Chill out at these incredible ice hotels

Searching for a unique winter getaway? Forget sandy beaches and consider an escape into a frozen wonderland.

From Canada to Finland, ice hotels offer an unforgettable experience, letting you sleep in a room sculpted from ice and snow. These incredible structures are rebuilt from scratch each year, making every visit a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Here are some of the most incredible ice hotels around the globe that you'll want to experience for yourself.

Icehotel, Sweden

Sweden’s famous Icehotel has popped up each winter in the quaint village of Jukkasjärvi for more than 30 years.

The short-lived frozen structure on the banks of the Torne River is the collective effort of dozens of creators. Working with ice and snow, they designed and built a one-of-a-kind glacial property that includes standard guest rooms, artist suites, and the Ice Ceremony Hall for celebrations.

Guest beds are topped with reindeer hides and sleeping bags to keep you toasty in chilly temps, and visitors are greeted each morning with warm lingonberry juice and a heated sauna.

Snow Castle of Kemi, Finland

A true Nordic winter wonderland, SnowCastle is rebuilt each year using frozen seawater from the nearby Gulf of Bothnia.

Open from January to April, the wondrous icy estate features hotel rooms, a wedding chapel, and a restaurant where visitors enjoy piping-hot bowls of reindeer stew. Guests spend the night in brisk -5C temperatures surrounded by hand-carved ice decor and ambient lights that cast a magical glow on the frosty walls.

Hotel de Glace, Canada

North America's only ice hotel is reconstructed every winter in Valcartier, 30 minutes north of Quebec City.

Original artist-designed rooms adhere to a new theme each year and are decked out with dazzling ice sculptures, intricate carvings on the snowy walls, and, in some, a roaring fireplace. A designated Nordic area with hot tubs and saunas under the stars helps guests warm up before they head to bed on blocks of ice topped with cozy thermal bedding.

Winter getaway

Whether you plan to stay close to home or travel elsewhere to embrace the season, speak with a CAA Travel Consultant, who can help you plan your next adventure. They can also advise you on travel insurance options to protect you, your family and your trip.