09:31 27-11-2025
Château Frontenac: history, architecture, and legacy in Québec City
Discover Château Frontenac in Québec City: the iconic hotel's history, WWII summits, Hitchcock ties, and modern restoration—an enduring landmark in Canada.
Some buildings you pass without a second glance. Others refuse to leave your memory. Château Frontenac belongs to the latter: a graceful yet imposing hotel in the heart of Québec City that has long since become the city's emblem.
How it all started
Château Frontenac opened in 1893. It was commissioned by a railway company eager to draw more travelers. Architect Bruce Price designed it, looking to the great châteaux of France for inspiration and shaping a landmark of turrets, steep roofs, and narrow windows. The hotel took its name from Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac, the French governor who ruled New France in the 17th century.
The hotel rose on a high bank above the St. Lawrence River. That perch makes it visible from many parts of the city, and it reads like a storybook castle on the skyline.
A place with history
Château Frontenac is more than a hotel. Its walls have witnessed major moments. During the Second World War, it hosted meetings between U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt and British prime minister Winston Churchill, where they discussed plans to fight fascism and the future of Europe.
Cinema also found its way here. In 1952, legendary director Alfred Hitchcock chose Château Frontenac for his film I Confess.
Over the decades, the hotel has welcomed many renowned guests, including King George VI of the United Kingdom and Queen Elizabeth, who stayed here in 1939 during a visit to Canada.
Where it stands today
In 2014, Château Frontenac underwent a full restoration. The renovation cost $75 million. Inside, the spaces became thoroughly modern, while the exterior kept its handsome 'castle' silhouette. Today the hotel offers 610 comfortable rooms, several restaurants (including Champlain and Bistro Le Sam), a spa, and generous event halls.
Despite all the updates, it still looks every bit the historic castle. Many consider it one of the most photographed hotels in the world—and with good reason.
Worth knowing even if you never visit
Even if a trip to Canada isn’t on the calendar, the story of Château Frontenac remains compelling. It’s not just a building but part of the history of the city and the country. The hotel has become a symbol of Québec and continues to shape its image.
Château Frontenac is a reminder that architecture is not only walls and a roof, but also the spirit of an era, its events, and its people. It has stood in its place for more than 130 years and continues to surprise and inspire.