Looking back on 40 years of unforgettable moments
© BAnQ – Patinage, fichiers 21
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A story born on the ice
In 1982, Jean Boislard and Michèle Marcotte left the Eastern Townships to settle in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood of Montréal. With their three young children, they gradually embraced urban life and quickly fell in love with Parc La Fontaine, especially its stunning natural skating rink.
During their many winter walks, they noticed that no services were available on-site to support skaters. At the time, anyone who wanted to skate needed to bring their own equipment, and sharpening had to be done at the local cobbler. This lack of accessibility became the spark behind an unexpected idea.
Jean, then working in the health care sector, and Michèle, a fashion entrepreneur, decided to present a simple concept to the City of Montréal: offer skate sharpening services directly at the rink. After several steps and approvals, their idea was accepted, and in 1986, they opened their very first counter inside the small chalet at Parc La Fontaine…
What began as a response to a real need and a sincere desire to make winter more accessible would become the starting point of an adventure that would leave a lasting mark on Montréal’s winter landscape.
Skate rentals...
almost by accident!!
Over the weeks, residents and tourists, often newly arrived French speaking families began asking if it was possible to rent skates. At first, Jean and Michèle lent out their own. Then, they purchased a few pairs of used skates to meet the growing demand.
As this improvised service gained popularity, they officially launched skate rentals. Very quickly, Montréal schools began reserving time slots to bring their students out to experience the joys of winter on the ice.
Through the years...
1986La Fontaine park
It was in 1986, in a small space inside the Parc La Fontaine chalet, that Patin Patin was born! The park quickly became a winter landmark for the neighborhood and Montréal schools. Season after season, this iconic location has seen the company grow, alongside thousands of skaters, while staying true to its mission: making skating accessible to everyone.1992Old port of Montreal
Building on their success at Parc La Fontaine, Jean and Michèle opened a second location in 1992 at the Bonsecours Pavilion in the Old Port. This more tourist-oriented rink attracted visitors eager to discover Montréal while skating along the riverfront. The site remained an iconic destination for over 30 years, until its closure in 2025.2011Parc Jean-Drapeau
Starting in 2011, the Fête des Neiges site at Parc Jean-Drapeau welcomed a winter equipment rental counter operated by Groupe Écorécréo. In 2016, following the acquisition of Patin Patin, the site officially adopted the brand's name. Today, it offers not only skate rentals, but also cross-country skis, snowshoes, and fatbikes on winter weekends.2022Quartier des spectacles
In 2022, esplanade Tranquille was inaugurated as an urban skating rink in the heart of downtown and became the newest Patin Patin location in the Quartier des Spectacles. This modern facility, nestled in Montréal’s cultural district, offers an accessible and festive experience where music, lights, and skating come together.2023Maisonneuve park
The most recent addition to the Patin Patin family: a winter equipment rental container at Parc Maisonneuve, launched in 2023. Located near the Olympic Stadium and the Botanical Garden, this neighborhood site offers locals and passersby the chance to rent skates, skis, snowshoes, or fatbikes, and enjoy the wide snowy landscapes of Montréal’s east end.
A thoughtful transition
After 30 years of passion, the company transitioned into the hands of Groupe Écorécréo, a team driven by the same vision of community, accessibility, and love for Montréal.
This thoughtful transition marked the beginning of a new chapter, grounded in the continuity of the company’s founding values.
Today, Patin Patin shines across several Montréal locations: Quartier des Spectacles, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Parc Maisonneuve, and Parc La Fontaine.
The offering has evolved to include cross-country ski, fatbike, and snowshoe rentals and more.
Despite the challenges, the mission remains the same: to create unforgettable winter memories for young and old alike.
A smooth handoff built on trust, ensuring the continuation of a service that’s become a true local favorite.
© BAnQ – 13 décembre 1992 –Bernard Brault
Voir l’original
Utilisation selon les conditions générales de BAnQ.
A few interesting facts to discover
Here’s a quick snapshot of the last 40 years in a few fun numbers.
team members ready to welcome you each year
Over
rental items available across our various sites
Over
visitors over the past 40 years
Rental equipment
We don’t just rent skates, we offer a full range of winter recreational equipment, depending on the location!
Skates
Cross-country ski
Snowshoes
Fatbikes
Kick sleds
Other services
Special Event Rentals
Sharpening