Parc La Fontaine Montreal - Bench in the park during rainy spring day
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Parc La Fontaine Montreal

4.6
·15k reviews·Montréal, Canada

Montreal's vibrant green lung, offering year-round beauty with a picturesque lake, skating, and diverse recreational spaces.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Easier parking & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Parc La Fontaine Montreal - Bench in the park during rainy spring day

Parc La Fontaine Montreal

Best Time

Weekdays

Easier parking & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Montreal's vibrant green lung, offering year-round beauty with a picturesque lake, skating, and diverse recreational spaces.

4.6
(15k reviews)

"This park is marvelous! It’s quite the spot in the summer - lots of people hanging out, picnicking, and enjoying the nice weather."

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TIP

🛗 Art Centre Amenities

Building has restrooms, a restaurant, and lockers. Bring your own lock for lockers!

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The park is large with many paths; wear comfy shoes for walking and exploring.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Central Lake

The Central Lake

Center of the park

A picturesque lake perfect for paddleboating in summer and ice skating in winter. A true centerpiece of the park's beauty.

Winter Ice Rink

Winter Ice Rink

Near the lake

Enjoy gliding on the ice, with a secondary rink offering a potentially smoother skating experience.

Children's Cycling Track

Children's Cycling Track

Dedicated area

A fun, safe space for kids to practice cycling with a special track featuring speed breakers.

Summer Theatre & Concerts

Summer Theatre & Concerts

Outdoor venue

Experience live performances in a beautiful outdoor setting, often with free concerts available.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Parc La Fontaine

This expansive park offers diverse activities year-round. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you're looking for easier parking. The park is large, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring its many paths and attractions.

Seasonal Delights & Amenities

Parc La Fontaine transforms with the seasons, from summer picnics to winter ice skating. Check the schedule for summer theatre or free concerts. The art center building offers restrooms and a restaurant, with lockers available for storing belongings (bring your own lock).

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Easier parking & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Concerts & pleasant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Freshly groomed ice rink
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Jarry or La Fontaine Parc

🛗 Art Centre Amenities

Building has restrooms, a restaurant, and lockers. Bring your own lock for lockers! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The park is large with many paths; wear comfy shoes for walking and exploring. Reddit

reddit.com

Why no water in the ponds at parc lafontaine

reddit.com

Anyone know of free or low-cost overnight parking near Parc La Fontaine?

🚗 Parking Challenges

Weekend parking can be tough. Weekdays are generally easier to find spots. Reddit

🎶 Check Event Schedules

Look out for free concerts and summer theatre for a special park experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Help!! - finding the Montreal park where my grandma and grandpa met!

Tips

from all over the internet

🛗 Art Centre Amenities

Building has restrooms, a restaurant, and lockers. Bring your own lock for lockers! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The park is large with many paths; wear comfy shoes for walking and exploring. Reddit

🚗 Parking Challenges

Weekend parking can be tough. Weekdays are generally easier to find spots. Reddit

🎶 Check Event Schedules

Look out for free concerts and summer theatre for a special park experience. Reddit

⛸️ Winter Skating Prep

Ice rink conditions can vary; be prepared for minor imperfections. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(15k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Parc La Fontaine is a highly-rated, versatile park beloved for its beauty and activities across all seasons. Visitors praise its spaciousness, diverse attractions like the lake and skating rink, and family-friendly amenities. Some minor concerns include occasional ice rink maintenance and weekend parking challenges.

"I’ve been to this park both summer and winter and here is what I think: In the summer, it’s the perfect spot for a walk or a picnic while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. The open spaces and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to relax and unwind. In the winter, the lake transforms into a stunning ice-skating rink that stretches along the landscape. While I had a great time skating, I did notice that the rink’s condition wasn’t the best. There were branches and small holes in some areas, which made it a bit challenging to skate smoothly. I’m not sure if this was just an issue on the day I visited or if it’s a common thing, but it’s something to keep in mind. Despite that, I definitely plan to return! There’s also an additional rink near the lake that looked very cool and seemed to offer a smoother surface.
One thing I really appreciated is the building nearby that has a restaurant, equipment rental, and free lockers to store your belongings. Just make sure to bring your own lock if you want to use the lockers.
Overall, it’s a fantastic park in every season, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit."

Indira Sampaio

"It's a very large park. A lot of paths to running and walking. In the center of the park, there is a beautiful lake 😍 . It's great to see the people running, cycling and resting here in the park. It has playgrounds and kids swings. Additionally, there is special area for kids cycling with track having the speed breakers. The trees are very large and makes the view amazing 👏. Bike stands is on the corner of the park. We spent around 2 hours and its was a great experience 😌"

Narender Bhardwaj

"Well where do I begin? 😂 I have visited many parks around Montreal and there are many. Just when you think that you’ve seen a nice park the next one is even better! I was enthralled with not so much the size but the plethora of various attractions and activities that you can choose from. They pretty much have it all though I didn’t see a basketball court. They have skateboarding, beach volleyball, skating in the winter, tennis and lots of space to have a picnic or just lounge with a lunch or coffee. The winding pond is so nice too! They also have this little obstacle course for the little kids to use their bikes on. The art centre building has washrooms for your convenience. All in all this is probably my favourite park that I have come across so far here in Montreal. But I thought that about other parks too. 😂👍😎"

Yodaman Solo

What People Like

Beautiful year-round scenery
Diverse activities (skating, paddleboating)
Family-friendly amenities

What People Dislike

Weekend parking difficulties
Inconsistent ice rink condition

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Parc La Fontaine Montreal is accessible by public transport, including several bus lines. Driving is also an option, though parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but it can be difficult to find, particularly on weekends. Weekdays offer a better chance for easier parking. Reddit

Absolutely! Montreal is a very bike-friendly city, and Parc La Fontaine has bike stands and paths, making it a great destination for cyclists. Reddit

Given its size, walking or cycling are excellent ways to explore Parc La Fontaine. The park has numerous paths for both activities. Reddit

While not directly on a metro line, Parc La Fontaine is a reasonable walk or short bus ride from several metro stations in the surrounding Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Parc La Fontaine is a public park and is free to enter and enjoy year-round. Reddit

Parc La Fontaine is open 24/7, though specific facilities like the restaurant or ice rink may have their own operating hours. Reddit

Entry to the park itself is free. However, for specific events like the Summer Theatre, tickets may be required. Free concerts are also often held. Reddit

The ice rink at Parc La Fontaine is free to use. You may need to rent skates if you don't have your own. Reddit

Parc La Fontaine offers ample open spaces for picnics, and reservations are generally not needed. It's first-come, first-served for picnic spots. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, running, cycling, picnicking, paddleboating on the lake, and ice skating in winter. There are also playgrounds and a children's cycling track. Reddit

Yes, Parc La Fontaine is very family-friendly with playgrounds, a dedicated kids' cycling area, and plenty of open space for children to play. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available, particularly in the art centre building. Reddit

The building near the lake offers equipment rentals, which may include paddleboats in the summer. Reddit

Reviews suggest the ice rink condition can vary. While enjoyable, some areas might have minor imperfections. There's also a secondary rink that might offer a smoother surface. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant located in the building near the lake, offering convenient dining options within the park. Reddit

Absolutely! Parc La Fontaine is a fantastic spot for picnics, with large open fields perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal. Reddit

The restaurant in the art centre building typically offers casual dining options suitable for park visitors. Reddit

Besides the main restaurant, there might be seasonal kiosks or vendors, especially during peak summer months. It's always good to check locally for current offerings. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, especially for picnics. It's a great way to enjoy the park affordably. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The central lake, especially with its reflections, is a prime spot. The diverse landscaping, large trees, and seasonal activities like ice skating offer many picturesque opportunities. Reddit

Yes, Parc La Fontaine is beautiful year-round. Summer offers lush greenery, autumn vibrant foliage, and winter a serene, snow-covered landscape with ice skating. Reddit

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting. Midday can be good for capturing vibrant activity, especially on sunny days. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing landscapes and candid moments. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parc La Fontaine Montreal is a fantastic destination for families. The park features playgrounds and a dedicated children's cycling track with speed breakers, ensuring a safe and fun environment for little ones to burn off energy. The open fields are perfect for running around or having a picnic. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush, which can make navigating with children easier. The art centre building offers convenient restrooms and a restaurant, and lockers are available if you need to store belongings. Bringing snacks and drinks for a picnic is a great way to keep kids happy and fed throughout your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers

For solo travelers and those who enjoy leisurely walks, Parc La Fontaine offers a serene escape within the city. The park's extensive network of paths is ideal for exploring at your own pace, whether you're looking for a brisk walk or a peaceful stroll. The diverse landscaping, from open fields to the picturesque lake, provides constantly changing scenery. Reddit

Take advantage of the benches scattered throughout the park for moments of quiet reflection or people-watching. The art centre building provides access to amenities like restrooms and a cafe, making it easy to spend a good portion of your day here. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer the most tranquil experience. Reddit

🚴 Cyclists

Parc La Fontaine is a cyclist's delight, seamlessly integrating into Montreal's bike-friendly infrastructure. The park features dedicated bike paths that wind through its scenic landscapes, making it perfect for both leisurely rides and more vigorous cycling. You'll find bike stands conveniently located, allowing you to park your bike securely while you explore other attractions on foot. Reddit

Whether you're commuting through the park or simply enjoying a recreational ride, the varied terrain and beautiful surroundings make for an enjoyable experience. Consider combining your cycling trip with a picnic, as there are ample open spaces perfect for a break. Remember to check the condition of the paths, especially after inclement weather. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Parc La Fontaine's Seasonal Charm

Parc La Fontaine Montreal is a dynamic green space that truly shines throughout the year. In the summer, it transforms into a hub of activity with people picnicking, jogging, and enjoying the lush scenery. The central lake becomes a focal point for paddleboating, offering a refreshing way to experience the park's aquatic beauty. As the weather cools, the park's charm shifts to its winter wonderland persona. The lake freezes over, becoming a popular ice-skating rink. While generally enjoyable, some visitors note that the ice condition can vary, with occasional imperfections. For those seeking a smoother glide, a secondary rink is available nearby. Reddit

Beyond the main lake, the park boasts a variety of attractions catering to different interests. Families will appreciate the dedicated children's cycling track, complete with speed breakers, providing a safe and fun environment for young riders. The park also features playgrounds and open fields perfect for casual games or simply relaxing. Throughout the year, Parc La Fontaine often hosts events, including a Summer Theatre and free concerts, adding a cultural dimension to its recreational offerings. Reddit

Practical amenities enhance the visitor experience. The art centre building is a key facility, housing restrooms, a restaurant, and lockers for storing belongings. Visitors are advised to bring their own lock if they plan to use the lockers. The presence of these facilities makes it easier for visitors to spend extended periods enjoying the park's offerings without worry. Reddit

Navigating Parc La Fontaine: Parking and Access

When planning a visit to Parc La Fontaine Montreal, understanding the parking situation is crucial. While the park is a beloved local spot, parking can be a significant challenge, especially on weekends. Many visitors report difficulty finding available spots, leading to potential frustration. For a smoother experience, it's highly recommended to visit on weekdays when parking is generally more accessible. Reddit

For those relying on public transport, Parc La Fontaine is well-connected. Several bus lines service the area, making it easy to reach from various parts of Montreal. While the park isn't directly adjacent to a metro station, it's within a reasonable distance for a short bus ride or a pleasant walk from nearby metro stops in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood. This makes it an accessible destination for those who prefer not to drive. Reddit

Cycling is another excellent way to access Parc La Fontaine, aligning with Montreal's reputation as a bike-friendly city. The park is equipped with bike stands, and its numerous paths are ideal for cycling enthusiasts. This option not only avoids parking hassles but also allows for a more active and scenic approach to reaching the park. Reddit

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