In the heart of a Canadian winter wonderland, just outside the enchanting streets of Old Quebec City, stands a marvel of ice and snow unlike anything else in North America the Quebec City Igloo Hotel. Officially known as the Hôtel de Glace, this architectural wonder captures the imagination of travelers from around the world with its sparkling frozen halls, artistic ice carvings, and extraordinary overnight experience. For visitors seeking adventure, romance, or simply something unique, staying in this igloo hotel is both a bucket-list item and a deeply memorable winter escape.
Introduction to the Quebec City Igloo Hotel
A Hotel Made Entirely of Ice and Snow
Every winter, just outside Quebec City in Valcartier, the iconic Igloo Hotel is carefully constructed from scratch using over 30,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. The design and structure of the hotel change each year, offering guests a new theme, layout, and aesthetic adventure every season. Typically open from early January to late March, the Igloo Hotel provides not just a place to sleep, but an immersive art and cultural experience within a frozen palace.
Key Features of the Hotel
- Approximately 40 rooms and themed suites carved from ice
- An on-site Ice Bar serving cocktails in ice glasses
- Ice Chapel for weddings and special ceremonies
- Snow slide and winter activity areas
- Outdoor hot tubs and sauna to warm up under the stars
Design and Construction
An Annual Ice Engineering Marvel
The creation of the Igloo Hotel is a feat of engineering and artistic expression. A team of architects, sculptors, and artisans begins planning months in advance, then builds the hotel over a period of six weeks using specially packed snow and clear ice. Every curve, arch, and detail is carefully sculpted to ensure both beauty and structural safety. With a different theme each year ranging from mythology to outer space the hotel’s rooms are decorated with intricate ice sculptures, glowing lights, and frost-covered artwork.
Sustainability and Eco-Tourism
Because the hotel is made entirely of natural materials and melts back into the landscape in spring, its environmental footprint is minimal. It’s a powerful example of eco-tourism and ephemeral architecture that connects guests to the natural cycles of the winter season.
Accommodations and What to Expect
Types of Rooms
Guests can choose between different categories of rooms, each offering a unique level of comfort and artistry:
- Standard Rooms: Perfect for a basic frozen overnight stay with beautifully lit interiors.
- Themed Suites: Each suite follows the year’s theme and includes elaborate ice carvings, mood lighting, and sometimes even private hot tubs.
- Premium Packages: Combine a stay at the Igloo Hotel with a night in a traditional heated room at Hotel Valcartier for the ultimate comfort.
Sleeping in the Igloo Hotel
Despite the icy surroundings, guests remain warm thanks to thermal sleeping bags rated for extreme temperatures, insulated mattress pads, and expert tips provided by staff. Visitors are given a detailed briefing upon arrival and can enjoy the contrast of warmth and chill by soaking in outdoor spas before bedtime.
On-Site Experiences and Activities
Drinks and Dining
At the Ice Bar, visitors can enjoy creative cocktails served in glasses made of ice. While the Igloo Hotel itself doesn’t offer formal dining, guests staying on-site have access to various restaurants and cafés at the adjacent Hôtel Valcartier resort, which includes casual dining, gourmet meals, and quick bites.
Events and Celebrations
- Weddings: The ethereal Ice Chapel is a sought-after location for winter weddings and vow renewals.
- Group Events: Corporate retreats and private parties can be hosted in the icy halls of the hotel.
- Guided Tours: For those not spending the night, daytime tours allow visitors to explore the artwork and architecture of the hotel.
Winter Fun Around the Hotel
The Igloo Hotel is located within Village Vacances Valcartier, one of the largest winter recreation complexes in Canada. Activities include:
- Snow tubing on over 35 hills
- Ice skating and snow rafting
- Access to the Bora Parc indoor water park for contrast to the cold
This makes the Igloo Hotel an excellent destination for families, couples, and groups looking for a complete winter getaway.
Preparing for Your Visit
What to Pack
Though the hotel provides essential bedding and warm gear, guests should bring:
- Thermal base layers and socks
- Insulated winter boots and gloves
- Hat or head covering suitable for sleeping
- Personal toiletries and any specific comfort items
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive early to take a guided tour and enjoy all the ice art
- Use the spa before bed to warm up
- Follow the hotel’s preparation instructions carefully for a cozy night
How to Get There
Location and Accessibility
The Igloo Hotel is located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, about 20 minutes north of Quebec City. It is easily accessible by car or shuttle services offered by the resort. During winter months, the roads are well maintained, and signage is clear. Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport is the nearest major airport for international travelers.
Why Visit the Quebec City Igloo Hotel
A One-of-a-Kind Experience
Staying at the Quebec City Igloo Hotel is more than a night in the cold it’s a celebration of winter, art, and imagination. With no two seasons ever the same, returning visitors get new inspiration with each visit. Whether it’s your first stay or your fifth, the magic of sleeping in a hotel made entirely of ice remains unforgettable.
Ideal For:
- Couples looking for a romantic and adventurous getaway
- Travelers interested in sustainable tourism
- Families seeking unique travel memories
- Art and architecture lovers fascinated by temporary structures
The Quebec City Igloo Hotel stands as a shining symbol of what winter tourism can be creative, immersive, and deeply memorable. With world-class design, exciting amenities, and an unmatched setting in the snow-covered Canadian countryside, it offers a transformative experience that blends the natural beauty of Quebec with human ingenuity. Whether you’re sipping a drink in the Ice Bar, exploring ice sculptures under glowing lights, or drifting off to sleep in your frosty suite, the Igloo Hotel delivers one of the most remarkable winter experiences available anywhere on Earth.