Tour the Château Frontenac

The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is more than a hotel; it is a Québec City landmark. It has stood atop Cape Diamond for over a century, overlooking Dufferin Terrace and the St. Lawrence River.

Yes, you are welcome to visit Château Frontenac

Come inside to see the newly renovated lobby and historical artefacts dating back 400 years displayed in specially designed cases.

A guided tour is also available to learn more about this legendary castle.

The Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site, hidden beneath Dufferin Terrace and adjacent to the Château, is open to the public during the summer.

The Most Beautiful Views of Château Frontenac

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Take your own photos of this Québec City landmark. The best views in Quebec, according to most residents, are from Place des Canotiers (Old Port), Citadelle de Québec, Observatoire de la Capitale, and the terrace in Lévis.

History of Château Frontenac

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The Château was the idea of William Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, who wanted to build a hotel to attract tourists in order to promote luxury train travel.

The construction of a fantasy

• From 1893 to 1924, the hotel has 170 rooms. The addition of three wings and a central tower that stands close to 80 metres tall (260 feet)
• The Riverview wing, the hotel’s original section, was destroyed by fire in 1926.
• The Château is located on the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux archaeological site, which served as the official residence and seat of the French and British governors for over 200 years.

Celebrity vacation destination

Many famous people have made the Château Frontenac their home while in Québec City. Celebrities have made the Château Frontenac their home away from home, including Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Grace of Monaco, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul McCartney, and Charlie Chaplin.

Action!

The Château Frontenac was used to film Alfred Hitchcock’s I Confess, starring Montgomery Clift and Anne Baxter, in 1953. George Jessop, the Château Frontenac’s manager at the time, plays himself in the film.

A critical political choice

In 1943, the Château Frontenac hosted the First Québec Conference. Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King hosted British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and American President Franklin D. Roosevelt as they discussed plans for the upcoming allied invasion of occupied Europe.

Did you know that?

• The Château Frontenac is reputed to be the hotel that receives the most photos worldwide.
• The Château Frontenac was named after Louis de Buade, Compte de Frontenac, who served as governor of New France from 1672 to 1682 and again from 1689 to 1698.
• There are 12 kilometres of hallways in the hotel if you go jogging.
• Nearly 2,000 windows provide breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, the city, and the interior gardens.
• Every year, the executive chef collects 650 litres of honey from four hives in the Château’s private rooftop garden.