Tuesday, February 16, 2027 · 7:00–9:00 PM · Esplanade Tranquille skating rink, Quartier des Spectacles
$40 · Skate rental available on site (not included)
Skating looks easy until you’re standing on the ice, holding your breath and hoping not to fall. If that feeling has kept you off the rink, this evening is for you. Whether you’ve never skated or just want to feel more at ease on the ice, you’ll build your skills step by step in a small, supportive group, at your own pace and with no pressure to perform.
Along the way, you’ll learn to use the glide and rhythm of skating as a simple form of meditation, meet like-minded people, and have some fun under the lights of the Quartier des Spectacles.
What you’ll do
We’ll begin with a short grounding exercise to help you arrive, notice your breath, and settle any nerves before stepping onto the ice. From there, we’ll build up gradually: finding your balance, taking your first glides, and learning to slow down and stop with confidence. If you do lose your footing, we’ll show you an easy way to get back up.
Throughout the evening, we’ll pause for simple practices you can use while skating, such as breathing exercises to ease tension, and noticing the feel of the ice beneath your blades and the cold air on your face. When something feels wobbly or uncertain, that becomes part of the practice too: noticing what your mind says, letting it go, and trying again.
We’ll finish by skating through Au bord du lac Tranquille, the rink’s interactive light show, where projected whales, narwhals, and schools of fish respond to your every move. It’s a playful way to practise staying present, and a lovely way to end the evening. (See what to expect)
Why it works for beginners
- You don’t need any experience. We start with the basics, focusing on balance and control so you feel steady on your skates.
- The group is small, so Moire can help each person individually.
- You set the pace. The difficulty builds gradually, and no one gets left behind.
- You don’t need your own gear. Skates and helmets can be rented on site.
- The rink is refrigerated, so the ice is smooth and well maintained.
“Before this, I had tried skating alone or with friends at least four times, and each experience left me stressed, tense, and frustrated with myself… For the first time, I didn’t feel pressured to perform, skate fast, or become an expert in an hour. I left the session feeling more confident and independent, and now I’m genuinely looking forward to my next time on the ice.”
— B.B., participant in last winter’s mindful skating event
More than a skating lesson
This isn’t just about technique. Your guide is a licensed clinical psychologist who uses nature-based approaches in her work, and her background shapes the whole evening: patience, attention to how people are feeling, and no pressure to perform. While this isn’t a therapy session, you’ll be learning from someone trained to help people work through fear and discomfort.
Meet your guide: Dr. Moire Stevenson
Dr. Moire Stevenson, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Mindfulness Outdoors. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Université de Montréal and an honours degree in Biology and Biochemistry from Dalhousie University, and her work brings clinical science together with nature-based practice. Alongside leading Mindfulness Outdoors, she works as a pediatric psychologist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Moire believes that mindful time outdoors is one of the best settings for working through difficult situations and understanding ourselves better. On the ice, she creates a warm, grounded space where you can learn at your own pace.
What you may take away
You’ll leave with the basics you need to skate on your own, and a few simple ways to use breath and movement to calm your nerves and settle your attention. Research suggests that time spent moving outdoors can lift mood and ease stress, and that practising mindfulness may add to those benefits. This is a chance to see how it feels for you.
“I most enjoyed the support and encouragement, the breathing exercise that helped with my stress, the gradual skating difficulty, as well as being present in the moment.”
— E.W., participant in last winter’s mindful skating event
Curious about the research? Read why spending time in nature is good for your wellbeing on Moire’s blog.
Who it’s for
This evening is for skaters of all levels, including complete beginners. If you’ve never skated, we’ll teach you and support you every step (and glide!) of the way. It’s also a good fit if you’ve felt nervous or frustrated on the ice before. If you already skate comfortably, you’re welcome to join too, just know that we’ll move at a relaxed pace.
Adults of all ages are welcome. If you have questions about balance, mobility, or whether this event is right for you, email us at contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org and we’ll be happy to talk it through.
Before you come
- Renting skates? Skates, helmets, and locks can be rented at the Patin Patin counter inside the Esplanade Tranquille Pavilion (skates were $14.95 last season). Rentals last up to 2 hours, so please pick yours up shortly before 6:45 PM, then meet us [at the pavilion entrance. Rental information
- Helmets: We recommend wearing one, especially if you’re new to skating.
- What to wear: Dress in warm layers, and bring mittens (they’re warmer than gloves) and a hat. We’ll be moving slowly and pausing often, so you’ll cool down faster than you might expect. For more tips, see Moire’s guide to staying warm and mindful outdoors in winter.
- Lockers and changing rooms are available in the pavilion, which also has a café if you’d like a warm drink afterwards.
- Getting there: The rink is at 1442 Rue Clark, near Place-des-Arts metro. (Map)
- Language: The event is bilingual (English and French). / L’activité se déroule en français et en anglais.
- Running late? Look for our group on the ice, or call or text 514-619-4542.
- Weather: The rink may close in case of heavy precipitation. If that happens, the event will be rescheduled.
- Participation is at your own risk.
- Refunds and cancellations: Email contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org
- Rink details and current conditions: Esplanade Tranquille
If the ticket price feels out of reach, email us at contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org and we’ll be happy to explore options.
If you’ve always wanted to feel at ease on the ice, this is a gentle place to start. We’d love to see you there.
