Getting to the ice hotel from Quebec City
The Hôtel de Glace stands at Village Vacances Valcartier, roughly 30 km (19 miles) north of Old Quebec, and the ticket includes parking but no transport. That leaves a rental car or a taxi for most visitors. The other winter outings start in different places, and one of them sits on an island east of the city.
Where the ice hotel stands
The Hôtel de Glace is part of Village Vacances Valcartier, at 2280 Boulevard Valcartier in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier. The snow tubing park shares the same site, so one trip covers both.
The listings put it about 20 minutes' drive north of Quebec City, roughly 30 km (19 miles) from Old Quebec. That timing assumes clear roads. Snow or evening traffic can stretch it.
The ice hotel ticket from ~$29 includes parking, as does the snow tubing pass from ~$33. Neither includes a ride from the city, so the plan below starts with your own transport.
By rental car
A rental car gives the most freedom, especially if you want to stay for tubing in the afternoon and the ice hotel lights after dark. Parking is in both tickets, so the car costs nothing extra once you arrive.
Winter tires are standard on Quebec cars in winter, and as far as we know they are required by law in Quebec during the cold months. Ask the rental firm to confirm them when you book.
If packed snow is new to you, drive slowly with extra distance to the car ahead. Fresh snow can cover the road markings, and the park is a place to arrive calm rather than late.
By taxi or ride-hailing
A taxi or a ride-hailing car from Old Quebec is the simplest option without a licence. The ride out is easy to arrange from the city, but the ride back from a winter park outside town needs more thought.
Agree on the return before you leave the car. Either book a pickup time with the same driver or make sure your phone has charge and signal, since cold drains batteries quickly. Our clothing guide has tips on keeping a phone alive.
Tours with transport
Viator has listed a version of the ice hotel visit with a return bus from Quebec City, run by a different operator. We do not list it here, and it shows as not bookable until the season opens.
If you would rather not drive at all, the Quatre Natures snowshoe day from ~$121 picks you up in the city. It goes to Jacques-Cartier National Park rather than Valcartier, but it is the one outing here with a bus included.
Where each outing starts
| Outing | Start point | From Quebec City | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel de Glace | 2280 Boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier | About 20 min by car | Your own, parking included |
| Snow tubing | Same site as the ice hotel | About 20 min by car | Your own, parking included |
| Snowmobile | Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, 186 Côte Lafleur | About an hour by car | Your own, free parking |
| Ice canoe | 1131 Boulevard Champlain, Quebec City | About 15 min from the centre | Your own, no hotel pick-up |
| Snowshoe day | Pick-up in Quebec City | Bus leaves at 9 am | Included |
| Strøm Nordic Spa | 515 Boulevard Champlain | A few steps from Old Quebec | Your own, parking included |
Two of the outings sit by the river close to the old town and need little planning. Valcartier and the snowmobile base are the two that call for a car or a booked ride.
The river outings and the snowshoe bus
For the ice canoe tour from ~$207, go to 1131 Boulevard Champlain, roughly 15 minutes from the centre by the listing's count. It offers no hotel pick-up, so a short taxi ride or a drive along the river does the job.
Bring a change of clothes and your own towel in a bag you can leave behind, since the tour ends in a sauna. Our ice canoe guide has the full packing list from the operator.
Strøm Nordic Spa Old Québec from ~$70 is at 515 Boulevard Champlain on the riverside near the cruise terminal, a short walk from Old Quebec. Most visitors staying in the old town can walk there, and parking is included for those who drive.
The snowshoe bus leaves Quebec City at 9 am and reaches the park around 10 am, after a drive of roughly 30 minutes to an hour. The guided walk runs from 10:30 am to 2 pm, and the bus has you back in town about 4 pm.
The snowmobile base on Île d'Orléans
The guided snowmobile ride from ~$153 starts from Quebec Ski-doo Adventures at 186 Côte Lafleur in Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. The listing describes it as an hour's drive from Quebec City, east across the single bridge onto the island.
The operator is strict on time. You need to arrive at least 15 minutes early or lose your place without a refund, and the listing suggests allowing 30 minutes to get ready, so build slack into the drive.
Parking at the base is free, and drivers need a valid licence from their own country. Our snowmobile guide covers the ride itself, and the family page lists the age rules for passengers.
Worth the drive to the island
A 1.5-hour guided snowmobile ride on Île d'Orléans with Quebec Ski-doo Adventures. Helmet and winter gear are included. Arrive early, and bring your driving licence and a credit card.
Planning around early darkness
Winter days in Quebec City are short, and it is dark by late afternoon. Drive out in daylight if you can, and plan the return knowing that snow and darkness slow the road down.
A good pattern is one outing with a drive per day, paired with something in town. Our three-day plan does exactly this, and the price guide shows how transport fits into the total.