Winter in Montreal is at its best when the ground is covered in a blanket of fresh, powdery snow that beckons everyone to get outside and play. What better way to celebrate a snow day than the time-honoured tradition of sledding?

Both snow tubing and sledding are great ways to get your fill of the great outdoors this winter and those looking for a hill close to public transportation can check out the groomed tracks at Ignace-Bourget Park in the Sud-Ouest borough. From December 23, 2022 until March 5, 2023, there will once again be sledding and tubing lanes and free equipment (tubes) available for everyone. And because the weather is looking good, the hill will also be open for a last hoorah on March 11 and 12.

Redesigned sledding hill

The park’s large hill was redeveloped in 2020 into two free sections for sledding. One area caters to families and promotes an introduction to the thrill of zipping down a wintry hill, while the other is aimed at more seasoned sledders. Snow-making equipment ensures good conditions throughout the season, and illuminated tracks let families use the hill into the evening. There’s no magic carpet to ride back up to the top, so be sure to dress in layers as you might get toasty!

Tube reservations

Though access to the hill and equipment is completely free, reservations must be made online between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m the day before your visit.  You must reserve a tube for each family member. You can also book on-site, however, your place is not guaranteed and it is strongly recommended that you book online.

The duration of the loan varies between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the day. Only one reservation per day is allowed. Once there, a valid photo ID per family will be required to collect your tubes. A loan service for standard sleds is available at the hill. You can also slide with your own sleds without reservation, but note that skis, snowboards, and three-ski snow sleds (snow racers) are not allowed. Children under 5 can use the tubes with an adult, people aged 5 and over must slide alone (no more than one per tube).

Ignace-Bourget Park is located in the Émard–Cote-Saint-Paul district, and is a five-minute walk from the Angrignon Metro station.

For up-to-date information, hours of operation, and reservation information, visit the hill’s website at centremgrpigeon.com

Related Read: Free sledding hills around Montreal