If you needed another reason to lace up your skates this winter, science just delivered one. A new global study has crowned the world’s most beautiful ice skating rinks—and two iconic Canadian spots have earned a place on the list.
Commissioned by hotel chain Premier Inn, the research used eye-tracking technology to analyze images of 56 of the world’s most visually striking ice rinks. The goal? To determine which rinks catch our attention the fastest—and keep us looking the longest. The result is a data-driven ranking of the top 15 most beautiful ice skating destinations around the globe, just in time for peak winter wanderlust.
Canada Makes the Global Top 15
Quebec City’s Place D’Youville Ice Rink landed at #11, while Toronto’s beloved Nathan Phillips Square Ice Rink followed closely at #12—placing both among the most visually captivating rinks in the world.
In the North American rankings, the Place D’Youville rink ranked second overall on the continent, just behind Pittsburgh’s UPMC Rink at PPG Place, with Nathan Phillips Square close behind. Framed by historic architecture and city skylines, it’s no surprise these Canadian classics hold their own on the global stage.
So … What Makes a Rink “Beautiful,” Scientifically Speaking?
Using eye-tracking technology, researchers measured:
- How quickly participants’ eyes were drawn to images of each rink
- How long those images held their attention
Rinks were then scored based on visual impact, resulting in an overall beauty score out of 100.
The World’s Most Beautiful Ice Rinks
Taking the top spot with an impressive 89.7/100 score is Kö on Ice in Düsseldorf, Germany, known for its canopy of twinkling lights suspended over a dramatic 19th-century fountain. Images of the rink caught viewers’ attention in under two seconds and held their gaze longer than any other rink in the study.
Rounding out the top three:
- Wiener Eistraum in Vienna, Austria
- George Street Ice Rink with Emirates in Edinburgh, Scotland
Europe dominated the list overall, claiming eight of the top 15 spots—proof that festive winter backdrops and historic city centres make for unforgettable skating scenes.
Other Standout Rinks Around the World
- Bondi Festival Ice Rink, Sydney—ranked sixth (though you’ll need to wait until July to skate seaside)
- Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink, South Korea—ranked seventh and the most beautiful rink in Asia
Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or staying local this season, these rankings prove that a simple skate can be a seriously beautiful experience—especially right here at home.
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