Most Canadian Thing a Canadian Could Do While Traveling... Ice Skating in Austria!

As a Canadian, there are certain things that are just part of our DNA. We love our hockey, our Timbits, and of course, ice skating. So when I found myself traveling in Vienna, Austria, with some free time on my hands, and heard about a Christmas market, I knew exactly what I had to do! But this wasn't just any Christmas market, this one had an ice skating trail! Located in the heart of the city, in front of the Vienna City Hall, and surrounded by a bustling Christmas market and historic architecture, sat a cute little ice trail calling my name.

It was a cold and dreary day, but that didn't stop me. I dressed for the weather and after asking the woman at the front desk of my hostel for suggestions on things to do in Vienna, she recommended checking out the Christmas market at the City Hall. And that's where I found the ice trail.

As I made my way through the crowds and past the stalls selling ornaments, glühwein and roasted chestnuts, I caught sight of the ice trail. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. Instead of a traditional rink, this was a winding trail that snaked its way through trees and a small park decorated up for Christmas.

I rented a pair of skates and hit the ice, feeling the cold wind whipping past me as I glided through the twists and turns of the trail. It was a surreal experience, ice skating in the middle of a European city, surrounded by history and tradition. It was also a reminder of the universal joy that comes with winter sports, no matter where you are in the world.

As I skated, I couldn't help but think of my fellow Canadians back home, bundled up in their winter gear, lacing up their skates at outdoor rinks and on pond and lakes across the country. But here I was, doing the most Canadian thing a Canadian could do, thousands of kilometres away from home.

In the end, it was a memory I will always cherish, a unique and unforgettable experience that brought together two cultures and two countries in a way that only travel can.