Carefully cut like a gemstone from 400 tons of ice and 120,000 kg (264,550 lb.) of snow, the Ice Hotel is like an iceberg, concealing its charms beneath winter’s white blanket. From January 9 to April 4, this ephemeral palace opens its 32 rooms for the public to chill out. Upon stepping over the snowy threshold, you’ll be transported by the splendour of your surroundings.
A frosty masterpiece
Versailles might have some competition here, for the omnipresent ice sparkles like diamonds, chiselled by artists who would make the finest jewellers blush. The gleam of ice lit by fibre-optics, sculpted walls, a fireplace and light evoking the glow of the aurora borealis. Each of the 13 suites is unique and more spacious than the regular rooms. Reflecting different themes, the suites tell their occupants a story, the Snow Queen rubs shoulders with the Eiffel Tower, the Hudson’s Bay Company has a rabaskaw canoe as a bed and the Hilton suite boasts its own fireplace.
A cool night...
Are the nights chilly? You bet, but they’re never glacial! Ice and snow make unbeatable insulation-both thermal and sonic. The temperature never drops below minus five degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit), regardless of the temperature outside. And while your bed may be set on a block of solid ice, it has a wooden box spring and a comfortable mattress covered with deer pelts. When night falls, you’ll be warm and snug as a bug in a rug. You’ll also have a down sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures up to minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 Fahrenheit), made by Chlorophylle, Québec’s leading outdoor equipment manufacturer.
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Winter wonderland
Winter in Québec is more than a season, it’s a way of life. Built on the site of the Station touristique Duchesnay resort-an exceptional spot where nature shows off her finest assets; the Ice Hotel will ensure you make your peace with winter, since there’s no lack of outdoor activities. What could be nicer than a long cross-country skiing tour among mighty fir trees capped with snow? The more adventurous might opt for a dogsled or snowmobile for exploring the countryside.
Life is short, so greet it with a big “bonjour”!