Centre Étienne Desmarteau

Introduction

Located in Montreal’s bustling Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough, the Centre Étienne Desmarteau is a landmark that bridges the city’s Olympic legacy with its contemporary spirit of community and athletic excellence. Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics—where it hosted the basketball preliminaries—the centre has since evolved into a year-round hub for ice sports, gymnastics, and a wide array of recreational activities. Named after Étienne Desmarteau, a Canadian gold medalist from the 1904 Olympics, the facility reflects values of perseverance, inclusivity, and community (Olympic.ca; Wikipedia).

Today, Centre Étienne Desmarteau attracts sports enthusiasts, families, and visitors eager to experience Montreal’s vibrant athletic and cultural life. With two Olympic-size ice rinks, modern gymnasiums, and accessible amenities, it is also home to top women’s hockey and ringette teams, reinforcing its status as a beacon for both professional and grassroots sports (fr.wikipedia.org). Its proximity to the Olympic Stadium and Botanical Garden, as well as its easy access via public transportation, make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Montreal’s historical sites (IMTL.org; Montreal.ca).

This comprehensive guide details everything you need to plan your visit: historical context, facilities, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, events, and nearby attractions.

The Legacy of Étienne Desmarteau: Origins and Naming

Étienne Desmarteau, born in Boucherville in 1873, was a Montreal police officer and athlete who brought home Canada’s first Olympic gold in the 56lb weight throw at the 1904 St. Louis Games. His determination and athletic prowess, achieved despite professional risks, cemented his place in Canadian sports history (Olympic.ca). The centre and its surrounding district immortalize his legacy, serving as an inspiration for generations of Montrealers.

Construction and Olympic Heritage

Built as part of the city’s preparations for the 1976 Summer Olympics, the Centre Étienne Desmarteau was designed to embody versatility and community engagement. During the Games, it hosted preliminary basketball matches, welcoming athletes and spectators from around the world (Wikipedia; Touristlink). After the Olympics, the venue transitioned into a focal point for local sports, adapting its facilities to serve the community’s evolving needs.

Facilities and Architectural Highlights

Ice Rinks

• Caroline Ouellette Arena: 2,200 seats, home to major hockey and ringette events.
• Jean Trottier Rink: 600 seats, ideal for local leagues and community skating.

Gymnasiums and Athletic Spaces

• Two Olympic-standard gymnasiums host basketball, gymnastics, and multi-sport activities.
• A dedicated gymnastics room (palestre) supports rhythmic gymnastics clubs, including Club Rythmik Québec.

Additional Amenities

• Weight room and training facilities.
• Locker rooms, showers, accessible washrooms, and baby-changing stations.
• Cafeteria/snack bar, vending machines, and spectator seating.
• Tunnel access to Collège Jean-Eudes, reinforcing the centre’s integration with local education (IMTL.org).

Sporting Events and Community Programs

Olympic Legacy & Major Events

Centre Étienne Desmarteau’s Olympic history shines through its continued hosting of major sporting events, including international competitions and large-scale tournaments (simple.wikipedia.org).

Hockey and Ringette

• Home Teams: Les Canadiennes de Montréal (formerly Montreal Stars) and the Montreal Mission (National Ringette League) (fr.wikipedia.org).
• Annual regional and amateur tournaments nurture grassroots talent.

Gymnastics and Athletics

• Regular training and local competitions for gymnastics clubs.
• Community fitness events, such as the “Test de VMA – Édition été 2025” for aerobic capacity assessment (allevents.in).

Community Engagement

• Programs for youth development and school leagues.
• Seasonal camps and recreational clubs for all ages (imtl.org).
• Community gardens adjacent to the centre foster urban agriculture and environmental education (montreal.ca).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

• General Hours: Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM; Saturday: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM; Sunday: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM. Hours may change during holidays or for special events (montreal.ca).
• Admission: Public skating, swimming, and gym use are free or low-cost; event tickets vary by activity and can be purchased online or at the box office.
• Multi-visit passes and memberships are available for regular users.
• Facility rentals for private use require advance booking.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

The Centre Étienne Desmarteau is designed to welcome all visitors:

• Wheelchair accessible entrances, elevators, and washrooms.
• Reserved accessible parking spaces near the main entrance.
• Bilingual staff (French and English) and signage throughout the facility.
• Public transit access via STM bus routes 67 (Saint-Michel) and 197 (Rosemont); ample parking for cars and bicycles (IMTL.org).

Travel Tips and Nearby Montreal Attractions

• Combine your visit with trips to the Olympic Park, Montreal Botanical Garden, or Jean-Talon Market.
• Dining options in the surrounding Rosemont neighbourhood include cafés, bakeries, and restaurants along Bellechasse Street.
• Arrive early for major events to secure parking and seating.
• Check schedules in advance, as public access may be limited during tournaments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Centre Étienne Desmarteau visiting hours?
A: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Sunday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Check the official website for updates.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets for events are available online or at the centre’s box office. Public skating and gym use are generally free or low-cost.

Q: Is the centre accessible by public transit?
A: Yes, via STM bus routes 67 and 197. Parking is also available.

Q: Are there facilities for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, including accessible entrances, elevators, washrooms, and parking.

Q: What sports are hosted here?
A: Ice hockey, ringette, gymnastics, athletics, and many community fitness activities.

Q: Can I rent facilities for private events?
A: Yes, advance booking is required.