4 Reasons to Visit the Hôtel de Glace in Québec City

Équipe édito
Editorial Team
Published on January 10, 2023
Aerial view of the Hôtel de Glace site in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, near Québec.
Dany Vachon

Content partner: Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel)

Québec is the perfect winter city to spend magical snow‑filled moments with family, friends, or that special someone. Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) is just 20 minutes from the city centre and is open to visitors from January to March. The ultimate experience is to spend the night there, but a simple tour of this architectural wonder is well worth the trip.

Here are 4 reasons to tour the hotel while you’re in Québec City:

  • 1

    Marvel at the Architecture

    Built with 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 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. In 2023, its sculptures and decorations are inspired by places, themes and atmospheres of nightlife. Wander around at your own pace to see the Grand Hall, the chapel, the family area, and around 30 rooms and themed suites.

  • 2

    Enjoy the Experience of a Lifetime

    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!

  • 3

    Sip Cocktails Served in an Ice Glass

    Take a break and warm up by a fireplace while you enjoy a cocktail from the ice bar. Try the Windshield Washer, the Ski‑Doo Crash, or one of the many other signature cocktails! 

  • 4

    Extend your Stay at the Most Important Resort in Eastern Canada

    While you’re at Hôtel de Glace, be sure to try all the great winter activities at Village Vacances Valcartier, including the 35 snow slides, the ice skating paths, snow Rafting and the Tornado.  Feel for tropical climate? Head to Bora Parc, the huge indoor water park.

    Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)
    2280, boulevard Valcartier 
    Valcartier, G0A 4S0

    ecoA shuttle service is offered by Unitours from Old Québec.

    What exactly is a content partner?
    A content partner acts as a sponsor by paying for a post. Québec City Tourism retains editorial control over the content of such posts. Content partners can have a say in the approach or the subject of a post but are not involved in its creation.

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