Hotel de Glace

Skiers visiting the Quebec City region this winter can highlight their ski vacations with a snowshoe on the grounds of The Hôtel de Glace.

Open from January 5 to March 23, 2014, the site now boasts a network of snowshoe trails for outdoor lovers of all ages.

“This winter, we wanted to bring back the tradition of snowshoeing through the snowy woods on the grounds of the former Québec zoo and give local residents and tourists the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural environment when they visit this year’s Hôtel de Glace,” says Jacques Desbois, CEO.

After admiring the hotel’s spellbinding architecture, visitors can explore the pristine woods, a winter wonderland just minutes away from downtown Quebec City.

Open: Every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to the Hôtel de Glace: $18 tax incl.

Admission to the Hôtel de Glace + trails/slides (day pass): $23 tax incl.

Admission to the Hôtel de Glace + trails/slides (season pass): $28 tax incl.

Snowshoe rentals and warm-up area on site

The Ice Hotel’s theme this season is Myths and Legends. “From the dawn of time, Man has handed down stories to explain his world, his origins, and his fate,” explains a press release. “On all five continents, every civilization has created its own myths and legends. This year’s theme explores mankind’s complex yet universal myths and legends.”

“Even as we use them to demystify the arts of winter,” explains Serge Peloquin, artistic director  of the Hôtel de Glace, “snow and ice provide many creative and original ways to tell these fascinating tales. This is truly an ever-changing, ephemeral work of art.”

Last year’s popular Behind the Scenes tour is back again this season. Visitors are invited behind the hotel’s frozen facade to discover the secrets of its construction and to the ice workshop, where they can make their very own ice glass. The Behind the Scenes tour is offered Saturdays and Sundays by reservation only or weekdays for groups, also by reservation.

For more info, see www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/

Photo by Lori Knowles.

SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles