You don’t have to stay overnight to feel the magic of Château Frontenac. Its green copper rooftops and castle-like turrets tower over Old Quebec, a landmark you can spot from nearly anywhere in the city. Step inside, and you’ll find marble floors, grand staircases, and a hum of energy—tourists mingling with locals, all drawn by the hotel’s history and sheer sense of place.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Québec City, Quebec, Canada
🏗️ Construction Period: 1892 – 1893 (multiple expansions until 1993)
🏰 Architectural Style: Châteauesque (inspired by French Renaissance castles)
🎭 Famous For: Luxury hotel, historical importance, iconic skyline presence
👑 Notable Residents: Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Charles de Gaulle, Queen Elizabeth II
🏆 UNESCO Status: Yes – located within Old Québec (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Gallery Photos
Visiting Information
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: June through September
🗺️ Location Perks: Panoramic sights of the St. Lawrence River and Old Quebec from the terrace and upper floors.
⏳ Estimated Visit Duration: Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the hotel’s public areas, lounges, and the surrounding Terrasse Dufferin.
💡 Visiting tips: Take a guided tour—hotel staff share great stories about famous guests and local legends.
Map
Related Articles
Historical Context
Château Frontenac isn’t a centuries-old fortress, but its story is just as rich. Built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the hotel was meant to impress travelers and anchor Quebec City’s place on the world map. Its architect, Bruce Price, gave it all the flair of a French château, complete with turrets, towers, and copper roofs that turn green in the sun. Over the decades, the hotel has welcomed movie stars, politicians, and even royalty—Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt met here during World War II. Locals tell stories of parties, proposals, and everyday life unfolding under its steep gables. Today, Château Frontenac still stands as the city’s proudest landmark, a place where old-world elegance and modern hospitality come together at the heart of Quebec.