• The Quebec City Ice Hotel is now open to visitors.
• Though the hotel won't be complete until the end of January, photos from its interior show the impressive sculptures and structures that await lucky patrons.
• There's even an ice bar with drinks served in — you guessed it — blocks of ice!
• Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.

Winter comes with its share of emotional journeys. Between snowstorms, ice storms, winter sports, and beautiful outdoor festivals and markets, we all develop a love-hate relationship with the season. It is difficult to appreciate the cold months when the weather is bad, but when we learn to live with it and not against it, we discover magnificent possibilities unique to the seemingly endless stretch between January and March. Among these, a classic place outside Quebec City that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists with its beauty and originality: the Ice Hotel at Valcartier.

This hotel is exceptional because, as you may have guessed, it is made entirely of ice. This unique accommodation located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier opened its doors earlier than usual in this its 20th anniversary year.

The completion of the hotel is expected by January 23, but some of the 42 rooms and thematic suites are ready and open to visitors.

Let's just say it's worthy of a Disney movie.

It's nearly impossible to resist the urge to shout "Let it Goooo" when you enter the icy domain.

Its dramatic main entrance, chapel, large lobby, ice bar, and ornate bedrooms are among its most spectacular features. And yes, you can even have a drink in a glass made entirely out of ice.

There is also a Nordic relaxation area with spas and sauna under the stars. Access to this space is available from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

While the hotel is already accessible to all, it will hold a Grand Opening Night to launch the season on January 17.

For the occasion, there will be a musical performance by 2Frères, fireworks, animation, a DJ, and a circus performance.

Ice Hotel 2020

Cost: Packages starting at $399 for an overnight stay, but daytime tour packages start at $23.99.

When: January 2 to March 21, 2020

Address: 1860, boul. Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC

Why you need to go: To experience the famous, ephemeral space at least once in your lifetime

Website

This article was originally published in French on Narcity Québec.