For travelers seeking a more adventurous or whimsical experience, Québec’s non-traditional accommodations provide unforgettable nights under the unusual. Imagine sleeping in a treehouse, tepee, yurt, or even a hobbit-style dwelling inspired by The Lord of the Rings. For the bold, nights in an igloo or the famed Hôtel de Glace await during the colder months. One locale, Parc Omega, even offers a cozy opportunity to stay next to wolves! What these accommodations all share is a singular promise: an extraordinary story to tell, rooted in nature, history, or cultural immersion.
Among all the interesting, non-traditional accommodation options, one stands apart as a seasonal wonder: the Hôtel de Glace, or Ice Hotel. Built each December just outside Québec City, this ephemeral masterpiece is constructed entirely from ice and snow. Teams of architects, artists, and sculptors transform frozen blocks into soaring archways, elegant suites, an ice chapel, and even a glittering bar. By early January, the hotel welcomes visitors, remaining open only until late March when the warmer weather causes it to melt back into the earth.
The Hôtel de Glace is a living work of art. Each year features a new theme, inspiring original ice carvings and décor in the rooms and common spaces. Even the furnishings—beds, chairs, and tables—are sculpted from ice, softened with thick mattresses, insulating blankets, and thermal sleeping bags to ensure a cozy night’s rest. Guests learn how to layer clothing and manage the crisp air, transforming what sounds daunting into an unforgettable adventure.
The experience extends beyond sleeping in an ice palace. The Ice Bar serves cocktails in glasses carved from ice, while live music and soft lighting create a glowing atmosphere of warm light. The on-site restaurant elevates the stay further, pairing gourmet Québécois flavors with the novelty of dining in a frozen dining hall. Many couples even choose to marry in the sparkling ice chapel, adding a layer of romance to the adventure. Travelers who book a stay at the Hôtel de Glace are provided a room at the Hôtel Valcartier to store luggage, take a hot shower, and use as a base before and after their stay.
The Hôtel de Glace embodies the creativity and resilience of Québec’s winter culture. It is a fleeting treasure—different each year, never to be repeated exactly—which makes it all the more uncanny. For many, it is the highlight of a Québec winter journey, an extraordinary memory to carry long after the snow melts.