Quebec’s Ice Hotel Travel Excursion
Adad Hannah © Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada
By Patrice Raplee
Envision a magical evening spent in the Queen of Narnia’s ice
palace amid sparkling, translucent sculptures and illuminated, carved
ice furniture surrounded by a winter wonderland. This fabulous concept
has been turned into an amazing real creation built in Quebec, Canada,
as the Ice Hotel. In its fourth year, this enchanting marvel draws
visitors from the entire globe, who are looking for a unique experience
in winter adventure.
Once a year in mid-December, 12,000 tons of snow and 400 tons of ice
are fashioned and sculpted into an ice hotel open for guests from the
first week in January to the first few days of April, depending on
Quebec’s weather. Each year, the hotel’s architects create
a different room and hotel layout design with about 19 rooms and 13
themed suites. The hotel also features an N’Ice Club reception
room, two exhibition rooms, a cinema, chapel (a must for weddings),
a Nordic-style leisure area, including two hot tubs and sauna, as well
as an ice bar where guests can imbibe their spirits from a sculpted
ice glass.
The interior of this glistening dream hotel is kept around 25 to 30
degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, guests must wear warm apparel, but the
rooms and suites are quite comfortable and several suites feature fireplaces.
Beds are carved of clear ice and are topped by a wooden frame, with
foam mattress, warm deerskins and thermal sleeping bags. In the evening,
accented candlelight shimmers off the crystalline motif of ice furnishings
and columns of ice blocks in these beautiful rooms.
The hotel artisans have created a fairytale setting with elaborate
ice-sculpted figures and grand pillars. Exquisitely carved ice tables
and benches are carefully illuminated and set against intricately designed
walls and 18-foot carved cathedral style ceilings.
The Absolute Ice Bar is an exciting winter fantasy with a transparent
ice block bar and accompanying décor. Order vodka literally
on the rocks and dance the night away with live music surrounded in
a cool atmosphere.
Adjacent to the Ice Hotel is the Station Touristique Duchesnay. This
is where the Ice Hotel guests’ meals are provided; the cuisine
and wine selection are divine and lauded by top travel critics. The
Duchesnay is also a hotel for those guests who prefer standard accommodations.
There are a wide array of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy, including
cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling
and sledding. Guests spending the night at the Ice Hotel can partake
of the Nordic-style area. Designed specifically for relaxation, the
area is decorated with ice, snow and fir trees surrounding several
cozy hot tubs, a sauna and a snow bath area for those with a hardy
constitution.
Weddings have also become quite popular at the Ice Hotel’s chapel.
Truly a magical setting to celebrate nuptials, the hotel can arrange
the perfect wedding package for you.
The hotel also caters to special events and projects, such as corporate
events, business meetings, team building, seminars, workshops, product
launches and film and TV productions.
Located about 30 minutes outside of Quebec, the Ice Hotel is easily
accessible from the airport or train station. Since the hotel is only
open (until it melts away) for basically three months of the year,
it’s a good idea to book ahead. The hotel staff is friendly and
will help you make the most of your stay with suggestions and planning
for what guests need to bring to be comfortable.
There are few chances in life to make dreams into reality; the Quebec’s
unique Ice Hotel is an exhilarating and surreal magical adventure for
those willing to avail themselves the indulgence of a perfect winter
fantasy. Visit the hotel’s website for a stunning virtual tour!
For more information on the Ice hotel, go to www.icehotel-canada.com or call 1-877-505-0423.
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