ICE HOTEL-The Icy Wonder of the World

Montrealers are fortunate to be close enough to North America¡¦s coolest one-of-a kind tourist destination. The unusual and entertaining ICE HOTEL, can be found 30 minutes west of Quebec City in the Duchesnay Ecotourism Station.

Located in the village of Ste-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier on Lake St-Joseph, the Duchesnay Ecotourism Station is accessible from Montreal by taking Route 40 East towards Quebec City, then Exit 295 & connect to Route 367 North. It takes about 2.5 hours to get there from Montreal.

Voted by Conde-Nast as Best New Hotel of the Year for 2001, Quebec¡¦s Ice Hotel has become the Number One Winter destination of Saudi oil barons, Hollywood movie stars and the International Jet Set. Licensed by the original Swedish Ice Hotel, Quebec¡¦s version features a rich example of winter experiences to be enjoyed by everyone in a pristine setting.

Whether you just wish to make a day visit, or you break the bank to book reservations and sleep under the ice cathedral wrapped in artic sleeping bags on layers of fur bedding, chances are good you will never forget your visit to this temporary castle of ice. (Open ONLY Jan 1st to March 31st)

Patrons are invited to partake in a host of winter activities. Possibilities include skating on the hotel¡¦s interior/exterior rink, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, ice fishing and even golfing on a driving range in the snow!

Due to the amazing popularity of the Ice Hotel, reservations are limited to one to three-night packages, which include dinner and activities. If you are visiting Quebec City and you would prefer to take the shuttle to the Ice Hotel, call 1-877-640-SHERPA for the Quebec City to Duchesnay bus. Tickets are $30 CDN roundtrip and there are several trips per day during the Ice Hotel season.

You will be amazed by the ice architecture of the Grand Hall, the fibre optic candelabra, the chapel where couples get married, the 2 art galleries, the movie theatre, the Absolut Vodka Bar and the functioning fireplaces. Even more amazing is how close this 8th Wonder of the World is to Montrealers.

http://www.icehotel-canada.com

Text by G. Gallagher