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North America's only Ice
Hotel
by Sara Couper
If your relationship is showing signs of cooling down, there is no better way to rekindle the fires of passion than to spend a night in a hotel made of ice. Every winter a giant igloo is built in Quebec City, Canada and as North America's only Ice Hotel and its frigid rooms are in high demand. Since candles and body heat are the major thermal sources, it is the perfect place for couples. A night in the Ice Hotel requires a lot of cuddling and body contact in an effort to keep warm, if nothing else.
Everything in the Ice Hotel is created from Mother Nature’s glory, from chairs carved out of snow, right down to drinking glasses made of ice. For those from warmer areas it might sound chilly and uninviting, but the beauty and experience of staying in the hotel makes it worthwhile. The Ice Hotel’s architecture and design is worth the visit alone. The cathedral ceilings, detailed arches and gorgeous sculptures that decorate every room and hallway present the hotel as an artistic wonder rather than a giant ice box.
At first I was skeptical when told that even the beds in the hotel were made of blocks of ice. All guests sleep zipped up in sleeping bags on top of a foam mattress and deer skin pelts that lie on top of ice blocks. Paying to stay in a four star hotel, this did not sound like the depiction of comfort, but if you follow the sleeping guidelines given to you by the hotel, it is really not that bad. The hotel averages an indoor temperature of 28F to 23F. Compared to the often -18F outside, it remains quite warm inside. Now this is very important, as tempting as it might be, do not under any circumstances snuggle your nose inside your sleeping bag. The moisture you breathe into the bag will chill you to the bone. However, if you follow this advice and still find it cold, just remember the bragging rights that come with sleeping like an Eskimo for a night. Unlike Eskimos though, you have access to hotel’s heated outdoor Jacuzzi’s to help warm up, so bring your bathing suit.
The Ice Hotel is celebrating its fifth year of operation in 2005. Open only from January until April, the hotel is constructed from scratch starting each November. Every time it is rebuilt it becomes more popular and more extravagant. This year the hotel gave a makeover to the wedding chapel, adding more detail and design, including a snow steeple. In addition to the 32 rooms and theme suites, the hotel has a cinema/theatre, an art gallery and two exhibit rooms. For night entertainment the N’ice Club is the place to go. It offers high energy dancing and comedy shows that gets the blood flowing. There is also the Absolut Ice Bar where drinks are offered to those over the age of eighteen.
Romantic nights in the Ice Hotel cost as much as a Caribbean cruise but you have to make allowances since the entire structure becomes a big puddle in the spring and has to be rebuilt each winter. If you can afford the cost, the hotel has special accommodations for couples looking for an especially romantic experience. These packages include wine served in ice glasses, a candle lit theme suit and even sleeping bags that are zipped together.
While staying at the Ice Hotel, you and your partner can develop some essential winter survival skills. Sign up for Queenzy workshop and you will learn how real Eskimos built Igloos. You work in teams to craft an original style ice hut in only two and a half hours. If you are feeling less physically inclined, try your hand at Catshalac, other wise known as ice fishing or even Portneuf Aventure, snowmobiling. The hotel offers a wide array of outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating and even dog-sledding. If you want stay entertained, you can invest in a multi-activity pass that combines outdoor activities such as forest survival training with indoor activities like access to the game and movie rooms.
If you really fall in love, with both your partner and the hotel, weddings can be arranged in the Ice Hotel’s chapel, from small and simple to a full fledged ceremony and reception. If a winter wedding has been your dream, this is the place to make the day come true. The chapel itself is, of course, built purely from ice and snow. It is filled with amazing ice sculptures and can be decorated with your choice of flowers and candles. The hotel provides a wedding planner to help you meet your every winter wonderland wedding needs. By the way, did I mention that a honeymoon in Tahiti is included in some wedding packages?
There is no doubt that the Ice Hotel is an amazing place, based on its uniqueness and beauty, but I am sure many people have their doubts. Do not worry; there are certain areas of the hotel that are heated, such as the washrooms. The facilities are especially designed to accommodate every need and although it might sound unlikely, the stay there really is quite comfortable. I found that being constantly in awe of the hotel itself along with the many activities; I was too distracted to really think about the temperature. So, if you chose the Ice Hotel as your next romantic adventure, be warned, reservation lists for an overnights stay are up to a years wait. Book as soon as possible because this experience will make you a true adventurer.
The Ice Hotel is located about half an hour west of Quebec City. It is accessible by either car or shuttle. If you are driving, free parking is available of the hotel. Just take Highway 40 to Exit 295 "Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier" where you will take Route 367 North to the hotel. There are lots of signs and it is hard to get lost. If you are flying in and opt to take the shuttle, call (418) 527-1010 for departure times and lo