The Château Frontenac

Rising up ahead of you is the Château Frontenac, an iconic symbol of the city, just like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty. It’s the most photographed spot in Quebec—some even say it’s the most photographed hotel in the world. Yes, you heard that right—it’s a hotel, not a repurposed castle. From the very beginning, Château Frontenac was designed as a luxury hotel. It was built in 1893 on the site of the old Château Haldimand, which once housed the colonial government. You can still see the remains of the original building beneath the glass domes. The Château Frontenac was commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company to promote rail travel by offering luxurious stopovers. Over time, these castle-style hotels became landmarks in their own right. The first section of Château Frontenac was designed by American architect Bruce Price—the same man behind Montreal’s Windsor Station—so it was in expert hands. He designed it to follow the cliff’s contours, allowing for future expansion, and drew inspiration from French Renaissance château architecture. Three wings were later added around the central tower, giving the hotel the dramatic and elegant silhouette you see today. The hotel was named in honour of Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac, who served twice as Governor of New France. Over the years, the hotel has hosted countless dignitaries, celebrities, and historic events—adding to its legendary status. During the First Quebec Conference in 1943, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met here to plan the Allied landing in Normandy. Film buffs may also recognise it as the backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock’s movie I Confess. Famous guests have included Queen Elizabeth II, Charlie Chaplin, Paul McCartney, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Céline Dion. You can stay here too—though it’s not exactly a budget option. In fact, the hotel is so vast—with over 12 kilometres of corridors—that you could go for a jog without ever stepping outside! But you don’t need to check in to dine at the restaurant or enjoy afternoon tea in one of the hotel’s elegant salons. Fun fact: the honey served at the hotel comes from the rooftop beehives, which produce more than 650 litres a year! Be sure to step inside the lobby. You’ll find glass display cases with artefacts dating back over 400 years. If you want to dive deeper into its history, consider joining one of the guided tours—some even feature actors in period costumes, bringing the château’s rich history to life.