So Much Winter Fun At The Hotel De Glace In Quebec
We visited Quebec City for 5 days and had so much winter fun at the Hotel De Glace in Quebec. A day trip to the Village Vacances Valcartier got us a great tour of this ice hotel. And even if we did not stay in the ice hotel, it was an amazing experience.
Had we planned a longer visit we would have enjoyed all that the Village Vacances Valcartier offered for winter fun. But it was an equally fun spot to visit at any time of year.
Planning To Visit The Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) In Valcartier
On the day of our visit to the Hotel de Glace, the temperatures plummeted. When we walked to catch our bus beside the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac Hotel the “feels like” temperature was -28°C (-18°F). We knew that most of the time we would be indoors at the Hotel de Glace. The normal indoor temperature was around -4°C. But the extreme cold still knocked this indoor temperature to -10°C.
In November every year the Hôtel de Glace was built. Each year there was a unique theme that guided the design and decoration in the different rooms. At the end of March when temperatures started to rise, the Hotel de Glace was destroyed. It could no longer be maintained and was not safe for visits.
We booked a Unitour package that included the bus trip to and from Quebec City and a ticket to tour the Hotel de Glace. The bus dropped us off at the Village Vacances Valcartier. This was a massive amusement park that offered different things in summer and winter. When we visited, we saw the snow tube runs up on the hills. Our bus visit was for a short period of time. But if we wanted to enjoy all that Village Vacances Valcartier had to offer we would take a car for a longer return visit.
The Ice Hotel Complex
We reached the Hotel de Glace through a separate entrance at the Hotel Valcartier. The ice hotel site was available to tour all day up until 9pm. If we booked a hotel room to stay over night in the Hotel de Glace it included a second hotel room at the Valcartier Hotel. Access to your ice hotel room was after 9pm.
We entered the Hotel de Glace property and saw 3 different buildings. The first was the Chapel. The larger building was the main public space. And the final building housed all the ice hotel rooms. We found a fire pit, maple syrup shack and the Arctic Spas in the courtyard area.
Our first glimpse of the ice hotel got us excited to start our visit for winter fun at the Hotel De Glace in Quebec.
Touring The Public Areas At The Hôtel De Glace
The first ice building we entered was the Chapel. We learned it was actually possible to book the chapel for everything from a proposal to a civil marriage ceremony. There was an altar at the front of the chapel. And a number of ice benches covered with animal fur for guests. We got our first view of the use of ice wall carvings and colour in the chapel.
From the Chapel we moved to the main public building. We stopped to admire the ice sculptures and design in the first open area. When we went right we found a small room with the Coca Cola bear and what looked like a sorceress.
The next large room was clearly targeted for children of all ages. Carvings of mythical creatures covered the wall. And there was even a small slide that added to the fun.
The centre area had a colourful musical theme. It was fun to watch the lights as they moved to the music. The final room had a long ice bench in the centre covered with animal skins. The walls had more interesting carvings.
Everywhere we wandered in the main public area we found design and winter fun at the Hotel De Glace in Quebec.
An Icy Drink At The Hotel De Glace
In the main building we found the long ice bar. We saw carved ice glasses on the bar ready to be filled.
There was a good selection of cocktails on the bar menu. We watched the bartender serve a couple of different interesting drinks. It was an easy choice for us to select the yummy cocktail with the maple whiskey and maple cream.
We got our drink and then headed towards the room with the fireplace. A perfect spot for an icy but quite tasty drink.
A visit to the Hotel de Glace was enhanced with a great tasty ice drink for winter fun at the Hotel De Glace in Quebec.
The Icy Hotel Rooms
We had one major part of the Hotel de Glace left to explore. We went to the final building and checked out the floor plan for the themed suite rooms. Moving from room to room enthralled us with the creativity we found in the different rooms. We found a few quite simple rooms with single, double or triple beds.
But it was the suites that really drew our attention. We found colourful and artistic rooms as we moved around the hotel. Each offered a visual treat.
It was hard to decide which room we might be more interested in. But when we learned that the bathroom facilities were a cold outhouse, we were not sure we would really want to spend the night! Even with a room in Hotel Valcartier as a backup.
We were quite delighted with the artistic and colourful design of the different ice hotel rooms. Definitely a unique experience for winter fun at the Hotel De Glace in Quebec.
Ice Art On The Walls
As we moved along the halls we paid special attention to the walls. We found interesting ice carvings everywhere we looked. The detail in the carvings was quite unique.
After exploring the Hotel de Glace we returned to the bus for our drive back to our stay in Quebec City. We were so glad we planned our visit to this amazing spot for winter fun at the Hotel De Glace in Quebec.
We Enjoyed Our Visit For Winter Fun At The Hotel De Glace In Quebec
Wandering around the halls and rooms at the hotel portion of the Hotel de Glace felt like we were in an ice art gallery. We found winter fun at the Hotel De Glace in Quebec and it was a unique experience we would not forget. With a new theme each year, it was a visit we could do over and over again.
Did you enjoy winter fun at the Hotel de Glace in Quebec? What was your favourite thing to see or do?
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What an incredible winter experience visiting the Hotel de Glace in Quebec! It’s amazing to see how much detail and creativity goes into building this temporary ice hotel each year. The idea of sipping a maple whiskey cocktail served in an ice glass by the fireplace sounds like the perfect way to embrace the icy ambiance.
We too were quite amazed at the artistic detail we found at the Hotel de Glace Ice Hotel. And our tasty cocktail was perfect!
What a cool place! We have been talking about visiting Quebec and the Old City. It would definitely be neat to take the kids here.
We have been talking about Quebec City for a long time too. So glad we finally got to visit. And it is a great spot for families to visit.
What a cool experience. I’ve only heard of places like this but never been – I think I might have to. It looks like a lot of fun.
We had heard about Hotel de Glace but never visited. Sure glad we got there on this visit to Quebec City in winter.
Wow! What a unique and cool (pun intended) experience to visit this icy hotel. I probably would do the same and just tour the hotel without spending the night. Thanks for sharing, I definitely want to make it out someday.
It is great that the theme and design changes yearly so you could visit more than once.
This looks like fun. I have toured an ice hotel in Norway. And I have to agree, I would not like to stay for the night. It seems actually like a cold and expensive experience. We had the ice drink too – worried about the tongue sticking to the glas. And while the color (ours was blue, not red) was stunning, it tasted aweful.
It was interesting to know that you actually got a room in the real hotel as well. At least that would be an escape! Good think our ice drink was much tastier.
What a fun hotel to stay in! I did get chills reading this because I don’t know if I could spend the night here. The cocktails sound amazing and I would get your same order. The suites are very cool and I love the pop of colour here! A fun choice in Quebec!
It was actually colder than normal when we visited. But still fun to see when we knew we could leave.
What a fun and unique experience! I would love to stay here! Not sure about the outhouse either… but for one night it would be fine!
The Hotel de Glace really was a very unique experience. We were so glad we got to visit on this stay in Quebec City.
I really enjoyed reading your article about the Hotel De Glace in Quebec and was amazed by the stunning photos showcasing the beauty of this ice hotel. I love the idea of staying in a room made entirely of ice, surrounded by intricate ice sculptures, and enjoying drinks at an ice bar. I would love to experience this place’s magical winter fun.
We had been thinking about an ice hotel for a long time. So we loved the chance to visit the Hotel de Glace when we got to Quebec City in the winter. Great ice art and tasty drinks. Fun design everywhere!
This is so cool – literally! I always wanted to visit one of those ice bars, but a hotel is a completely different level. It looks absolutely surreal. Although I do understand that you are reconsidering actually spending a night, I think I would leave my comfort zone and give it a try – I simply would avoid drinking too much and keep my bladder empty 😉
Our visit to Hotel de Glace certainly was “cool” in all facets. We loved the chance to see the amazing facilities at this ice hotel. Still not sure about the overnight stay!
What a ‘cool’ experience! I love all the different colours and the ice bar. I didn’t know Quebec had an ice hotel. Amazing what they can make out of ice. Looks so fun!
We were amazed at the design we found at the Hotel de Glace. Ice, colour and music made the whole visit fun.
I’ve always thought of visiting an ice hotel in Sweden. The Hotel De Glace in Quebec looks like it would be a great alternative that is a bit closer to home.
We too were glad to find an ice hotel closer to home. The Hotel de Glace was a great spot to visit when staying in Quebec City.
Wow! The amount of work and the artistry put into this is incredible. I don’t know if this Texas girl could handle all of that cold though! 😉
There was indeed a lot of artistry in the design of the ice hotel. Even this Canadian girl was chilly spending time wandering from room to room. Not sure it would be the place for an overnight stay for me either!
The rooms look really cool! I’d definitely be open to staying for at least one night for the experience LOL.
The Hotel de Glace was definitely a fascinating thing to see. An overnight stay would certainly be an interesting experience.
Wow, what a place to stay at! This is one of the most interesting places I’ve ever seen – I would be amazing to stay there!
We were glad we finally got to see an ice hotel and drink at an ice bar. The Hotel de Glace was certainly worth visiting in the winter when it is in place.
Staying in an ice hotel has been on my bucket list for a long time. It’s more likely that I could make this happen in Quebec than anywhere else in the world. Bumping it up and hope to make it happen soon.
I hope you do get to visit Quebec City in the winter and experience the Hotel de Glacé. We were sure glad we visited this year.
Ice hotel looks spectacular and great place to explore. Not so sure about staying there because I want to be warm when sleeping. Thanks for detailed description and awesome photos+
It was very interesting to explore the ice hotel. A stunning stop to visit. But it is probably too cold for me too.
I bet that maple whisky helped to warm you up! WOW, I’ve never been to Hotel de Glace but it looks so cool! Sorry for the pun! I love how everything is so detailed like the art, the carved bar and cool theme.
We too loved the detail in the ice art and such innovative design. Very cool indeed!
WOW what an experience! As an island child, this looks like the stuff of dreams to me! Stunning pictures too!
I am sure the ice hotel would be a total change for an island girl. We were glad we visited at the right time to find it.
The Hotel De Glace in Quebec is such a cool experience! It’s a great way to embrace winter fun! It’s so whimsical and love the ice bar, slide and colorful rooms. It might be fun to spend the night…one night!
I always thought I would want to stay in an ice hotel. But after visiting I am not sure. But so glad we did not miss the chance to see the hotel while it still existed.
Staying at an ice hotel sounds amazing and a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but I don’t think I could handle it with having Raynaud’s. It’s okay, I can live through other people’s experiences online!
We were glad that Hotel de Glacé was open during the day for tours. We got much of the experience without having to stay over night!
Wow the Hotel de Glace looks like a really cool experience and unique place to stay! I’m especially intrigued by that fireplace room, I love fires in the cold but I wonder how warm it gets without melting the ice haha. I’ve never been to Quebec but this sounds like a fun winter getaway!
The Hotel de Glace definitely was a great Quebec getaway. We too were intrigued with how many fireplaces there were in the ice hotel. But definitely added to the amazing atmosphere.
What a great experience! We have visited ice hotel in Sweden, it looks so amazing during the darker hours.
An ice hotel was certainly on our plans in Sweden but we were not there at the right time of year. So it was fun to find one in Quebec when we did our visit in the winter. A fun day or night trip!
This looks so fun! I’ve been to an ice hotel in Finland before and it was such an amazing experience. Now that I’m living in Canada I’d love to check this one out in Quebec!
I hope you do get to check out the Hotel De Glace in Quebec. It is a fun place to visit if you are in Quebec City in the winter.
I have heard of ice hotels before but never visited one. I think if I’ll ever have the opportunity I would just visit, same as you, and not really spend the night there. I can imagine it’s pretty cold, especially at -10 degrees inside. The facilities being outdoor are not ideal, especially if you need to use them in the middle of the night. I like that they’ve decorated the hotel with pretty ice sculptures and decorations in the snow walls. That’s pretty cool! Same as the ice glasses at the bar.
There was indeed so much to see when we visited the Hotel de Glacé. It was a great way to spend a few hours. And then head somewhere warm!
We stayed at an ice hotel in Norway. They are so amazing. Hotel de Glace looks amazing. I love the ice sculptures / art work.
We were so happy we got to Quebec City in the winter to see the Hotel de Glace. An ice hotel in Norway sounds great!
stunning photos, we had friends just their and loved it.
We have been to the Algarve many times and we keep going back. Glad your friends loved it too.
What an interesting blog post on this unique Ice hotel! It’s amazing that the hotel opens in November and closes(gets destroyed) in March. It’s so exciting. I love the creative designs on the walls (that piano looks so good) and sipping a drink by a fireplace. I am saving your post and am definitely going to visit this hotel when I go to Quebec in Winter.
We were so glad we got to see the Ice Hotel. A real winter treat if you visit.
I have to admit that Hotel De Glace is unique. It will be a different experience to spend a night there, but with an outhouse toilet to use overnight in a freezing temperature, I will pass it like you. It looks cool to drink your cocktail from an ice glass, though. I thought at the end you would throw it to the fire.
We loved our day visit to the Hotel de Glace. A fun way to explore this interesting spot without spending the night.
Wow! This is really fascinating and I am in awe that they have to rebuilt it every year. How unique it is to have a wedding here with ice benches and ice wall carvings. I would love to see the ice up close though just like you, I am undecided if I want to stay there overnight.
It was great to see the Hotel de Glace close up and see the ice artistry. Even if we might not want to sleep in those beds!
This post made me decide to put visiting an ice hotel on my list of things to do ! I truly cannot decide which activity I like best or whether like you I would hesitate to actually stay there knowing I have to go outside to use the outhouse! I do love all the creative sculptures and carvings to design the rooms though – I love the musical theme and the ice bar.
The creative design of the Hotel de Glacé sure amazed us. Each room was so unique. So glad we got to visit.
How fun! I’ve always wanted to stay at an ice hotel, and this really makes me want to plan a trip. I can’t believe it was colder outside of the hotel than inside. Brrrr!! The art inside is also a fun aspect. I’m not a huge fan of the cold, but I would definitely brave it for an experience like this.
It was a very cold day when we visited – inside and outside. But still fun to see all the colour and art in the ice design. I hope you get to visit one day.
Your exploration of the Hotel de Glace in Quebec is captivating! From the icy chapel to the colorful suites, you’ve beautifully described the enchanting experience of wandering through this frozen wonderland. The detailed imagery of the ice sculptures and carvings truly brings the hotel to life. Thanks for sharing your winter adventure – it’s certainly inspired me to plan a visit to this magical place!
We were indeed so happy to visit the colourful Hotel de Glace. A fun winter adventure when visiting Quebec City in winter for sure.