“The best place to succeed is where you are with what you have”
Charles M. Schwab
I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Schwab. Winter is back in full force and it is a season we have learned to embrace. Sure it has its advantages and inconveniences but some brilliant people have seen great opportunities to do something extraordinary with the free and unlimited resource provided by Mother Nature: ice and snow.
Such is the case of l’Hôtel de Glace, or the Ice Hotel, is a man-made wonder that has been built near Quebec City since 2001. It has been so successful that over half a million visitors from all over the world have entered its doors. Moreover, about 30 000 daring, brave and adventurous souls have experienced a night at the hotel. It definitely is a bucket list item!
It is now a major tourist attraction in the wintertime and recognized the world over along with similar hotels in Montreal, Finland, Norway and Sweden among others. The Ice Hotel is a source of temporary employment to hundreds of persons, which help boost the tourism industry in the area, city and province of Quebec!
My first visit to l’Hôtel de Glace was a few years ago and let me tell you that nothing prepared me for what we were about to experience. It was like travelling to a different dimension, another world, frozen in time…literally!
Allow me to take you on a photographic tour of the Ice Hotel, a true winter wonderland that will impress and leave you speechless.
Entrance
Native image sculpted on ice
Intricate details
Ice column
The Ice Café is the place to have drinks on the rocks or chill at the bar 🙂
Ice blocks and hallway
Spectacular and color-changing chandelier
Watch guards
Down to the details
Angel watching over us
Federal sponsor
One of the main sponsors, the provincial tourism organization
An artist using a block of ice and turning it into a work of art
Another of his incredible creations
Inside one of the bedrooms at l’Hôtel de Glace.
Plush mattress on an ice base, fluffy pillows and velvet duvet cover
Snow sculpture
One of the most genius marketing/publicity strategies: logo carved on snow.
Did I enjoy the tour even though it left me cold? (Pun intended!)
Absolutely 🙂
Not only I thought it was a pretty cool and original idea (and well worth the trip); I thought it was an excellent way to make use of Nature’s abundance.
As long as you go prepared (dressed appropriately and an adventurous spirit as well as your camera to capture special moments) it will be an unforgettable experience.
I did not get the chance to stay overnight but I am pretty sure it must be quite an experience which totally brings you out of your comfort zone and lets you appreciate what we have at home!
If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a stop on the way to or from Quebec City.
I also invite you to visit the Snow Village and Ice Hotel in Montreal! Winter will never be the same after that 😉
Now it’s your turn!
I want to know…
Have you ever been to an ice hotel or a winter theme park or attraction?
If so, where was it?
Would you ever sleep over inside a cold room?
I can’t wait to read all about in the comments!
If you have any photos or link, include them too.
Until next time,
Enjoy the season…Au revoir!
All the best,
K 🙂
Traveller Soul 
I have lived in California, Texas, Colombia and then, Ukraine. Ukraine’s winter froze my fingers, lungs and my mind. I loved looking at your pictures, but only because it is right now, in the middle of winter, 67 degrees F in central California. Cheers!
Ha ha lucky you!
I felt the Siberian cold in South Korea so I’ve come to appreciate our Canadian winters 😉
Glad you liked the post!
These are AMAZING photos! Love the detail, especially the chandeliers.
So happy you loved it!
Aren’t they amazing? I thought it was stunning. Kind of reminded me of that ice palace in the movie Superman 😉
Thank you for visiting!
I am planning on visiting this weekend! I am a solo traveler – do you have thoughts on how long I should plan to stay at the hotel?
You are? That’s great Kristen!
Well I checked availability online but they are sold-out! Unless you have a private invitation…
One night is enough trust me. Seeing the hotel is nice but it must be even better at night under the stars 😉
If you go report back 😉 TY!
Hi! I think I will just go for a couple hours visit and then stay in Old Town. I’m hoping to take the shuttle that is described online! I was a little bit on the fence if I should go, but your pictures have motivated me to go check it out!
A couple of hours is enough. As you saw I was taking pics left and right and had a hot chocolate at the bar.
We then moved on and were in Quebec City for the rest of the day as the Carnaval de Quebec was taking place.
There’s lots to do in the city.
However you could do the reverse, Spend the day in the city then stay the night over at the ice hotel and go back the next day.
I don’t know how comfortable it is not having the regular hotel amenities at hand but it’s an unique experience for sure!
All the best, K
This looks so cool – literally!! 🙂 I’ve always been intrigued by the prospect of going to an ice hotel – the one in Norway is meant to be amazing and also, the salt hotel in Bolivia is also a place I’d love to stay in or visit one day! Love these pics!
Thank you!
I’m glad you liked it.
Yes it not something you see or experience everyday but it’s very cool indeed
Oh there is a salt hotel? Seriously? Now let’s add that to the ever-growing Bucket List 😉