The most beautiful natural ice skating rinks in the world

Imagine peaceful silence, broken only by the whistle of the breeze and scratching of skates carving into ice. All around you, fir trees extend to the horizon and mountains invade the sky behind them. Ice skating on natural rinks in the great outdoors can be a magical experience, especially for those travelling to snowy climes to try this winter activity for the first time. 

To help you on your way, we’ve curated a list of the most beautiful natural ice skating rinks around the world. Right now, we’re also offering once-a-year savings on the Cigna Cathay Premier Health Plan, which supports travellers who want to protect their families’ and their own health, whether at work, during studies or on vacation overseas. For a limited time, enrolling in the health insurance plan gives you savings on up to 13 months of your premium for the first three years. You’ll also earn up to 82,000. That’s enough to redeem a round-trip ticket to a range of destinations in Asia perfect for a winter getaway. 

Where to go skating on natural ice rinks around the world 

1. Beijing: Kunming Lake Ice Skating Rink 

This massive ice rink forms annually over Kunming Lake within the grounds of Beijing’s Summer Palace, and visitors enjoy a fantastic vista of the historic attraction’s rust- and amber-coloured pagodas peeking above the forest. Typically freezing over from January to February, it can accommodate up to 5,000 visitors at a time. Instead of ice skates, electric ice bikes and boats are available for rent, making traversing the icy lake accessible to all.

2. Ottawa: Rideau Canal Skateway 

Marketing itself as the world’s largest skating rink, this 7.8 km canal winds around Ottawa’s downtown area all the way to Dow’s Lake, bringing skaters under bridges and past snow-dusted evergreen forests. Feeling peckish along the way? Glide to a food stand selling beavertails (a fried dough pastry with toppings) and hot chocolate, or simply exit at one of 30 access ramps and staircases. For Skateway to open, there must be at least 10 consecutive days of temperature below -10°C, allowing the ice to reach the required 30cm in thickness. Check for the latest news on opening dates .

3. Invermere: The Whiteway 

Our third Canadian entry may just be the most remarkable. The Lake Windermere Whiteway in Western Canada is the world’s longest frozen trail at nearly 30km. Designed to connect rural communities during the winter, it serves a practical use as well as a recreational one – it’s common to see daily commuters skimming past, as well as youngsters playing an impromptu game of hockey. In the distance, the towering Rocky Mountains can be seen bathed in the warm glow of sunlight. This skating trail reflects a balance between man and nature – it’s maintained and equipped with public amenities like benches and rubbish bins, yet appears otherwise untouched.

4. New York: Mirror Lake 

Visitors will find Mirror Lake to be a lively hub of activity, hosting winter sport enthusiasts from dogsledders and snowshoers to hockey players and recreational skaters. Set in the northern New York village of Lake Placid, the skating rink is also brimming with quintessential winter wonderland vibes, framed by tall evergreen trees and holiday lodges. Beyond them, the Adirondack Mountains complete the holiday backdrop. What’s more, access is free, with the lake remaining open to the public 24/7 once its icy cover is deemed thick enough.

5. Vallée de Joux: Lac de Joux 

Skaters – and those merely out for a winter stroll – will find skate rental stands and warming refreshments on the shores of this huge lake in the Jura Mountains. It freezes completely during the winter months and its sheer size means that you’ll likely have plenty of personal space however busy it gets – enjoy a pause and marvel at the wide expanse of ice beneath the blue sky. 

6. Hokkaido: Lake Akan 

Located within Akan-Mashu National Park, Lake Akan is an immense crater lake almost 26km in circumference, offering views of gently sloping stratovolcanoes in the distance. It’s also the site of Iceland Akan, an annual winter carnival – typically beginning around mid-January – that features myriad winter activities like ice fishing, buggy rides and even nightly fireworks displays. Need a breather from the spirited festivities? Go sightseeing with an experienced guide; under the right conditions, frost flowers form on the surface of the lake, transforming the landscape into a white meadow.

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