Ice Hotel, Quebec, Canada

Today it's up to Steven to fill us in about a fabulous Ice Hotel. Yes, you've heard right, an Ice Hotel built (and rebuilt year after year) somewhere in Quebec, Canada...

Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime winter getaway? You can have that by visiting the Ice Hotel in Quebec City, Canada. It is the only hotel constructed entirely of ice in North America. It is not surprising that it is number 1 on the list of unique places to stay in Canada.

The Ice Hotel opened on New Year’s Day in 2001 in Montmorency Falls Park, on the outskirts of Quebec City. The next year, it moved to the Duchesnay Resort and has been built there every year since. Every November, construction of a new hotel begins. It takes about a month and a half for 60 workmen to complete it. The hotel is a cathedral-like structure constructed with man-made snow covering metal frames. The damp snow is allowed to harden into solid ice for a few days. Then the construction cranes are removed.

The hotel accommodates 85 guests. Like the rest of the furniture, the beds are made of ice. They have animal skins, mattresses, and heavy, high-quality sleeping bags covering them. The bathrooms are heated and located in a separate structure. There are separate ones for men and women. They are luxurious and provide comfort and privacy. The Ice Hotel provides amenities for its guests including room service with plates and glasses made of ice, night club, movie theater, chapel, and outdoor hot tubs. Weddings are often celebrated in the chapel. The Ice Hotel provides a uniquely beautiful setting for a memorable wedding.

Is a trip to the Ice Hotel right for you? Those who go say that it was an adventure to sleep in an upscale, luxurious igloo with walls made of ice. Others say it sounded romantic, cozy, or truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to tell their grandchildren about. In any case, Quebec vacations always offer beautiful scenery, charming towns, and friendly people.

Prospective guests ask, “How cold is it in an ice hotel?” The 4-foot thick ice walls insulate the interior and protect guests from the cold wind and the snow. The interior temperature ranges from 23 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. If you go, take your hooded parka and extra socks.

Another frequently-asked question: “Can I see the hotel without spending the night?” Yes, tours in English and French are conducted every day. You can also visit the ice bar. The Quebec Tourism Board reports that more than 70,000 tourists visit the Ice Hotel every winter.

How much does it cost to spend the night? There are several different packages available. All include meals and amenities. Prices range from $349.50 to $799.50 per person per night in Canadian dollars. When you want to treat yourself to a winter holiday unlike any other, Quebec’s Ice Hotel is a marvelous choice. More pictures are available here.

Thanks Steven for the review on this Hotel and thanks Simon for the photos. This is without doubts one of the most original hotels I've seen - added it to my list of "must go there someday" ;)