The Château Frontenac’s Untold Stories

It’s impossible to think of Québec City without picturing the Château Frontenac. Perched high above the St. Lawrence River, its copper roof and castle-like towers have made it the most photographed hotel in the world. But behind the postcard views lies a history full of fascinating and little-known stories.

A Hotel Built to Impress

The Château Frontenac opened in 1893, commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Its goal was simple: to impress wealthy travelers crossing Canada by rail and sea. With turrets, grand halls, and river views, it quickly became a symbol of luxury—and of Québec itself.

A Stage for World Leaders

During World War II, the Château Frontenac became more than a hotel. In 1943 and 1944, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and William Lyon Mackenzie King met here to plan key Allied strategies, including the D-Day invasion. These “Québec Conferences” turned the hotel into a stage where the future of the world was discussed.

Ghostly Whispers in the Halls

Like many historic places, the Château Frontenac has its share of legends. Some say the ghost of Governor Louis de Buade de Frontenac—the man the hotel was named after—still roams its corridors, searching for the woman he once loved. Whether you believe in spirits or not, it adds to the aura of mystery that surrounds the hotel.

A Favorite of Celebrities

Over the decades, the Château has welcomed countless famous guests: Alfred Hitchcock, who filmed scenes of I Confess here in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II, and even Celine Dion. Each visit has added another layer to the hotel’s reputation as a meeting point of culture, politics, and glamour.

More Than Just a Hotel

Today, the Château Frontenac is more than a place to stay—it’s a living monument to Québec’s history. Whether you step inside for a guided tour, enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants, or simply admire its towers from Dufferin Terrace, the hotel connects past and present in a way few landmarks can.

Discover It Yourself

Walking through Old Québec, the Château Frontenac is impossible to miss. But to truly appreciate its stories—both famous and hidden—consider joining a guided tour. At Urban Horizons, we love to share the tales that bring this extraordinary landmark to life.

The Chateau Frontenac