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Nestled in the heart of Québec, the Hotel De Glace offers a unique experience as North America’s only ice hotel. Entirely crafted from ice and snow, this architectural marvel is rebuilt annually, featuring exquisite ice sculptures and themed rooms and suites. The hotel also hosts vibrant winter events, providing guests with a magically frosty ambiance. This ephemeral winter wonderland invites guests to explore its icy halls from January to March, promising an enchanting stay amid intricate crystalline artistry.
Embrace the full icy adventure by spending at least one night in the hotel’s signature ice rooms, an unforgettable way to experience this unique winter retreat.
Schedule your visit during the Ice and Snow Sculpture Workshop for a hands-on experience that lets you become part of the magic.
How to best experience Hotel De Glace?
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Discover the enchanting beauty of ice
Located just outside Quebec City, the Hotel De Glace is a unique destination that attracts visitors from around the globe. This magical ice hotel, rebuilt annually from December to March, features rooms made entirely of ice and snow. Each year, the hotel presents a new theme and design, offering an unforgettable experience for its guests. The structural marvel not only serves as a hotel but also an art exhibition, with intricate ice sculptures and elaborate ice architecture.
The significance of Hotel De Glace extends beyond its novel accommodations; it stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the beauty of transient art forms. It gives tourists an exclusive chance to experience sub-zero temperatures in a fantastical setting, combining nature and craftsmanship in an intimate manner. For those seeking a thrill, the Hotel De Glace offers a distinctive blend of adventure, art, and culture, making it a must-visit destination on many travel itineraries.
Engage in frosty fun and artistic admiration
Hotel De Glace offers an array of activities and tours that cater to both adventure seekers and art enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on guided tours explaining the construction and design of the hotel, which delve into the challenges and techniques involved in building with ice and snow. For a more hands-on experience, ice sculpture workshops allow guests to try their hand at creating their own frozen art under the guidance of expert sculptors.
The hotel also features a Grand Ice Slide, a favorite among families, adding a playful element to the frosty environment. The Ice Bar serves cocktails in glasses made entirely of ice, offering a novel way to enjoy your favorite beverages. Each activity at Hotel De Glace is designed to enhance your appreciation of this icy wonderland, making every moment memorable.
Step into the celestial Ice Chapel
A highlight of the Hotel De Glace is the Ice Chapel, where couples from around the world come to marry in a surreal, frost-covered setting. This chapel, meticulously carved each season, features stunning ice sculptures and an ambiance that feels like stepping into another world. The translucent altar and frosty pews make each ceremony enchanting, offering an extraordinary backdrop for wedding photographs.
Visitors can tour this magical chapel, witnessing first-hand the serene beauty and tranquility it offers, regardless of their marital status. This spot isn’t just for those getting married; it stands as a testament to the blend of art and spirituality, captivating all who step inside.
discover the magic of hotel de glace
The Hotel De Glace is an enchanting destination primarily suited for couples and adventure seekers. However, its unique charm can also fascinate families with older children, especially those interested in architecture and ice artistry. Upon visiting, you can expect an otherworldly experience, where every corner of the hotel is meticulously carved out of ice and snow. From ice-sculpted chandeliers to elaborately themed suites, each element adds to the immersive winter wonderland.
best times to explore hotel de glace
The optimal period to visit the Hotel De Glace is during January to March, when the structure is fully operational. This season provides the full icy experience, amidst the serene beauty of Quebec’s winter.
Unique Events
For those aiming to maximize their visit, attending the ‘Night of Ice’ event, typically held in February, is highly recommended. This event showcases spectacular ice sculptures and live entertainment that light up the icy walls of the hotel.
accessibility and limitations
The unique structure of the Hotel De Glace requires consideration of accessibility and other limitations.
Accessibility
Limitations
- Age Restrictions: Guests under 8 years are discouraged due to the cold temperatures.
- Pet Policy: Animals are not allowed inside.
Notes to visitors
- Temperature Inside: Typically around -5°C; dressing in layers is advisable.
- Overnight Stays: Limited availability, advance booking is required.
general information
Details for your visit to Hotel De Glace
Location
Nestled near major attractions and transport hubs, the hotel transforms a local sports complex area into a magical icy escape during the winter months.
Address: 9530 Rue de la Faune, Quebec City, QC G1G 5H9, Canada
Opening hours
The hotel is open from January 2nd to March 25th. Visit time is from 10 AM to 8 PM. The hotel is closed outside these dates.
how to reach hotel de glace
Car
Reaching the Hotel De Glace by car is quite straightforward, with ample parking available for visitors.
| Route | Distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| From Downtown Quebec City | 20 miles (32Km) | 30 minutes |
Bus
Buses are frequent and provide a scenic route to the hotel from various parts of the city.
- From Downtown Quebec City: Approximately 45 minutes
Nearby Attractions
- Museum of Civilization – 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
- Montmorency Falls – 6 miles (9.7 km)
- Quebec City Aquarium – 8 miles (12.9 km)
- Plains of Abraham – 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
- Old Quebec – 7 miles (11.3 km)
- Parliament Building – 6.1 miles (9.8 km)
- Le Capitole Theatre – 7.2 miles (11.6 km)
- Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site – 7.5 miles (12 km)
- Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral – 7.3 miles (11.7 km)
- Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine – 10 miles (16.1 km)
- Quebec-Levis Ferry – 7.8 miles (12.6 km)
- Citadelle of Quebec – 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
common questions
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What types of rooms are available at Hotel De Glace?
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How is Hotel De Glace built every year?
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Is the hotel de glace in Quebec city worth visiting?
The Hotel De Glace in Quebec City presents a truly distinctive lodging experience, offering guests the chance to stay in a structure made entirely of ice and snow. This attraction is particularly notable for its unique architecture and sculptures that change annually, making every visit unique. However, it may not be for everyone due to its cold environment, which can be challenging for those unaccustomed to extreme temperatures. Additionally, its seasonal operation restricts visits to winter months only. Nonetheless, for those seeking an adventure unlike any other and who appreciate artistry in an eclectic medium, the Hotel De Glace is an exceptional travel destination. It’s an opportunity to embrace a winter wonderland, participate in ice workshops, and experience the serenity of a chapel made of ice.