Monday morning I was going to take a bus trip outside of town to the Ice Hotel. I think this originated in Sweden and has been copied a few times over. I thought it was outside the city but is within city limits.

There is a return shuttle bus for $35 but when I emailed for the pickup point and schedule I got no response. Then I found a city bus that stops a block away and traced the walk on google maps.

Bus 801 which is the main trunk line bus thru the city runs frequent service. You have to goto the second last stop rue de la Faune direction Charlesbourg and walk down the left street for about 5 mins.

At first I saw a large building built of permanent materials which I thought was fake and a let down. This was infact just the reception centre hiding the actual hotel behind.

The hotel only runs from Jan-Mar and there are different tours you can take where you see some of the construction techniques. I just had the regular admission for $28. It seemed steep but was well worth it.

Today was windy but once you walk in there is no wind like being in a walk in cooler.

There was an english guided tour at 1pm but I didnt want to wait and just started walking around. The entrance leads to a grand hall with smaller side chambers. I couple were used as bars where you could purchase drinks served in glasses made from ice so actually edible too but quite pricey!

The rooms were interesting. Many were uniquely sculpted in their own style with individual themes. There were however no doors for privacy and only fireplaces in some rooms.

Also when I sat on a bed there was a mattress below so you are not sleeping on a slab of ice.

Room prices are not cheap at $300/nite. Mostly foreigners had opted for the experience. It would be more like camping as you are sleeping in your winter clothes and coat. There is a separate permanent building with the lockers, changing rooms, showers, and cafeteria. There are no bathrooms or running water in this building, or even electric plug outlets.

It was fun wandering from room to room admiring all the unique designs and navigating the architectural layout. There must be a morning time when they kick out all the guests so that paid visitors can wander in all the rooms.

An interesting central feature was an ice slide used by both kids and adults. When I tried I just sat there and couldnt slide down so had to push with my boots as other kids piled up behind me.

Despite the costly ticket and long bus ride each way it was certainly worth the long trek in the cold. There is even a chapel for weddings.

I just wouldnt stay here as too costly and not very comfortable. On return back to town I needed a warm lunch.