Pamela MacNaughtan
Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
The Quebec City Ice Hotel, known locally as Hôtel de Glace, is one of the best parts of winter. The only one of its kind in North America, Hôtel de Glace is made completely of snow and ice – no wood structures underneath!
Working with local artists, winter scenes are expertly carved into many of the walls made of snow, and ice. Introducing a new theme each year, the ice hotel becomes a hot winter destination for tourists and locals alike.
Curious as to how the Quebec City Ice Hotel is built each year? Watch the video below!
Located at Village Vacances Valcartier in the town of Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, the Quebec City Ice Hotel is roughly 30 km from Old Quebec City. Close to downhill ski runs, and the Huron-Wendat Nation community in Wendake. A lovely winter oasis.
Opening in early, the Quebec City Ice Hotel is a short walk from Hôtel Valcartier. Visit during the day to take full advantage of the activities on offer. Buy some maple taffy (boiling hot maple syrup poured onto fresh snow and rolled onto a popsicle stick), and begin your exploration of the hotel.
The ice chapel is always a beautiful place to start, with its carved ice benches topped with warm furs, vaulted ceiling, and carved ice details. The grand entrance is always stunning with it’s carved ice pillars and snow-carved walls. It is in these connected buildings that you’ll find the ice bars. There are two, and each one features different designs.
The rooms, which are open to the public until 8 pm each night, range from standard rooms with beds on top of icy platforms, to superior rooms and suites which feature winter scenes carved in snow and ice (some also have a fireplace!).
Outside, overnight guests have access to hot tubs, and the ice bars stay open until around midnight. The vibe of the ice hotel changes as the sun goes down and the snow and ice are illuminated by colourful lights.
The fact that Hôtel de Glace is on the same property as the snow tubing runs, and a massive indoor waterpark, makes it an easy choice when looking for fun winter activities.
Thinking about booking a room? Remember to pack warm long underwear and pajamas, and don’t forget those woolen socks! Don’t worry though, if it gets too cold for you there is a warm hotel room waiting for you at Hôtel Valcartier. It’s all part of your Hôtel de Glace room experience.
Book a tour of Hôtel de Glace, or combine a visit to the ice hotel with snow tubing! If you’re planning to hire a private tour guide, ask them to include the ice hotel in your itinerary!
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • where: 1860 boul valcartier • saint-gabriel-de-valcartier • 888-384-5524 • valcartier.ca • price: day pass $29.99 CAD, night pass $24.99 CAD • stay overnight
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