Grand Canada Railway Hotels | Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel

Towering above the St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a timeless symbol of elegance and history in the heart of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its castle-like design and copper-topped turrets, the Château is one of the most photographed hotels in the world—and a proud icon of Canadian heritage.

The hotel opened its doors in 1893 as part of Canadian Pacific Railway’s grand vision to link luxury and travel across the country. Designed by American architect Bruce Price, Le Château Frontenac was inspired by the French Renaissance castles of the Loire Valley, intended to embody romantic elegance while promoting rail tourism. It quickly became a favorite destination for affluent travelers and international dignitaries.

Over the years, the hotel saw multiple expansions that further elevated its grandeur. The central tower, completed in 1924 under architect William Sutherland Maxwell, remains one of the hotel’s most defining features. A major restoration and modernization project in 2014 preserved its historical character while upgrading interiors and guest amenities to 21st-century luxury standards.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has played a pivotal role in global history. During World War II, it was the site of the Québec Conferences in 1943 and 1944, where Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King met to plan the Allied invasion of Europe. The hotel has also hosted royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, as well as notable figures such as Charles de Gaulle and Alfred Hitchcock.

Today, the Château offers 610 refined guest rooms and suites, blending historical charm with modern comfort.