Savouring Winter: Inside A One-of-a-kind Icy Retreat
Step into a frosty wonderland as Québec’s iconic Hôtel de Glace unveils its latest marvel: a Nordic-inspired culinary adventure presented by Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Québec, famous for its annual wintry attraction, the Hôtel de Glace, is introducing an exciting culinary experience, presented by Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: Hôtel de Glace restaurant. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the palace of ice will be enlisting sculptors on the project to embark on a praiseworthy extension. In addition to the already wondrous Grand Hall, chapel, ice slide, cocktail bar, rooms and suites that guests around the world can look forward to, this year promises an exceptional Nordic-inspired meal designed by Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The Hôtel de Glace has already created a reputation for itself by being the only ice hotel in all of North America. It now adds another dimension to that title by housing the only restaurant built of snow and ice on the continent as well.
Opening its doors annually from January to mid-March, the Hôtel de Glace welcomes visitors and guests into a masterfully carved frosty marvel. From its vaulted ceilings to its majestic atmosphere, those who dare to stay overnight can expect the ultimate winter experience. Fair warning — you will be sleeping on a bed made of ice. Hosting everyone from family and friends to couples in search of romantic getaways — even wedding parties — this otherworldly venue is a bucket list destination for many.
Sandra Nadeau, VP of Sales, Marketing, and Communication for Village Vacances Valcartier and Hôtel de Glace, shared her appreciation of the project. “We continue to write the story of our region by offering unique and memorable experiences in the heart of Québec’s winter,” she said. “This new venture not only reflects our passion for innovation and excellence but also our pride in being a unique and distinctive attraction in regional winter tourism.”
Famous for its prominent silhouette and a focal point for tourists to Québec City, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac inspires with its breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the fortified old city. There is no better establishment that could so enhance the experience for Hôtel de Glace guests. “Fairmont Le Château Frontenac constantly pushes the boundaries of hospitality,” said its general manager, Jean-François Vary. “It offers our guests experiences that highlight what makes our destination unique while maintaining world- class service standards. This new partnership with l’Hôtel de Glace de Québec fits perfectly into this vision. Together, we are joining forces to create a unique restaurant concept, celebrating the identity of our city through its distinctive seasonality and its gastronomic excellence. We offer the guests memorable, immersive and extraordinary moments. We look forward to officially unveiling this project, which invites our visitors to discover our destination in a new light.”
After reserving a table for this incredible three- course dining experience, guests will be conveyed via private shuttles from Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Old Québec City to the site of Hôtel de Glace. The ice hotel welcomes visitors to explore its grounds and tour the many attractions it houses. After being welcomed at the entrance with a cocktail, guests are brought into the exclusive restaurant, a room sculpted entirely from snow and ice.
The dining room itself is — architecturally speaking — a larger-than-life igloo, but its warmth and refined design ensure a welcoming atmosphere that complements the soon-to-be-enjoyed meal. Amid fur-covered ice benches and sculptures carved directly into the walls by talented Québec artisans, one can observe a theme focused on the four elements. A fiery volcano commands attention with its raw energy and warmth, embodying nature’s fierce power. In contrast, an intricate windmill whispers of golden fields swaying in the breeze, a serene nod to the air’s gentle embrace. At the heart of this display, meticulously crafted waterfalls and flowing rivers express the dynamic vigour of water. To complete the tableau, there is a bold depiction of the Earth with its upward-surging magma, a breathtaking tribute to the planet’s molten core. The overall effect of the décor imbues harmony and creates an unforgettable immersive experience.
Every Friday and Saturday beginning from January 17 to March 15, 2025, Hôtel de Glace restaurant will welcome 52 guests per service to indulge in a menu crafted with warmth and sophistication, blending elegance and comfort — curated to perfection by the acclaimed culinary team of Le Château Frontenac. To start the meal, warmth is immediately introduced through a comforting freshly baked loaf of bread paired with artisanal whipped butter. A rich pastry-crusted soup follows, featuring wild-boar bacon consommé, foie gras and vegetable brunoise with porcini mushrooms; vegetarian options are available as well. The main course offers guests a savoury choice between tender slow-cooked beef short ribs served with celeriac purée or a nori- crusted panisse accompanied by a robust vegetable jus. These dishes offer a notable homage to Québec’s winter traditions, complemented by hearty root vegetables. To finish, dessert is a delicate snowball creation of coconut and passion fruit, providing the perfect sweet finale to this indulgent feast.
Whether you visit Hôtel de Glace as a day trip, for an overnight stay or to indulge in an unforgettable winter culinary experience that is the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s restaurant, there is a new bucket-list memory awaiting. Those interested can take part via a curated package offering a truly Québecois experience, for $225 per person (taxes and service extra).
