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Château Frontenac

Québec, Canada

FairmontVerified by our editorial board
Château Frontenac
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Château Frontenac
Photo: Wilfredor, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Château Frontenac
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Château Frontenac
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Château Frontenac
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Château Frontenac in photos · Wilfredor (CC BY-SA 4.0); Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0); Wilfredor (CC0); Quintin Soloviev (CC BY 4.0). This post is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a historic luxury hotel in Quebec City's Old Town, opened in 1893 and designed by architect Bruce Price in the Château style. Built by Canadian Pacific Railway and now managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, it sits atop a promontory overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. The hotel's iconic architecture and prominent location have made it one of the world's most photographed hotels.

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Location and setting

The Château Frontenac occupies a commanding position on rue des Carrières at the eastern edge of Old Quebec's Upper Town, built on a raised promontory that projects into the Saint Lawrence River. The setting places guests within walking distance of major historic landmarks: the Ursulines Monastery to the northwest, the Plains of Abraham and Citadelle of Quebec to the south, and the Terrasse Dufferin, a public terrace that wraps around the hotel with views across the river to Lower Town.

The hotel's location within the historic district of Old Quebec, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, means guests are surrounded by 17th- and 18th-century architecture and heritage sites that define the city's character.

Rooms and suites

The hotel contains 610 rooms and suites across its 18 floors. Guest accommodations blend historic charm with modern comfort, combining contemporary furnishings with period architectural details. Room types range from standard Fairmont rooms with king or double beds to Deluxe options with courtyard or river views, Fairmont Or suites with access to a private lounge on the 14th floor, and larger Signature suites suited to families or extended stays.

Eight executive suites are individually themed in honour of world leaders and notable guests who have stayed at the hotel, including named suites dedicated to Canadian Prime Ministers, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, former French President Charles de Gaulle, and former Queen Elizabeth II.

Dining

The hotel operates four restaurants and bars where guests can dine with views of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Quebec. Local cuisine and cocktails are featured throughout the dining venues.

Spa, pools and facilities

Guest amenities include a spa offering revitalizing treatments, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Business facilities and meeting spaces are available for conferences and private events. The hotel also provides personalized service and concierge support to ensure guest comfort throughout their stay.

Who it suits

The Château Frontenac appeals to heritage and history travelers who value proximity to Old Quebec and iconic Canadian landmarks. Its size and facilities also accommodate families, business travelers, and guests attending conferences or celebrations seeking luxury accommodation within a historic setting.

History and architecture

Opened in 1893, the Château Frontenac was designed by New York architect Bruce Price and built by Canadian Pacific Railway as one of Canada's grand railway hotels. The hotel features a distinctive central tower, steeply pitched roofs, circular turrets, ornate gables, and a grey stone ashlar exterior combined with steel framing and Glenboig brick.

The building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. It underwent major expansions in 1908–09 and 1920–24 under architect William Sutherland Maxwell, and again in 1993 under architect Robert LaPierre. The hotel's 80-metre height, combined with its elevated ground position, creates a prominent silhouette that remains iconic in Quebec City's skyline.

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Editorial verification: Château Frontenac is affiliated with Fairmont; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Château Frontenac located?

The hotel is located on rue des Carrières in Old Quebec's Upper Town, within a UNESCO World Heritage site, with views of the Saint Lawrence River and surrounded by historic landmarks including the Plains of Abraham and Citadelle of Quebec.

What brand operates the Château Frontenac?

The Château Frontenac is managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

How many rooms does the Château Frontenac have?

The hotel has 610 rooms and suites spread across 18 floors.

What types of rooms are available?

Room types include Fairmont rooms with king or double beds, Deluxe rooms with city or river views, Fairmont Or suites with private lounge access, and Signature suites designed for families or longer stays.

Does the hotel have dining options?

Yes, the hotel operates four restaurants and bars featuring local cuisine and cocktails with views of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Quebec.

What facilities does the hotel offer?

The Château Frontenac includes a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, business facilities, meeting spaces, and concierge services.

When was the Château Frontenac built?

The hotel opened in 1893, designed by architect Bruce Price in the Château style. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981 and has undergone major renovations and expansions, with the most recent expansion completed in 1993.

Is Château Frontenac a luxury hotel?

Château Frontenac is affiliated with Fairmont; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.

Where is Château Frontenac?

Château Frontenac is in Québec, Canada. Address: Rue des Carrières 1, Vieux-Québec, Québec, Quebec, G1R 4P5, Canada.

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Hotel facts

LocationQuébec, Canada
AddressRue des Carrières 1, Vieux-Québec, Québec, Quebec, G1R 4P5, Canada
Brand / allianceFairmont
Official websitefairmont.com
Area guideVieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–Colline-Parlementaire luxury hotels
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Sources: fairmont.com/fr/hotels/quebec-city/fairmont-le-chateau-frontenac.html · en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_Frontenac

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hotel data: Wikidata (CC0), OpenStreetMap (ODbL), official websites.