There are several ice hotels in the world: most are in Scandinavia, and one is near Quebec City, Canada.
"Hôtel de Glace"
For several years, the Ice Hotel was located in Duchesnay recreational area 30 minutes west of Quebec City, but since 2011 its location is much more convenient, only ten minutes from downtown. Quebec City is a wonderful place to visit, especially during the Quebec Winter Carnival in late January and early February. Visitors can also do a day's skiing at nearby Mont-Sainte-Anne.
The Ice Hotel makes an easy day trip from Quebec City, and most visitors simply stay a few hours and take a tour. Only a few brave souls stay overnight.
The season for the Quebec Ice Hotel starts early in January and lasts until late in March, weather permitting.*
Ice Hotel Features
To create the Ice Hotel, some 1,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice are heaved and shaped over a period of several weeks to build a structure with ceilings as high as 18 feet. The design of the Ice Hotel changes every year, but basically you can expect to find many different rooms and beautifully themed suites two bar areas that serve hot and cold drinks, a wedding chapel, and a jacuzzi, sauna, and washrooms outside the Hotel. The Ice Hotel also has a (heated) entrance pavilion with gift shop, and an adjacent (heated) restaurant and washrooms.
The bar is always spectacular, sculptured out of clear ice. Adults can sample cocktails in glasses made of ice.
Staying Overnight
Guests who stay overnight sleep in a mummy bag, the kind of sleeping bag that keeps campers warm in temperatures of 30 below. (And that's Celsius.) Two sleeping bags can be zipped together. All the sleeping rooms are unique creations, and the suites have wonderful designs. Overnight guests also have a room at a nearby hotel, just in case they want to switch up their sleeping quarters during the night.*
If you're interested in staying at the Ice Hotel, check its website for packages and last-minute rates.
Meanwhile, prices to tour the Ice Hotel are $17 for adults and $8.50 for kids*, and student and family rates are available.
- Continue to photos of the Ice Hotel.
*Always check for updates and information for the current year.
