13 Photos that Will Make You Want to Visit the Hôtel de Glace this Winter

by Brianne Miers
outside close up of Hotel de Glace in Quebec City

Sure, you’ll have the “Frozen” soundtrack stuck in your head the whole time, but if the cold doesn’t bother you, then a winter-time visit to the Hôtel de Glace north of Québec City – the only ice hotel in the Americas – is a must. Here’s why:

outside view of Hôtel de Glace, the ice hotel, in quebec city

Every year the Hôtel de Glace has a theme, and the 2016 theme was “Rivers.”

ice slide inside of the ice hotel

I think every hotel should have an ice slide in the lobby!

one of the bars in the ice hotel

The bars serve cocktails in ice glasses (what else?). So be sure to wear your mittens!

bright pink room inside of the Hôtel de Glace

There are 44 rooms in the Hôtel de Glace, ranging from standard to the themed suites pictured here, which feature elaborate sculptures and lighting displays.

sculpture on wall of men fishing in room of ice hotel

Each of the suites is designed by a different artist and depicts a scene that reflects the year’s theme.

bed with fur blanket in the ice hotel in quebec city

The bed consists of a mattress on top of a wood frame on top of a block of ice. The fur blanket is just for show – guests are provided with a “Nordic Sleeping Bag” to use during the night.

blue-tined room in the ice hotel

But if you need a break from the cold, there’s a building located behind the hotel with lockers, showers, food, and a TV.

indigenous carving on the wall of a room in the ice hotel

Or you can head to the outdoor hot tub and sauna.

room in the ice hotel featuring white water rafting sculpture

During the day you can entertain yourself with activities like snow slides, snowshoeing and ice skating in the Winter Playground.

ice hotel room decorated with polar bear carvings

This was the “Premium Deluxe Arctic Spa,” which included its own fireplace and hot tub.

back exit of the ice hotel

Unfortunately, my friends and I weren’t brave enough to spend the night. We opted for a tour and a cocktail instead. (And my toes still got chilly!)

inside the chapel at the ice hotel

Is this the perfect setting for a fairy tale wedding or what?

Sadly, you will not have the opportunity to see this particular ice hotel ever again – it was demolished the weekend following my visit in mid-March 2016 as temperatures started to rise. The 2017 Hôtel de Glace is currently under construction and will be open from January 4 to March 26. Details on next year’s design haven’t been released yet, so stay tuned and start planning your trip.

What else is there to do in Québec City? Read about the rest of my visit here.

Thank you to the Hôtel de Glace for providing me with a complimentary tour and cocktail.

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Why You Should Visit the Hôtel de Glace

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4 comments

Alex December 13, 2016 - 5:49 pm

Beautiful photos! I’d love to see the 2017 version of Hotel de Glace! #QuebecOriginal

Quebec is always a good idea! 🙂

Reply
Brianne Miers December 18, 2016 - 11:59 am

I agree! If you get back up north this winter, let’s go!

Reply
EG III December 14, 2016 - 3:37 am

Wow, you totally should have stayed there! The experience alone would have be amazing. Staying in an igloo/ice hotel is high on my bucket list!

Reply
Brianne Miers December 18, 2016 - 11:58 am

I know, I think we missed out! I need to go back!

Reply

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