Sail down the mighty St. Lawrence River past Québec City and appreciate the area’s historic charm. Reigning over this heritage city is a grand building.
Le Château Frontenac has always been a hotel, owned by a railway and a luxury hotel chain, and dominating the city, acting as a beacon for tourists. Spend time in its lobby to view 400-year-old items and take a guided tour.
Enter the hotel, which includes a national historic site where the residences and ruling seats of the French and British governors were located for over 200 years. During the summer, descend under the hotel’s terrace for an archaeological tour of the historic site.
Picture the French châteaus that railway baron William Van Horne copied when he built the hotel in 1883 to promote luxury rail travel. Additions to the building early in the next century increased room capacity from 170 to more than 600 rooms over its 18 floors.
View photographs of dignitaries and entertainment stars who have stayed at the hotel. Included in this collection are pictures of the American, British and Canadian leaders who met at the hotel in 1943 to plan the Allied invasion of occupied Europe.
Bring your camera for pictures of this picturesque hotel, one of the world’s most heavily photographed. Walk down from the hotel to wander through picturesque Old Québec, known for its narrow streets, good shopping and excellent cuisine at numerous restaurants.
Located 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) from the hotel is a national historic site, the Plains of Abraham, where British and French forces battled for control of the region in 1759. The area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An important part of the plains is the Citadelle of Québec, a large star-shaped British fortress. The fort was built in response to the War of 1812 when American forces were narrowly defeated. Watch the seasonal changing-of-the-guard ceremony and the daily firing of the noon cannon.
Be prepared during tourist season for larger crowds at the hotel due to its historical interest and popularity during warm weather. Travel in winter to see Le Château Frontenac in a different perspective and immerse yourself in the area’s snowy charm.
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