Château Frontenac

Château Frontenac is a large historic hotel and landmark hotel building located in Quebec City’s Upper Town, overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The original hotel opened in 1893 as part of a series of grand railway hotels built to serve luxury travel.

Commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and designed by architect Bruce Price, the first section opened in 1893; later expansions in the early 1900s enlarged the hotel into a landmark complex. It has been continually used as a hotel and has been altered and restored at various times to serve modern hospitality needs.

Located in Old Quebec on a promontory above the Lower Town, the hotel sits adjacent to the fortified city walls and Dufferin Terrace and looks down toward the St. Lawrence River.

• Best viewpoint: Perched on the heights of Old Quebec, the terrace in front of the building is one of the best public viewpoints over the St. Lawrence River and the Lower Town.
• Origins: Originally opened in 1893 as one of a chain of railway hotels, the property was expanded in several phases in the early 20th century and remains a functioning hotel.

What to See #

• Dufferin Terrace: A broad promenade and terrace facing the St. Lawrence River that provides panoramic views across the river and of Quebec City's fortifications and skyline.
• Hotel complex: Historic hotel interiors, public lobbies and dining rooms reflecting successive expansions from the original 1893 building through early 20th century additions designed to accommodate growing tourism.