Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Québec City, Québec, Canada

Quebec City

Perched within the fortified walls of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the château commands an enviable position atop Cape Diamond overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River. The hotel sits steps from the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Citadelle fortress, and the historic Plains of Abraham, while Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City in 1608, lies just minutes away. The iconic Dufferin Terrace boardwalk runs adjacent to the property, offering sweeping river vistas and direct access to Old Québec's charming cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques, and European-inspired bistros.

"The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a living museum where history unfolds in every corridor. This is one of the rare properties where the walls themselves tell stories worth travelling across continents to experience. When you walk through the same halls as Churchill and Roosevelt, sleep in the suites where world-famous guests once stayed, and wake up to views that have inspired travellers for over 130 years, you realise you're not simply staying somewhere beautiful: you're stepping into a narrative that spans centuries."

Travel Associates

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac luxury hotel Canada

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Built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway and designed by New York architect Bruce Price in the grand Château style, this towering castle has reigned over Québec City's skyline for more than 130 years. The 18-floor, copper-roofed landmark stands 80 metres tall and is widely considered the most photographed hotel in the world. Recently refreshed through extensive renovations, the property infuses its enchanting historical character with contemporary luxury, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously timeless and refreshingly modern. The château's dramatic turrets, sweeping dormers, and distinctive green copper roofs create an instantly recognisable silhouette that has become synonymous with Québec City itself, serving as both an architectural masterpiece and living monument to Canada's gilded railway age.

Why it’s one-of-a-kind:

This National Historic Site has hosted two pivotal Quebec Conferences during World War II, where Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King plotted the Allied invasion of Europe. The hotel's storied guest list reads like a who's who of global luminaries, from Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Grace of Monaco to Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul McCartney, and Céline Dion. Alfred Hitchcock filmed much of his thriller "I Confess" here in 1953. As part of Fairmont's "Bee Sustainable" program, the château maintains four queen honeybees in rooftop hives, producing 295 kilograms of honey annually for use in the hotel's restaurants. The property stands atop ancient foundations, including the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux archaeological site that served as the official residence of French and British governors for over two centuries.

Ideal for?

Sophisticated travellers seeking an immersive historical experience wrapped in five-star luxury, couples celebrating milestone occasions against one of the world's most romantic backdrops, history enthusiasts captivated by authentic heritage properties, and those who appreciate staying in legendary hotels where world history was literally made. The château also appeals to those desiring a genuine European castle experience without crossing the Atlantic, and travellers who value impeccable service, exceptional dining, and an address that needs no introduction.

Rooms and suites:

The château offers 610 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites throughout its historic wings. Accommodations are a mix of historic charm and distinctive modern elegance, featuring luxurious sleep experiences, views of either Old Québec's architecture or the St. Lawrence River, and select rooms with windows that open to fresh river breezes. The exclusive Fairmont Gold level provides access to a private lounge on the 14th floor with complimentary breakfast and canapés, along with dedicated check-in and checkout services. Named heritage suites honour illustrious guests including the Churchill Suite, Roosevelt Suite, Charles de Gaulle Suite, Elizabeth II Suite, and the Art Deco-styled Céline Dion Heritage Suite decorated with photographs from the singer's family collection. Additional themed accommodations celebrate Alfred Hitchcock and railway magnate William Cornelius Van Horne.