Spending the night in a structure made of ice in the middle of a Québec winter is not for the faint of heart. But hotel lovers and thrill seekers alike who crave the unusual happily bundle up and brace themselves for the -13°F to 41°F temps in order to bed down at the yearly architectural phenomenon. Strategically located next winter relatively close to enchanting Québec City, the Hôtel de Glace or the Ice Hotel as it is casually known, will once again be an ephemeral work of art that dazzles the eye and earns its place as one of the most famous images of the Canadian winter.
January 6th through March 25th, 2012, will mark the 11th year of the iconic temporary lodging, one of the few of its kind in the world. Each year brings an entirely new look and this December when the temperature drops below zero, Artistic Director Serge Péloquin will lead a creative team of 50 in a six week design and production effort. The goal? To make sure the upcoming season tops the last. And although it’s definitely a tourist attraction with thousands of visitors passing through to gawk at this one-of-a-kind winter wonderland, the Ice Hotel is no gimmick. Since its inception in 2001, the hotel’s talented designers have made it an annual must-see, must-do affair.
It takes five weeks, 500 tons of ice, and 15,000 tons of churned and processed snow blown into metal molds to craft the 36 rooms and suites. So, why doesn’t it melt? Besides the crazy-cold temperatures outside, the ice insulates the thick walls of the inside space, keeping it warmer than outdoors, but not enough to melt the intricately stacked blocks holding it together. The gist of it is … the place won’t melt while you’re sleeping, you can be sure of that.
And while you may imagine a cramped, igloo-like structure, the ceilings are actually 19-feet high, walls are hung with art and furniture is fantastically carved out of ice blocks. The magical décor could put many a design hotel to shame. The entry and lobby contain a themed sculpture exhibit that features intricately designed works, from tigers with fangs gleaming in the light to serene angels sporting delicate wings. But just when you think it’s all untouchable artistry, a fun Grand Ice Slide appears, tempting kids (big and small alike) to take a turn.
The on-site chapel has hosted many a winter wedding during the short but sweet season, especially couples choosing to buck the June nuptial trend. There’s always a party, wedding reception or special event and it’s held at the Ice Café and Bar, naturally, where the specialty is a Canadian maple syrup infused whisky cocktail served in—what else?—a shot glass made of ice. At night the scene makes for an out-of-this-world club experience. Alcoves are carved into the walls, “seats” are lined with reindeer pelts to keep bottoms warm, and crystal clear tables hold cocktails. With pumping music and hippy, trippy lights giving all the ice even more melodrama, the setting is surreal with everyone covered head to toe in their North Face finest.
Once the day trippers on guided tours have cleared out and happy hour has finished around 8 pm, guests overnighting are encouraged to visit the outdoor Nordic Area’s hot tub and sauna to warm and dry their body before turning in. Each of the themed rooms (some have their own log fireplaces and hot tubs!) have a sculpted ice bed with a mattress topper and fur blankets, so you’re not exactly sleeping on a block of frozen water. The hotel’s preparation guide recommends donning cold-temp appropriate clothing so you’ll be comfortable in the 27°F quarters. But once you slip inside the Arctic sleeping bag provided, the cold will ease and it’ll be sweet dreams. In fact, many report feeling overheated in their sleeping bags and rooms. I guess that might mean that staying in the Ice Hotel could make for one sultry night. Pretty cool, eh?
Overnight stay from $219 per person, including a welcome cocktail, the Nordic equipment for the night, access to the spas and sauna and breakfast.
Hotel de Glace
9530, rue de la Faune
Québec, QC
418-623-2888
www.hoteldeglace-canada.com