Hôtel de Glace

Surprised my wife with a romantic getaway and completely stunned her with the beauty and magic of this utterly unique ice hotel experience. So creative and artistic, fantastic incorporation of lights into all the decor… definitely check out online photography and video tours, to be amazed. I think I could visit here every year. We sprang for the premiere suite with fireplace and courtyard with private hot tub. (I mistakenly thought the hot tub would be in the room, but it is outside for an open sky view.) ice hotel room was forest themed, with trees carved up the walls and overhead, and animals everywhere– – Perfect. I wish we could have been better rested before arriving so we could have stayed up later enjoying it, before going to sleep. Their online instructions were clear and perfect. In the end I only used one layer of synthetic long underwear, and wore wool socks over regular socks. No hat. And I did not even have to cinch the mummy bag up around my head. The bag kept me perfectly warm and cozy, not too hot. someone else in her review left the advice to not drink much later in the evening, in order to try to avoid going to the bathroom… Yes, getting out of that snuggly bag in the middle of the night for a restroom trip was quite a shocker in 4°F. Leave yourself adequate time to tour every themed suite. Recommend proper snow boots and full insulated gear like snow pants, ski jacket, full headgear and gloves, for the walking tour and sliding board. Definitely heed their preparation guide if you will sleep there, RE clothing. We got up early enough to enjoy the hot tub again in the morning. I wish we had left ourselves enough time to enjoy it a few hours of the snow park before we had to leave. It’s a bit of a trek for us, over a 9 hour drive or a flight, but I will strongly consider doing this again for a two day stay, it is just so otherworldly special. The regular hotel room was perfectly lovely as well. The staff were professional and courteous, and the maintenance guy who rescued us when my sleeping bag zipper would not close, was a kind friendly soul, easy to love. Quick easy drive from Quebec City. The resort itself seems geared to families, given the indoor water park and the enormous snow park so while the ice hotel itself is romantic, just be prepared for all the families at the resort itself.

Love bar area and drinks that come in ice glasses! So cold inside that even the small fireplace didn’t melt anything. Able to view the rooms, which were all different. There is even a wedding chapel! Souvenirs at main resort were disappointing - no t-shirts! Well worth a visit.

We visited the public areas (Chapel and Bar). The snow/ice sculptures are very impressive. The lights make everything come alive. Drinks at the bar were fun, but too strong for me. We visited the other themed room the next morning. I am happy we selected the least expensive ice room (which was still pretty pricey). It is nice to look at, but once you are asleep you don't see the fancy carvings on the wall or the fireplace (which is only there for ambiance and doesn't give off any heat.) We made it until 430am, before heading back into the warmth of our complimentary room at the hotel. That room was immaculate and had a view of the Ice Hotel and tubbing hill. We ate at Safari restaurant (we were the only ones there).

Absolute must trip if you have a few hours spare in Quebec. The tour bus departs the information center at 9 am and 11.45 am. This is a working hotel, made entirely of ice for a short Jan - Mar season. Guests can stay overnight (8.00 pm to 8.00 am) in individually sculptured ice bedrooms with mattress and military grade sleeping back provided. The 9.00 trip arrives at the ice hotel at 9.45 but you can’t enter til 10.00 am. There is so much to take in that you need longer than the tour allows - the bus leaves at 11.15 am or you can wait for the last bus at 2.45 pm but there would not be enough to see to keep you here til then. Take lots of photos and wear something warm. We took the earlier bus back and didn’t have time to get a cocktail in the ice bar (served in ice glasses btw).