Adventures await: 10 one-of-a-kind places to stay this winter

Stay in an ice hotel, perched in a treehouse or even on a frozen lake. In Québec, your accommodations can an adventure in themselves. Looking to get off the beaten track for an unforgettable getaway? We have lots of ideas!

Some places are fully equipped, while others offer more rustic accommodations. Whichever you choose, staying there will feel like a waking dream (but we assure you that you’ll sleep soundly!). The following non-traditional accommodations are good examples of this, as are the tips that come with them to help you get the most out of your stay. Sweet dreams!

1. Treehouse

Do you remember those movies where children had a treehouse to hide out in? Well, that’s exactly what these are, but the “adult” version. Some are accessible via a suspension bridge, while others are built directly around a tree. One thing is certain: spending the night among the treetops will awaken your inner child.

Ideas for a treehouse stay

Kabania (Lanaudière): This site’s mission is to provide you with an unforgettable experience and inspire you to adopt green habits in your day-to-day life. It offers eco-friendly lodgings among the trees, along the Rivière Dufresne.

Les refuges du lac Démêlé (Laurentides): Unique four-season accommodations surrounded by nature, lakes and woods.

💡Tip: Bring headlamps and warm clothing, as electricity can be limited.

2. A night in an ice hotel

Of course, this list would not be complete without the famous Hôtel de Glace! This luxurious Nordic experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hôtel de Glace (Québec): Majestic snow vaults, ice sculptures, an ice restaurant (brand new!) and spectacular rooms. This unique accommodation in North America makes it its mission to transform itself every winter to dazzle visitors. It’s easy to be transported by the magic of this ephemeral work of art.

💡Tip: Forget your regular pajamas. Instead, opt for warm sleepwear made of wool or flannel. And be sure to pack a hat and gloves. You’ll be even more comfortable!

3. Yurts and teepees

Inspired by nomadic and Indigenous traditions, these accommodations combine comfort and a rustic ambiance. Skylights even let you to stargaze at night. A change of scenery is guaranteed.

Ideas for an immersive getaway

Hatirontha Domaine de l’habile chasseur (Chaudière-Appalaches): A stone’s throw from the Parc régional des Appalaches, stay in a teepee or a longhouse, and enjoy an immersive family experience while discovering Wendat culture.

Imago Village (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean): Glamping in an alpine village! Because sleeping in a yurt doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort—quite the opposite. Two catering services are also offered in the site’s huge furnished yurts.

💡Tip: Book early, as these spots are very popular in the winter.

4. Spend a night among the wildlife

Animal lovers are in for a treat! Who hasn’t dreamt of sleeping in a zoo?

How about an overnight stay with wolves?

Parc Oméga (Outaouais): Not in their den, of course, but in a comfortable cottage with large bay windows giving you an up-close look at these noble creatures.

💡Tip: Pack some binoculars so you don’t miss the show. And be sure to follow the safety instructions at all times.

Psst! If getting away means travelling with your best four-legged friend, you’ll want to read our article, “Places to stay and things to do while vacationing with your pooch”, for other getaway ideas.

5. Heritage sites

A night in a heritage site is like stepping back in time to another century amid spectacular natural surroundings. These spots are steeped in history and offer a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Idea for stay giving you a peek at yesteryear

Hôtel Le Saint-Crème (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean): a hotel, restaurant and ice cream shop in a former church. You have to admit, stained glass windows are much prettier than curtains!

💡Tip: Take advantage of guided tours to enrich your experience.

6. Hobbit houses

These accommodations are sure to appeal to fans of The Lord of the Rings. Embrace your inner groupie with these spots, which feel like they’ve been plucked right out of a fantasy movie. Boasting round windows, stone walls and green roofs, what’s not to love?

Ideas for staying in the land of Tolkien

Entre Cîmes et Racines (Eastern Townships): Eco-lodges that promote relaxation, escape and a special connection with nature.

📷© M. Bergeron

Hébergement Les Pieds sur Terre (Lanaudière): For Hobbits who enjoy rustic-chic decor with indoor cooking facilities and a private spa.

Les Toits du Monde (Laurentides): Offering surprisingly original accommodations. In addition to the Hobbit house, there’s a treehouse, a Viking house and even a teepee.

📷© N. Spooner

💡Tip: Ideal for a romantic getaway or a family vacation with imaginative children. Taller guests should watch their heads under door frames. You can imagine why!

7. Transparent domes and bubbles

Imagine staying in your own glass bubble in the heart of the forest, with infinite stars to gaze at, and perhaps a few curious deer coming to snoop around. Need we say more? With one dome featuring a view of the river and another with a view of the fjord, the scenery is both stunning and relaxing.

Ideas for sleeping under the stars

Dômes Charlevoix (Charlevoix): Nestled in the mountainside, these geodesic domes offer two breathtaking views, both of Le Massif de Charlevoix and the St. Lawrence River. Through panoramic windows, you can take in the starry sky from the comfort of your bed. A foyer and a balcony with a private spa complete the picture. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Domaine Renard (Gaspésie): Six geodesic domes open year-round, fully equipped located a stone’s throw from Rocher Percé.

Expérience Hébergement (Mauricie): Glamping in the mountains! Magical accommodations in the forest, offering the luxury, comfort and amenities of a hotel.

💡Tip: Bring a telescope or download an astronomy app so you can “hunt” for stars.

8. On a frozen lake!

For those who love water and wide open spaces, there are floating houses and boats available in the summer. Why not try one out in the winter? Head to the lake and stay a night on the ice! Think we’re crazy? Maybe a little, but the feeling of having the vast white space all to yourself is worth it. And it’s 100% safe, of course.

Flotel (Montérégie): An innovative, eco-friendly, and completely self-sufficient lodging concept, floating (or sitting on the ice) in the bay of Lac Saint-François. Six rooms spread across three independent, interconnected platforms made from recycled 12-metre containers. Psst! Please note that this year, their accommodations are only available as of March 1.

Igloft (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean): For a winter night on the vast expanse of Lac Saint-Jean.

💡Tip: Dress in layers and bring insulated boots, as it’s often colder on a lake.

9. Off-the-grid (or close to it) accommodations

Get back to basics, far from modern-day luxuries. From lofts surrounded by nature that are eco-friendly, luxurious and downright fun to modern, green lakefront cottages, there are plenty of options for treating yourself with a clearer environmental conscience.

Ideas for eco-friendly vacations

Auberge du changement d’ère (Eastern Townships): Eco-futuristic accommodation dedicated to the green transition, offering unique architecture, hotel-style comfort and generous outdoor spaces.

Le Vertendre (Eastern Townships): Vertendre Zoobox cabins are energy-independent, contemporary and open-plan lofts, nestled amid vast expanses of flora and fauna. Take being in harmony with nature to the next level.

📷© Mikerahi

Luxe Ô Nature (Lanaudière): A modern, eco-friendly cottage located directly on the waterfront and powered by an autonomous energy system. Ideal for completely unwinding, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

💡Tip: Bring your own food, and remember to reduce your energy consumption once the sun goes down (because even a full moon isn’t bright enough to power solar panels!).

10. Discovering Indigenous traditions

Staying in Indigenous accommodation means connecting with peoples who have lived in Québec for thousands of years, and learning about their traditions, stories, cuisine and deep connection to the land. Authentic, human and often transformative experiences await.

Ideas for an authentic stay

Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations (Québec): A place that blends ancestral traditions and contemporary comfort, with the Huron-Wendat Museum and the Ekionkiestha' National Longhouse nearby, offering a journey into the heart of the Wendat way of life.

Site traditionnel innu Kanapeut (Côte-Nord): A place for sharing innu-aitun, a culture that includes lifestyle and language, ties with the land, spirituality, and values.

💡Tip: Every nation has its own stories and traditions. Take a tour. There’s so much to learn!

Bonus: The micro house trend

It’s hard to miss these cute little houses! Minimalist and cozy, micro houses encourage you to enjoy the ultimate weekend of cocooning. Want to get closer on your vacation? Staying in one of these is a sure-fire way to do that!

Ideas for a cozy stay

Kayak & Cabana (Laurentides): Accommodations designed to feel like a shepherd’s hut. A unique kind of glamping experience, with simple, rustic facilities but the comfort of a small cabin on a riverbank.

A mini cottage to cocoon in: Perfect for completely disconnecting. Opt for an escape to Repère Boréal in Charlevoix, Micro-chalets des Appalaches in Chaudière-Appalaches or Carpe Diem Aventures in Outaouais.

💡Tip: Bring simple meals to prepare (the kitchen counters are tiny!) and board games for laid-back fun!