Photo of the Day: Quebec Ice Hotel

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

December 20, 2012

Canada | Destinations | Hotels and Resorts | North America | Quebec | Travel

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Quebec’s Hôtel del Glace (Ice Hotel) rises from the ground up each winter, painstakingly built on the site of an old zoo about 10 minutes from Old Quebec. The hotel has been a tradition in Quebec since 2001; this season’s hotel is open January 5 through March 24, 2013.

Hôtel de Glace, Quebec. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

I took the photo above as I entered the ice hotel, with the beautiful carved ice columns and chandelier overhead, lit with colorful LED lights. My favorite part was huddling around the bar drinking hot chocolate. I had a great time exploring the Hôtel del Glace—and enjoying the outdoor Nordic area afterward—but I didn’t have a chance to stay overnight.

You can book your own room or suite for a stay inside the Ice Hotel. Each room is themed with different ice carvings and decorations and some have their own fireplaces (no, it doesn’t offer any heat, just ambiance). One room even has its own en-suite spa. You do get a sleeping bag for the evening, along with a hotel room in the city as a backup plan.

Fun facts about Hôtel del Glace:

Made entirely of ice and snow
500 tons of ice and 15,000 tons of snow
32,000 square feet
19 foot ceilings
36 rooms and themed suites
Ice bar
Ice café that’s also used as a wedding chapel
Grand Ice Slide
Outside Nordic area with hot tubs and sauna

I’d love to hear from anyone who has stayed at the Hôtel de Glace. It was one of the most beautiful sites ever, but I’m not sure I’d be able to stay an entire night. This is definitely one of those must-see places in North America.

Hôtel de Glace
9530, rue de la Faune,
Québec (Québec)
G1G 5H9
Phone: 418.623.2888
http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Founder and publisher Susan Lanier-Graham is an award-winning travel writer and author of more than 75 books. For more than three decades, she has explored the world in search of unforgettable “wow moments,” from the jungles of Thailand and the temples of Egypt to wine regions, coastlines, and hidden gems closer to home. Her work blends immersive storytelling with practical insight, helping readers experience destinations more deeply. Based in Spearfish, South Dakota, Susan covers travel, food, and wine with a focus on meaningful experiences. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS).