5 Reasons to Visit the Hôtel de Glace in Québec City

Built with 3,000 blocks of ice and 35,000 tons of snow, Hôtel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America. Every winter, a new theme inspires the architecture and the setting of this ephemeral masterpiece.

Explore at your own pace to see the Grand Hall, the chapel, the family area, around 30 rooms and themed suites, as well as the ice bar and the ice restaurant.

This year, the theme “Hôtel de Glace Comes Alive” transforms the site into a truly animated work of art. The sculptures come alive, the light displays shift and change, and every space invites visitors to experience ice in a whole new way.

The theme also draws inspiration from the region’s identity, celebrating the connection between ice and the living cultures of the Wendat Nation as well as the First Peoples of Québec.

The Hôtel de Glace has partnered with Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to present the only restaurant in North America built entirely of snow and ice. Guests can savour a hot three-course gourmet meal in a setting that is both warm and refined, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting January 15.
Good to know: every restaurant reservation includes a round-trip shuttle service from Château Frontenac, making your evening completely hassle-free.

For a more festive experience, the ice bar awaits with its signature cocktails served in ice glasses. The atmosphere becomes especially electric on Saturdays, when DJs set the tone for the night (according to the event schedule). It’s the perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening.

Embrace winter with the ultimate Nordic experience: a night at Hôtel de Glace. It’s a night you won’t soon forget and definitely won’t regret! Don’t worry, the temperature in the rooms hovers at around -5 °C (that’s 23 °F), even when it’s -30 °C (-22 °F) outside.

With a sleeping bag that’s good up to -30 °C, an insulating sheet, hot tubs and saunas under the stars (to bring up your body temperature and help you relax), a preparatory information session, and a room at Hôtel Valcartier (where you can leave your luggage and take a shower), you’re sure to have a pleasant stay. Just be sure to pack the right clothing (use the three‑layer rule) and don’t forget your bathing suit!

While visiting Hôtel de Glace, make sure to experience the many winter activities at Village Vacances Valcartier, including 35 snow slides, ice skating paths, snow rafting, and the Tornado ride. And if you’re craving a tropical vibe, Bora Parc—the largest indoor water park in Québec—is also right on the property!

Money-saving tip: Choose the combo with the Winter Playground by purchasing the Snow and Ice package online to enjoy special rates.

Hôtel de Glace
2280 boulevard Valcartier
St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, G0A 4S0

Opening dates: December 27, 2025 for visits, January 4, 2026 for overnight stays (weather permitting).

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