Hôtel de Glace Ice Hotel
North America's only ice hotel, rebuilt annually with stunning sculptures, themed suites, an ice bar, and a wedding chapel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pristine ice
Hôtel de Glace Ice Hotel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pristine ice
Highlights
Must-see attractions
North America's only ice hotel, rebuilt annually with stunning sculptures, themed suites, an ice bar, and a wedding chapel.
"Visiting the Hôtel de Glace was an unforgettable experience! The craftsmanship and artistry were breathtaking."
🧥 Dress in Layers
Bring your warmest winter gear! Thermal layers, waterproofs, hats, and gloves are essential for comfort.
🎟️ Book Day Passes Online
Secure your entry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ice Sculptures
Throughout the hotel
Marvel at intricate, breathtaking sculptures carved from ice and snow, each room a unique work of art.
The Ice Bar
Main hotel area
Sip a drink served in an ice glass at the iconic ice bar, a truly unique and chilling experience.
The Ice Slide
Outdoor area
Experience the thrill of sliding down a specially constructed ice slide for some frosty fun.
Themed Suites
Guest rooms
Explore the diverse, artistically designed suites, each with its own theme and captivating ice decor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Arctic
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress in Layers
Bring your warmest winter gear! Thermal layers, waterproofs, hats, and gloves are essential for comfort.
🎟️ Book Day Passes Online
Secure your entry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your visit.
🧊 Try an Ice Glass Drink
Enjoy a unique beverage experience at the ice bar, served in a glass made entirely of ice.
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The ice sculptures and architecture are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
Bring your warmest winter gear! Thermal layers, waterproofs, hats, and gloves are essential for comfort.
🎟️ Book Day Passes Online
Secure your entry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your visit.
🧊 Try an Ice Glass Drink
Enjoy a unique beverage experience at the ice bar, served in a glass made entirely of ice.
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The ice sculptures and architecture are incredibly photogenic.
❄️ Combine with Other Activities
The hotel is part of Village Vacances Valcartier; consider visiting the water park or tubing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hotel de Glace for its breathtaking ice sculptures and unique, magical atmosphere, calling it an unforgettable experience. The artistry and craftsmanship are highlighted as exceptional, making it a must-see attraction. While some find it a bit expensive, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, especially for families and those seeking a novel winter adventure.
"We went with the kids and they enjoyed the visit. It took about 1:30 hours. Better to plan with 1-2 other activities available in the area/park, which we did not do unfortunately. Bit expensive.
Have full winter clothes if you visit. As expected it was so cold.
We enjoyed having some juice in an ice glass and hot chocolate. Also alcoholic cocktails are available."
Prasanna Herath
"Visiting the Hôtel de Glace in Québec City was an unforgettable experience! The craftsmanship and artistry behind each ice sculpture were breathtaking, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the hotel, chapel, bar, and slide. Every detail, from the carved walls to the illuminated ice decor, was stunning. It wasn’t overcrowded, so we could fully enjoy exploring. The nearby winter playground, tubing park, and indoor water park made it perfect for families. Outdoor fire pits added a cozy touch, and the staff were warm, helpful, and clearly dedicated to maintaining this unique space. Staying overnight is an option too—definitely a must-see from January to March!"
Pradip Ghimire
"I was looking at booking a stay here or at the least, visiting. After looking at the responses by management to those who've complained, I won't bother. It seems people with concerns are dismissed and invalidated and yet asked to "give us another try" - without an offer of a discount or any form of meaningful apology. Whoever responds to these reviews need to put a little more heart and thought into their responses. A potential customer lost."
nicole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hotel de Glace is conveniently located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, about a 20-30 minute drive from Quebec City. You can drive, take a taxi, or check for shuttle services offered by the hotel or Village Vacances Valcartier.
Yes, parking is generally available at the Hotel de Glace and the surrounding Village Vacances Valcartier complex. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current parking information and any associated fees.
Absolutely! You can purchase day passes to tour the hotel, explore the ice sculptures, and enjoy the ice bar. This is a popular option for those who want to experience the magic without staying overnight.
Driving is often the most flexible option. Alternatively, public transport might be limited, so checking for dedicated shuttles or ride-sharing services is recommended for ease of access.
Yes, the hotel strives to be accessible. While it's an ice and snow environment, they have made efforts to accommodate wheelchairs, sometimes using specialized equipment like skis for mobility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day pass prices can vary, but expect to pay around $20-$30 CAD for adults. Overnight stays are significantly more expensive. It's best to check the official Hotel de Glace website for current pricing and booking options.
The Hotel de Glace is a seasonal attraction, typically open from early January to late March, depending on weather conditions. Always check their official website for exact opening dates.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season (weekends, holidays) or want to secure a specific time slot.
A day pass typically grants you access to explore the hotel's public areas, including the ice sculptures, the ice bar (drinks are extra), and the ice slide.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the hotel is open for visits during the day. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation for your planned visit date.
🎫 ❄️ Onsite Experience
The indoor temperature at the Hotel de Glace consistently stays between -3°C and -8°C (27°F to 17°F), regardless of the outside weather.
Dress in very warm winter clothing, similar to what you'd wear for skiing or snowboarding. Think thermal base layers, insulated pants and jacket, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! The ice sculptures and architecture make for stunning photo opportunities. Just be mindful of other visitors.
Yes, the Hotel de Glace is part of Village Vacances Valcartier, which offers a winter playground, tubing park, and an indoor water park, making it very family-friendly. The ice slide at the hotel itself is also a hit. +1
A typical tour of the Hotel de Glace takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing you to see all the rooms, the bar, the chapel, and the ice slide.
🍽️ 🍹 Food & Dining
Yes, there is an ice bar where you can purchase drinks, often served in ice glasses. Some packages may include a welcome cocktail. There's also an ice restaurant for a unique dining experience.
The dining options often feature Nordic-inspired cuisine. For a special experience, consider the ice restaurant, which offers a multi-course meal in a stunning icy setting.
Yes, typically non-alcoholic beverages like hot chocolate and juices are available at the ice bar, alongside alcoholic cocktails.
Dining and drinks at the Hotel de Glace can be on the pricier side, reflecting the unique experience and the logistics of operating in such an environment.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the hotel premises, especially in the main exhibition areas. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
📸 📸 Photography
Every corner is a photo opportunity! Focus on the intricately carved ice sculptures in the suites, the grand hall, the ice bar, and the exterior architecture. The lighting inside is also designed to be magical.
Tripods are usually permitted for personal photography, but it's always a good idea to be considerate of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Check with staff if unsure.
Given the low light and icy surfaces, a camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Consider using a wider aperture and a slightly higher ISO. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the ice.
While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography or videography may require special permits. Always respect any signage or instructions from staff regarding photo restrictions in certain areas.
The hotel is open during the day, and the ambient light combined with the internal lighting creates a magical atmosphere. Early morning or late afternoon visits might offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the hotel itself, the surrounding Village Vacances Valcartier offers plenty to keep children entertained, including a thrilling snow tubing park and the warm, indoor Bora Parc water park.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make the most of your visit without breaking the bank, combine your trip to the Hotel de Glace with other free or low-cost winter activities in the Quebec City region. Look for local events or explore the charming streets of Old Quebec. Traveling during the shoulder season (early January or late March) might also offer slightly lower prices for day passes or accommodations nearby.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Plan your visit to take advantage of the natural and artificial lighting. Early morning or late afternoon visits can offer fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Ice Construction
Teams of artists, sculptors, and architects work tirelessly to bring the new theme to life, creating everything from the walls and ceilings to the furniture and decorative elements. This annual rebuilding ensures a fresh and unique experience for every visitor, making it a true testament to winter artistry. Each year, a new theme is chosen, influencing the design and atmosphere of the entire hotel. This includes the lobby, guest suites, the ice bar, and even the chapel.
The intricate details in the ice sculptures are what truly set the Hotel de Glace apart, transforming blocks of ice into breathtaking works of art. Visitors often spend time voting on their favorite sculptures and rooms, highlighting the diverse creativity on display. Beyond the visual spectacle, the hotel offers a unique sensory experience. The crisp, cold air and the shimmering reflections of light off the ice create an otherworldly ambiance.
Staying Overnight: A Chilling Adventure
The rooms themselves are carved from ice, featuring beds made of ice blocks topped with thick mattresses and furs. While the rooms are cold, guests also have access to heated facilities within the Village Vacances Valcartier complex, including traditional hotel rooms, which can be used before or after sleeping in the ice room.
Some deluxe suites even come with added comforts like fireplaces, hot tubs, or saunas, offering a touch of luxury amidst the ice. It's important to note that the experience is not for everyone. The constant cold requires careful preparation and a willingness to embrace the unique environment. However, for those seeking a truly unique and memorable winter getaway, an overnight stay at the Hotel de Glace is a bucket-list item.
Beyond the Ice: Activities at Valcartier
One of the main attractions is the Bora Parc, an indoor water park that provides a warm escape from the cold, featuring numerous slides and pools.
These additional activities complement the ice hotel experience perfectly, offering something for every member of the family. Visitors can easily spend a full day or more exploring the resort, enjoying the icy wonders of the hotel and then warming up with aquatic adventures or exhilarating snow slides.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit