The Most Incredible Natural Ice Rinks on Earth

Don’t worry.  You don’t need to know how to do a salchow or a camel.  In fact, it doesn’t even matter if you are clueless about what those things are.  Even an amateur can ice skate on any of these natural rinks (with enough padding).  It’s a great way to get a little fresh air and exercise.  Whether you go ice skating on a frozen-hard pond in a local public park or against a beautiful backdrop of massive mountains, you should always be certain it is safe, of course. 

Simply check with your local outfitters and authorities, and be sure to learn what you should do in case there’s an emergency.  After all, fresh snow can camouflage ice that is melting or too weak for skating.  Also remember that while ice skating under the stars certainly sounds really romantic, if it’s too dark to see where you’re ice skating, you could hit debris or a dangerous hole. 

It’s much safer to skate where the ice is well lit.  Prefer roller skating?  Then you can simply stop at these incredible natural ice rinks and take in their natural icy beauty.

1. The Ice Rinks in Alberta, Canada

You’ll discover several natural ice skating rinks in Alberta.  Veteran visitors suggest Lake Louise where the  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise regularly maintains the ice.  The resort even erects an ice castle large enough to skate through. Outdoor lights keep the place lit until 11:00 pm.  Weather-permitting, the best tie to go is from December 15th to April 15th.

If you visit Canada in the peak winter months, check out any of Alberta’s national parks.  Look down under your feet once in a while, too.  You could see big rocks suspended in the ice or even fish still swimming in the deep places.  Check out Johnson Lake and Carrot Creek in Banff National Park too!

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