Château Frontenac in Quebec City, a historic monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Construction of the château began in 1892. The plans were drawn up by American architect Bruce Price, a New York artist who designed the majestic Windsor Station in Montreal. The architect's project included a luxury hotel with architecture reminiscent of French châteaux. He says he was inspired by the shape of a horseshoe. The château is named in honour of Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac and twice Governor of New France. History has it that he brilliantly defended the colony against outside attacks for several years.

The original project was built by the architect with a view to being extended. In fact, extensions were built on either side of the château in 1897, 1908, 1920 and 1990. The Château de Frontenac was financed by the Canadian Pacific Railway. At the time, Canadian railway companies were building numerous hotel complexes. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. The Premier of Quebec, Maurice Duplessis, lived at Château de Frontenac for several years during his terms of office. Today, the luxury hotel is managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. The building has UNESCO heritage status.

The Château Frontenac consists of 5 wings and a central tower. The central tower was not built until 1925. The building has 5 wings: Citadelle, Riverview, Mont-Carmel, Saint-Louis and Claude-Pratte. The building's copper roofs slope steeply, giving it a majestic appearance. The château is built of stone and brick, which explains its pretty orange colour. The hotel has 18 floors and a total of 611 rooms.

Sleep at the Fairmont luxury hotel

The château's rooms are breathtaking. Spending a night in this historic monument at the top of Quebec City is an incredible experience. Depending on your budget, there are a number of room categories. The first start at €160 per night.

The Champlain restaurant

In the restaurant of this historic château, resident chef Hugo Coudurier cooks up regional dishes, harmoniously blended with the latest culinary trends. Discover the menu on theChamplain restaurant website. On Sundays, enjoy brunch with a buffet of local delicacies for $69 per person. Viennese pastries, seafood and local cheeses are all on the menu.

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 9pm and Sunday, 10am to 1pm.

There's something for everyone, as the hotel has 3 restaurants:

• The Champlain restaurant ;
• The Place Dufferin restaurant;
• Le SAM bistro.

Drink a cocktail in the hushed decor of the Château Frontenac

The 1608 bar invites you to sample the luxury of the Château Frontenac in cocktails as sophisticated as they are delicious. This magnificent cocktail bar offers a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River in a sober, opulent setting. We recommend you try the "Operation Neptune" cocktail, a powerful, elegant and smoky combination.

Dufferin Terraces: the château's belvedere

Built in 1838 and extended in 1854, the Dufferin Terraces are a belvedere adjoining the Château Frontenac, named in honour of Lord Dufferin, Governor of Canada. This long wooden walkway runs along Cap Diamant and offers panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and Île d'Orléans, the first island to be colonised by Europeans. These terraces are a popular place to observe the Château Frontenac and enjoy the view. Many locals also do sport here: running, rollerblading and cycling.

Swimming pool and spa for a relaxing stay

The Château Frontenac has a wellness centre. Steam baths, swimming pools and jacuzzis are available from 7am to 9pm. The gym is open 24 hours a day for hotel members. The spa offers quality treatments in a historic setting. There's something for everyone, from massages and facials to pedicures and manicures.

Discover the Château Frontenac spa.

The château is the landmark of Quebec City. You can simply stroll along the Dufferin terraces without entering the castle.