Amazing Ice Hotels in North America
When you think of ice hotels, your mind might immediately drift to Scandinavia — the shimmering ICEHOTEL in Sweden or the Snow Village in Finland.
But North America also has its share of frozen masterpieces, where snow-covered landscapes, glowing ice bars, and sculpted suites bring a touch of Arctic magic to the West.Ice Hotels in North America
From the heart of Alaska’s frozen wilderness to the icy plains of Quebec, Canada, these ice hotels and attractions offer unforgettable experiences for travelers chasing winter wonderlands.Ice Hotels in North America
Whether you want to sip cocktails from ice glasses, sleep in an ice suite, or explore glowing ice castles, this guide will take you through the very best ice hotels in North America,
Alaska – Aurora Ice Museum, Chena Hot Springs Resort
Location
Just 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort is the only year-round ice structure in the United States — and an absolute bucket list experience for lovers of snow, art, and the Northern Lights. Ice Hotels in North America
About the Aurora Ice Museum
Created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, this masterpiece was designed by world-champion ice sculptors Steve and Heather Brice.
The museum is kept at a chilly −7°C (20°F) all year round, with colorful lighting that changes the hue of the icy walls throughout the day.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A dazzling Aurora Ice Bar, serving cocktails in carved ice glasses
- A gallery of frozen sculptures, from knights to chandeliers
- A small chapel area for weddings
- And even a special Ice Suite for overnight stays
While most visitors come for the tour, the resort occasionally offers overnight bookings in the Aurora Ice Suite — a cozy ice room where you can sleep on a bed made entirely of ice, layered with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags.
Book Here:
Things to Do at Chena Hot Springs
Your experience doesn’t end inside the museum. The Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a full day (or more) of Arctic adventure: Ice Hotels in North America
- Soak in the hot springs: relax in naturally heated mineral pools surrounded by snow.
- Aurora Borealis viewing: Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
- Dog sledding, snowmobiling & snowshoeing: all available during winter months.
- Visit the renewable energy center: the resort runs almost entirely on geothermal power.
Where to stay:
Book directly at Chena hot spring resort or via Booking.com and Trip.com for packages that include hot springs access and northern lights tours.
Why it’s special
The Aurora Ice Museum isn’t just an ice attraction — it’s a symbol of sustainable Arctic design and creativity. Its permanent cooling system, powered by the resort’s geothermal energy, allows guests to experience an authentic ice environment even in summer. Ice Hotels in North America
United States Mainland – The Ice Castles Experience
If you can’t make it to Alaska, don’t worry — the Ice Castles are the next best thing.
Each winter, these massive frozen wonderlands pop up in several US states, combining art, architecture, and family-friendly fun.
Locations (season)
The Ice Castles typically appear in:
- Midway, Utah
- North Woodstock, New Hampshire
- Excelsior, Minnesota
- Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
- Cripple Creek, Colorado
(Locations may vary each year depending on weather conditions — always check icecastles.com for current openings.)
What to Expect
Walking through the Ice Castles feels like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale.
You’ll wander through tunnels, crawl through ice caves, and gaze up at glowing towers illuminated in shades of blue and purple. Some sites even include ice slides, sleigh rides, and ice thrones for photos.
At night, the castles light up with LED shows synchronized to music — perfect for couples and families alike.Ice Hotels in North America
Where to Stay Nearby
Each Ice Castles location partners with nearby hotels and resorts. Some of the most charming stays include:
- Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa (Midway, UT) – Alpine-style hotel just minutes from the castles.
- RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain (NH) – Cozy suites near North Woodstock’s Ice Castles.
- The Abbey Resort (Lake Geneva, WI) – Elegant lakeside resort ideal for romantic getaways.
Book these stays via Trip.com for easy access and great winter deals.
Bonus Tip
The Ice Castles are best experienced just after sunset, when the lights start to glow and crowds thin out. Bring gloves and waterproof boots — the entire ground is made of packed snow and ice! Ice Hotels in North America
Canada – Hôtel de Glace, Quebec
Location
Just 15 minutes from Quebec City, Hôtel de Glace is North America’s only full-scale ice hotel — and one of the most extraordinary winter experiences in the world.
About Hôtel de Glace
Every year, from January to March, an entirely new version of the hotel is built using over 500 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow. Ice Hotels in North America
Each room and suite features unique carvings and sculptures made by local artists. Once temperatures rise, the entire hotel melts — only to be rebuilt again the next winter.
https://www.valcartier.com/en/lodging/hotel-de-glace-ice-hotel
Accommodation
The hotel offers around 40 rooms and suites, all made from ice and snow.
Each guest receives a special Arctic sleeping bag, and you can choose between:
- Standard Ice Rooms (simple but magical)
- Themed Art Suites (featuring intricate ice sculptures)
- Premium Suites with Private Hot Tubs
If you prefer a warmer stay, you can book a combo package with Hotel Valcartier, located next door, which includes spa access and indoor water park tickets.
Things to Do at Hôtel de Glace
- Sip a cocktail at the Ice Bar served in a real ice glass.
- Slide down the ice slide in the lobby — yes, adults too!
- Take a guided tour to learn how the hotel is built.
- Get married in the Ice Chapel — one of Canada’s most unique wedding venues.
- Visit Village Vacances Valcartier: the adjacent resort offers tubing, skating, and indoor pools.
Northern Lights & Winter Magic
While Quebec isn’t as far north as Alaska, you can still occasionally glimpse the Aurora Borealis on clear winter nights — and the snow-covered forests and frozen rivers make it one of the most romantic destinations in Canada. Ice Hotels in North America
Other Unique Frozen Experiences in Canada
If Hôtel de Glace leaves you wanting more, Canada has several other ice-themed adventures worth adding to your bucket list:
Ice Castles Edmonton (Alberta)
A spectacular glowing wonderland similar to the US versions — open from late December through March.
Ice Caves & Glaciers in Whistler, BC
Guided helicopter tours take you to explore naturally formed blue ice caves within glaciers — an incredible adventure for photographers.
SnowVillage Montreal
A pop-up ice hotel and winter park that occasionally returns for festivals, featuring ice bars and sculptures near the Old Port of Montreal. Ice Hotels in North America
Comparing North American Ice Hotels
| Location | Country | Overnight Stay | Highlights | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Ice Museum (Chena Hot Springs) | USA (Alaska) | Yes (limited) | Ice bar, Northern Lights, hot springs | Year-round |
| Ice Castles | USA (various states) | No | Ice tunnels, slides, family-friendly | Dec–Mar |
| Hôtel de Glace (Quebec) | Canada | Yes | Full ice hotel, chapel, bar, spa | Jan–Mar |
Planning Your Ice Hotel Adventure
How to Get There
- To Alaska: Fly into Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). The resort offers shuttles or car rentals.
- To Ice Castles: Major airports near Salt Lake City (UT), Denver (CO), Minneapolis (MN), and Boston (for NH).
- To Quebec: Fly into Québec City Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) — the hotel is only 15 minutes away.
What to Pack
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof snow boots
- Gloves, hat, and a neck warmer
- Camera with spare batteries (cold drains them fast!)
- A sense of adventure — you’ll need it!
Best Time to Visit
January through early March is the prime season for most ice hotels in North America.
For Alaska’s Aurora Ice Museum, you can visit all year, but winter offers the chance to combine your stay with Northern Lights viewing and dog sledding.
Insider Tips
- Book early: Hôtel de Glace and Alaska’s ice suite sell out months in advance.
- Try a daytime tour first: Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can explore the hotel during the day.
- Combine with warm stays: Many travelers stay one night in an ice suite and the rest in a cozy cabin or spa resort.
- Take photos at dawn or dusk: The light reflecting off the ice creates a stunning blue glow.
Related Experiences on
Amazing Bucketlist
Enhance your Arctic adventure with more incredible stays and destinations:
- Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
- Discover the Magic of ICEHOTEL, Sweden
- Lapland Snow Village – Finland’s Frozen Wonderland
- Top Unique Winter Stays Around the World
Conclusion
North America may not have as many ice hotels as Scandinavia, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in creativity and adventure. Ice Hotels in North America
From Alaska’s geothermal ice museum to Canada’s ephemeral ice palace, these destinations combine art, sustainability, and natural beauty into one frozen dream.
So pack your thermals, charge your camera, and step into a world of shimmering ice. Ice Hotels in North America
Whether you’re sipping a martini from a frozen glass in Alaska or sleeping under carved ice chandeliers in Quebec, these North American ice hotels are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves a spot on your Amazing Bucketlist. Ice Hotels in North America
