A Peek Inside Le Château Frontenac-Quebec's Crown Jewel
- Amy Leggett
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 10
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Introduction:
When you visit Quebec City, you cannot miss seeing its iconic landmark...Le Château Frontenac. Le Château Frontenac is a luxury hotel located inside the fortified walls of Old Quebec City. It is perched high above the St. Lawrence River and offers sweeping panoramic views of the River and the City. Le Château Frontenac has an incredible central location making it perfect for exploring the rest of Quebec City. I did not stay at this beautiful hotel on my last visit (I am manifesting a future stay as we speak), but the wonderful part is you do not have to be a guest to explore this magical place. Anyone is welcome to enter and wander around the beautiful space and they do offer tours if you want to see even more of the hotel and learn about this historic icon. But if you want my opinion, staying there to experience it for yourself would be the best option!
Did You Know These Facts About Le Château Frontenac?
View of Le Château Frontenac from Dufferin Terrace Le Château Frontenac came about from a dream of William Van Horne, the President of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mr. Van Horne wanted to create a luxury hotel in the area that would bring train travelers to Quebec City.
Le Château Frontenac opened in 1893 as a hotel with 170 rooms. Since opening, it has been expanded three times in 1924, 1993 and 2011. The hotel currently has 610 rooms and suites.
Le Château Frontenac is built on an archeological site of the Saint-Louis Forts and the Châteaux that for over 200 years served as the official residence of French and British governors. You can take a tour of these archeological sites right outside the hotel. Check out information and ticket prices here.
At the height of WWII, allied leaders including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Sir Winston Churchill and Canada's Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King met at the Château Frontenac in 1943 to plan the invasion of Normandy.
In 1981, Le Château Frontenac was formally recognized as a National Historic site of Canada. It is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is the most photographed hotel in the world. But not surprising with photo ops like this!
The Entrance of Le Château Frontenac
Visiting Le Château Frontenac:
When you walk into the lobby, you immediately sense the luxury, history and elegance of Le Château Frontenac. From the decor, to the fresh flowers, to the signature scent wafting through the air...no detail has been spared.
The hotel contains beautiful shops with designer goods, renowned restaurants featuring Quebec cuisine using local ingredients, a relaxing spa, an indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool, and a fitness center with steam/saunas. All the makings of a wonderful, relaxing getaway.
On my next visit, I definitely plan to visit Moments Spa at Le Château Frontenac. They had a table at my conference sharing luxurious lotions and facial products. The Moments Spa is located on the 6th Floor of Le Château Frontenac and they offer various services from massage therapy, facials and other beauty treatments. Click here to check out their spa packages and to schedule an appointment. I can't wait to experience a spa day at Moments Spa!
Things to Do Around Le Château Frontenac:
Le Château Frontenac is centrally located in Old Quebec City giving easy access to a number of Quebec City attractions. Here are a few things that are literally steps from Le Château Frontenac's doors:
Walk along the Dufferin Terrace Boardwalk to take in the beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River.
Boardwalk Along the St. Lawrence River Check out the remains of the Saint Louis Forts and the Chateaux of French and British Governors that exist below Le Château Frontenac. Click here to buy tickets.
Take in the live entertainment that is frequently going on in the square outside of the Frontenac.
Street Performers in the Square Ride the Funicular down to Quartier Petit-Champlain. The Funicular provides a direct link between Dufferin Terrace (right outside of Le Château Frontenac) and Quebec City Old Town. A quick ride down at a 45 degree angle offers amazing views of the St. Lawrence River and a birds-eye perspective of the charming Quartier Petit-Champlain (Old Town). (INSIDER TIP: You could walk down to the Old Town taking stairs right next to the Funicular and then take the Funicular back to avoid climbing all those stairs back up!). When I was just there the cost per ride was 6 dollars, but to me totally worth the experience and the views! Note they only take cash...credit cards are not accepted, so come prepared. The Funicular operating hours are 9am to 9 pm daily.
The Funicular From Dufferin Terrace View From the Funicular Enjoy all the shopping and dining within steps of Le Château Frontenac. Taking the Funicular down from the hotel, it will drop you right on Rue du Petit-Champlain. Rue du Petit-Champlain is rumored to be one of the oldest commercial districts in North America and is definitely one of the hottest shopping streets in Quebec City. It is filled with quaint boutiques featuring locally made products as well as souvenir shops and charming cafes. You will feel like you are in a European storybook as you stroll around. It is a must visit if you are in Quebec City and SO easy to get to from Le Château Frontenac. In addition to Rue du Petit-Champlain, there are several other amazing places to browse and dine on all of the side streets in Upper Town just steps from the Frontenac.
Rue du Petit-Champlain If you are visiting in the summer, you will need to check out the famous Umbrella Alley on Rue du Cul-de-Sac in the Quartier Petit-Champlain. Just walk straight out of the Funicular drop off, down the street, take a right and then you will come upon the colorful display. They are only up through October.
Umbrella Alley
There are many, many other things to do steps from Le Château Frontenac. These are just a few suggestions to get you started.
Conclusion:
So as you can see, a visit (or even better a stay!) to Le Château Frontenac should be on your travel bucket list when visiting Quebec City. Whether you use its incredible locaation as a home base as you explore the beautiful city or you choose to use it as a relaxing getaway to treat yourself to fine dining and spa treatments, Le Château Frontenac has you covered. Click here if you want to book your stay now! If you go, keep a look out for me because I definitely intend to return!
I visited Quebec City once in the winter many years ago. Your post makes me want to book at stay at the Chateau in the summer! It all looks and sounds amazing!