Top 10 stand-out ice skating spots around the world
It might be a little chilly outside, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to keep your travel fun indoors. There’s no better way to fit in some winter fun than with a frozen pond and some worn-in ice skates. But why stop there? There’s a slew of unusual ice rinks around the world: From gliding along beside celebrities to ice skating at an airport (seriously!), our top 10 ice skating spots will take you on an (icy) adventure!
The largest ice rink in the world: Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa holds the title for world’s largest skating rink, running from the Parliament Buildings through to Dows Lake. The whole rink is nearly eight kilometres long. It typically opens in January or February depending on weather conditions, and it’s busiest during Canada’s Winterlude, an ode to winter in February. The event features an ice sculpture competition and an outdoor art gallery. You can also embrace your inner kid on North America’s largest snowy playground, the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park.
The most iconic rink: Rockefeller Center, New York, N.Y., United States
Featured in many Hollywood blockbusters and on hundreds of travellers’ winter to-do lists, the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center is the most iconic rink of all. You may not know the rink was an accident. It was built in the 1930s as a temporary landmark meant to attract more visitors to the plaza. The 122-foot-long rink still stands today, attracting thousands of tourists and locals alike. Plus, it’s a hot spot for marriage proposals, even offering a booking process if you’d like to propose on the ice – you just need to do it in five minutes or fewer.
The most romantic skating spot: Somerset House, London, England
Need a gorgeous spot to win over your loved one? The rink at Somerset House lets you add on a glass of champagne and handmade chocolate for £25 pounds (about CA$40) plus booking fees, while enjoying live music from local bands. Nestled in the heart of London, the historic setting bills itself as “London’s favourite outdoor ice rink”, chock full of activities in addition to ice skating like live bands, skate school for the little ones or specially-themed holiday Tuesdays.
The most star-studded rink: Sun Valley, Idaho, United States
When you think of celeb status, Idaho might not immediately come to mind, but the iconic Sun Valley ice rink is a long-time hot spot for the rich and famous. The town has played host to the Hemingways, The Kennedys and Lucille Ball, among others. Photos of celebrities who have visited the rink grace the walls of the adjacent hotel, and visitors can rub elbows with skating’s elite during winter training and Saturday shows featuring former Olympic skaters. The 1940s movie “Sun Valley Serenade”, which was filmed at the rink, often plays on repeat on a nearby TV.
Top rink for skaters on the go: Munich Airport, Munich, Germany
Passport? Check. Boarding pass? Check. Ice skates? Check — but only if you’re at the Munich Christmas Market at Munich Airport. When you’re done skating around this airport-based rink, get your fill of the holiday spirit by gazing at the more than 400 different Christmas trees that surround the premises. You can also sip some mulled wine and peruse more than 50 kiosks in the open-air market.
The rink with the most unusual shape: Liège, Belgium
Who wants to skate around a boring rectangle when you can glide your way around a whale-shaped rink? The newest ice skating rink in Liège, Belgium, the Olympic Ice Rink of Liège by L’Escaut, will have you triple sow-cow-ing your way around the icy curves of a rink shaped like – you guessed it – a whale. The 200,000 aluminum tiles on the outside of the arena resemble scales. Meanwhile, the venue’s indoor rink is known for its environmentally friendly approach. The builders admit whales don’t actually have scales, but the visual appeal of the tiles was too good to pass up. This mammoth rink accommodates almost 2,000 skaters.
The rink with the best view: Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower is gorgeous in its own right, but when you’re skating nearly 200 feet above the majestic city of Paris, your trip becomes unforgettable. Check out the Eiffel Tower Ice Rink on the first-level observation deck and gaze up at the stunning architecture inside the 324-metre tower, or stare out at the city for views of the famed golden dome of the Invalides where Napoleon was buried.
The highest rink: Chicago, Ill., United States
The John Hancock ice rink claims the title of world’s highest skating rink at more than 300 metres above ground level on the 94th floor of the Chicago skyscraper. Made entirely of synthetic ice, the rink opens New Year’s Day and stays open through the spring, offering a wallet-friendly $6 25-minute skating session. Last year, almost 8,000 skaters paid the rink a visit.
Best culture clash rink: Moscow, Russia
In Red Square, the Communist heart of Moscow and Russia, the large department store GUM plays host to a fanciful outdoor ice skating rink. This flagship store for the chain, a decedent of the State Department Stores of an earlier time, opens the giant rink (2700 square metres) in the early days of winter offering locals and tourist the chance to swirl and twirl in the shadow of the Kremlin and celebrate the holidays in a blaze of music, lights and modern commercialism.
Most sun-drenched skating spot: San Diego, Calif., United States
Think skates and swimsuits can’t coincide? Think again. Strap on your skates in sunny San Diego at the Hotel del Coronado, which hosts a skating rink that measures 3,000 square metres. This skating hot spot overlooks the Pacific Ocean — a (synthetic) ice rink that sits beside palm trees and crashing waves. If you didn’t think to bring your skates to Southern California, no worries — skate rentals are included in the $23 admission price ($18 for children). This slice of winter fun comes with a side of philanthropy: A portion of ticket sales goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
(Main image: chrishau)
