rent skates, and a helmet for the children, at the pavilion.
- 13:30 Skate on the refrigerated rink while it’s still relatively quiet.
- 14:30 Swap skates for snow tubes, or bring your own sled for the free lane.
- 15:30 Hot chocolate at the Café des Amis.
- 16:00 A last skate as the sun goes down and the rink lights come on.
- 17:00 Bus back to Mont-Royal metro for dinner in the Plateau; our Montreal food guide has ideas.
A summer afternoon
- 11:00 Pick up picnic supplies at the Jean-Talon Market or a bag of bagels in Mile End.
- 12:30 Bus 11 up the mountain and a picnic on the lawns by the lake.
- 14:00 Rent a rowboat for a lap of the lake, or borrow some games for the grass.
- 15:30 Walk towards the summit and the lookout, access permitting.
- 17:00 On a Sunday, drop down the eastern side for the tam-tams by the Cartier monument, then find a terrasse in the Plateau.
Our Montreal itinerary fits the mountain into a longer trip, and if you’re here over the holidays, our guide to Christmas in Montreal suggests Beaver Lake as a way to spend Christmas Day, when much of the city is closed.
Accessibility
The area immediately around the lake and the pavilion is relatively flat, with wide paved or packed paths, and it’s one of the more manageable parts of Mount Royal for visitors with limited mobility or pushchairs. The bus is the easiest way up; STM buses are generally low-floor with a ramp. Beyond the lake, many of the mountain’s paths are steep, unpaved or stepped, and in winter they can be icy, so plan routes carefully. Les amis de la montagne can advise on current conditions and facilities.
Photographing Beaver Lake
The lake rewards a camera in every season. In autumn, go on a still morning for reflections of red and gold maples in the water. In winter, the hour around sunset is the moment: the snowy slopes turn pink, the rink lights come on and the pavilion’s glass walls glow. In summer, the pavilion’s zigzag roof against a blue sky is the classic architectural shot, and the lawns at golden hour are full of life. Respect people’s privacy on the rink and around the picnic blankets, and keep drones at home; Mount Royal is a busy urban park.
Tips
- Go early at weekends. Parking and the rink can fill up on sunny winter weekends by late morning.
- Check conditions. Rink conditions are posted daily; construction on the mountain in 2026 and 2027 has changed some walking routes.
- Take the bus. Bus 11 from Mont-Royal metro is easier than finding a parking space on a busy day.
- Stay for dusk. In winter, the light over the snowy lake and the lit rink at sunset is the best moment of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you skate on Beaver Lake in Montreal?
Not on the lake itself any more. Skating on the frozen lake ended in 2017; since then, skaters use a 2,500 m² refrigerated rink right beside it, which is free and opens earlier and more reliably than natural ice. Skates can be rented at the Beaver Lake Pavilion, and helmets cost $2.50. Check the City of Montréal’s daily rink conditions before you go.
Is Beaver Lake free?
Yes. Visiting the lake and Mount Royal Park costs nothing, and so does skating on the refrigerated rink and using the free groomed sledding lane with your own sled. You pay only for rentals, such as skates, cross-country skis, snowshoes, snow tubes and summer rowboats, for food at the Café des Amis, and for parking if you drive.
How do I get to Beaver Lake in Montreal?
Take the metro’s Orange line to Mont-Royal station, then the STM’s bus 11 over the mountain, which stops close to the lake; the ride takes about 15 minutes. You can also walk up from the Côte-des-Neiges side in about 20 to 25 minutes, or drive and use the paid parking near the pavilion. Check walking routes from downtown, where construction has affected access.
Can you rent skates at Beaver Lake?
Yes. In winter, the rental service at the Beaver Lake Pavilion rents skates, cross-country skis, snowshoes and snow tubes, with helmets at $2.50. In summer, the rental service near the lake offers rowboats and outdoor games. Hours and prices change with the season and the weather, so check the Les amis de la montagne website before you go.
Is there parking at Beaver Lake?
Yes. Two of Mount Royal Park’s five paid parking areas are close to the Beaver Lake Pavilion. They fill quickly on sunny weekends, especially in winter, so arrive early. Bus 11 from Mont-Royal metro is often the easier option, and it stops close to the lake.
Can you swim in Beaver Lake?
No; it’s a landscaped pond for strolling, picnics and summer rowboats, not a swimming lake. For a swim, Montreal has summer beaches: the free Verdun beach near De l’Église metro, and Plage Jean-Doré on Parc Jean-Drapeau, where adult entry was $8.69 plus tax in 2026. Both open only in the summer season.
What’s the best time to visit Beaver Lake?
For winter sports, a weekday in January or February, when the rink, sledding hill and ski trails are all in full use but the crowds are thinner than at weekends. For picnics and rowboats, a warm weekday afternoon in summer. For colour, mid-October, when the maples around the lake usually peak. Dusk is lovely in every season, especially in winter when the rink lights come on.
Is Beaver Lake good for kids?
Very. In winter there’s a free sledding lane for your own sled, snow tubes to rent, and a refrigerated rink with helmets available at $2.50. In summer there are lawns to run around on, rowboats and outdoor games to rent, and ducks to watch. The Café des Amis in the pavilion covers snacks, and bus 11 makes the trip easy without a car.
