| | OTHER ACTIVITIES | • Skating
• Ice fishing
• Wildlife observation (with a naturalist)
• Forest survival workshop
• Sugar shack (February to April)
• Treatments and relaxation
• Helicopter tours |
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At Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier A hotel “on the rocks” Does the mere idea of sleeping on ice give you the shivers? Québec’s Ice Hotel is the only one of its kind in the Americas and, like its Scandinavian cousin, offers a unique experience. In fact, this hotel is so cool, it’s hot! Why not escape from the ordinary and enjoy a night amid a crystalline backdrop? It’s time to taste Québec on the rocks!
 Carefully cut like a gemstone from 500 metric tonnes (1,100,000 lbs.) of ice and 15,000,000 kilos (33,000,000 lbs.) of snow, the Ice Hotel, is like an iceberg, concealing its charms beneath winter’s white blanket. From January 4 to March 29, 2009, this ephemeral palace opens its 36 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 4 suites is unique and more spacious than the regular rooms. Reflecting different themes, the suites tell their occupants a story or evoke the history of hockey in Quebec city.
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 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 as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit), made by Chlorophylle, Québec’s leading outdoor equipment manufacturer.… in a warm atmosphere You won’t be bored at the Ice Hotel! The activities offered, worthy of a grand hotel, are guaranteed to not leave you cold. Are you worried you’ll have to summon up some sangfroid? You won’t! The evenings are fiery and lively. You can celebrate at two locations: the ice bar invites you to relax in an intimate atmosphere, while the N’ice Club—this year inspired by the gothic architecture—will have you partying to the coolest rhythms. If you think that dancing at minus two degrees Celsius (28 degrees Fahrenheit) will have you shivering, you couldn’t be more wrong: you’re sure to work up a sweat on the dance floor. The Lambada has never been this hot!
How about a real white wedding?
 Shun convention and swap the floral bouquets for frosty fanfare when it comes time to say “I do.” The Ice Hotel boasts a magnificent chapel made entirely of ice and snow where, each year, some 30 marriages are celebrated. An incredibly pristine and romantic spot for taking the plunge!
Winter wonderland
 Winter in Québec is more than a season, it’s a way of life. Built on the site of the Station touristique Duchesnayresort—an exceptional spot operated by Sépaq 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.
Are you an active type for whom hibernating in the winter is absolutely unthinkable? Does the idea of “living” in the snow awaken your spirit of adventure? If you answered “oui!” to these queries, then a workshop on building an Amerindian igloo—the famous Queenzy—is the perfect activity for you!
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”!
 Rest assured, the hotel’s bathrooms are heated. Showers and baths are located in an adjacent facility equipped with all the modern conveniences.- Dress like an onion. In other words, wear layers of clothing, but be careful to avoid cotton undergarments, as they will retain humidity. If your clothing becomes damp, you’re going to be chilly.
- Pack light, dry undergarments for the night, again to avoid retaining humidity. Bear in mind that the sleeping bags provided protect against extremely low temperatures.
- A hat, gloves, scarf and boots are a must. Remember, a glass made of ice, even when filled with vodka, is not very warm to the touch!
- The hotel’s fireplaces (yes, you read correctly) don’t give off any heat… after all, ice melts!
- Luggage is kept under lock and key, in a heated indoor room protected from humidity. Pack a travel toilet case or kit bag for your bathroom trips.
- Lastly, you are invited to an evening orientation session when you arrive for the night. What’s on the agenda? How to spend a night at the Ice Hotel.
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André Quenneville
2009-01-13 |
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Experience Québec
