Quebec City: Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) Overnight Experience

If you’re looking for something truly different on your travels—something that turns a winter trip into an unforgettable memory—this Hôtel de Glace overnight experience might just be the thing. While I haven’t done it myself, I’ve looked into every detail and heard from travelers who have, and it sounds like an adventure worth considering. Imagine drifting off in a room carved entirely from ice, enjoying outdoor spas under the stars, and waking up in a cozy Arctic sleeping bag—all in one night.

What really draws me in are the stunning ice sculptures and the chance to sleep in a sculpted masterpiece that’s unique in North America. Plus, the Nordic relaxation area with outdoor hot tubs and a sauna offers a much-needed warm-up after a chilly evening. On the flip side, this experience isn’t for everyone—particularly if you’re sensitive to cold or prefer plush hotel comforts. But if you’re craving a bold, once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure, this could be perfect.

This experience works best for travelers who want to see something extraordinary, aren’t afraid of a little cold, and enjoy a blend of art, nature, and a touch of luxury. It’s not a casual stopover; it’s a specialized overnight that promises both awe and relaxation.

Key Points

• Unique overnight in an ice hotel carved entirely from snow and ice
• Access to outdoor spas and sauna for warmth and relaxation
• Stay in a themed Queen suite with artistic ice sculptures
• Includes an Arctic sleeping bag for warmth in sub-zero temperatures
• Visit the Valcartier Hotel for luggage storage and prep
• Limited to small groups (up to 2 participants), creating an intimate experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Hôtel de Glace Experience?

This overnight stay at the Hôtel de Glace is truly one of a kind. Located in Quebec, Canada, it offers a chance to sleep in a room made entirely of sparkling snow and ice. The hotel is a sculptor’s dream, with intricate designs and captivating structures that are constantly changing with new art each season. This isn’t your average hotel stay; it’s a carefully crafted, icy wonderland.

You start your journey by checking into the Valcartier Hotel after 4 pm. This is your base for luggage storage and a convenient spot to freshen up before heading into the ice hotel. It’s worth noting that your entire stay is built around this unique environment, so plan to be prepared for the cold.

Once checked in, you’re free to explore the Hôtel de Glace at your own pace. You can wander through the halls, admire the sculptures, or relax in the Nordic area, which features outdoor hot tubs and a sauna—perfect for warming up after a chilly evening outside.

The Itinerary in Detail

The experience is structured but flexible enough to allow personal exploration. Your check-in begins around 3:30 pm, with a brief information session that helps you understand how everything works. This session is quite helpful, particularly since sleeping in an ice room is an unusual experience.

From 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, you can stroll through the hotel and take in the stunning artistry of the sculptures and rooms—think of it as an open-air art exhibition made of ice. If you’re hungry, there’s an option to dine onsite later, but note that meals are at your own expense.

After dinner, you’ll have the chance to enjoy entertainment at the central bar, which adds a lively touch to the evening. Then, at 9 pm, you’ll be guided to your Queen suite, where you’ll spend the night. The room features a sculpted bed made of ice, topped with a wooden board and an insulating mattress, designed to keep you warm in temperatures between -3°C and -5°C (around 23-27°F). You’ll sleep in an ultra-cozy Arctic sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to -30°C (-22°F).

You can unwind in the outdoor Nordic relaxation area, which offers hot tubs and a sauna—great for warming up after enjoying the chilly night. The experience is designed to blend art, comfort, and nature, making it more than just an overnight stay.

The Next Morning

Your morning begins with a flexible check-out from the Hôtel de Glace at 9 am, giving you time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast if you’ve booked it as an add-on. You then check out of the Valcartier Hotel by 11 am, feeling refreshed and with plenty of memories to take home.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $548 per group (up to 2 people) covers a lot: entry to the Hôtel de Glace, your themed Queen suite, access to the Nordic relaxation area with hot tubs and sauna, the Arctic sleeping bag, parking, and all applicable taxes and gratuities. It’s a straightforward package that makes it easy to know exactly what you’re paying for.

However, food is not included, which means you need to plan for dinner and breakfast separately. While this might seem like extra effort, it also offers flexibility—you could opt for a cozy dinner at the hotel’s onsite restaurant or explore nearby options.

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Is It Worth the Price?

At $548, this experience isn’t cheap, but it reflects the exclusivity and artistry of an ice hotel stay. You’re not just paying for the night; you’re paying for the chance to sleep in a sculpted wonder, enjoy outdoor hot tubs under the stars, and be part of something truly memorable. For travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, many find it worth every penny. The positive reviews highlight how special the experience feels—one even called it “really special,” praising the hotel’s beauty and everything being “on the check mark.”

Practical Tips for Your Stay

• Dress warmly: Bring plenty of layers, including hats, gloves, socks, and warm footwear. The room temperature hovers just below freezing, so layering is your best friend.
• Use the provided sleeping bag: It’s rated for temperatures well below what you’ll experience, keeping you cozy overnight.
• Book early: Small groups mean limited availability, and the experience is popular, especially in peak winter months.
• Consider your comfort: If you’re particularly sensitive to cold, this might not be your ideal choice, but many find the experience surprisingly comfortable with proper preparation.
• Plan for meals: Since food isn’t included, you might want to bring some snacks or plan to dine at the hotel before or after.

Final Thoughts

This overnight in the Hôtel de Glace is a distinctive winter adventure that combines artistry, nature, and a touch of luxury. It’s perfect for travelers looking to do something out of the ordinary—someone eager to see an ice hotel and sleep amid stunning sculptures. The experience offers a balance of awe, relaxation, and comfort if you’re prepared for the cold.

For those who enjoy artistic environments, outdoor spas, and a unique story to tell, this is likely to be a highlight of a Quebec winter trip. If you’re after a cozy hotel experience, this isn’t it, but if you want to embrace the icy magic of Quebec’s winter landscape—this could be the most memorable night of your trip.

FAQ

Is the Hôtel de Glace experience suitable for everyone?
It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy cold environments and are comfortable sleeping in sub-zero temperatures. The sleeping bags and insulated beds help, but the room stays around -3°C to -5°C. If you’re especially sensitive to cold, check your comfort level before booking.

What should I pack for the overnight stay?
Bring warm clothing, hats, gloves, socks, and sturdy footwear. You’ll also want swimwear for the outdoor spas, and don’t forget your slippers or sandals for walking around the hotel.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed in the Hôtel de Glace, so plan accordingly.

How long is the experience?
The whole experience, including check-in, exploring, and the overnight stay, spans roughly from early afternoon (check-in after 3:30 pm) to mid-morning the next day, with check-out at 11 am.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the package, so you’ll need to plan for dinner and breakfast separately.

Is the experience available year-round?
No, the Hôtel de Glace is a seasonal attraction, typically open during the winter months when the ice and snow are at their best.

If you’re craving a night out of the ordinary—something that combines art, nature, and a bit of daring—this Hôtel de Glace overnight might be just the ticket. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the last ice sculpture melts.

You can check availability for your dates here: