Chateau Frontenac Castle in Quebec, Canada – description, photo, price

You can see the castle not only in pictures, or climbing inaccessible peaks. One of the most famous castles – Chateau Frontenac is located in Quebec (Canada). Its silhouette, so proudly soaring over a small town, has become one of the most recognizable silhouettes of buildings in the whole world. Restrained beauty and grandeur are the qualities that are inherent in this amazing castle hotel.

In the heart of Quebec, or rather, on Cape Diamant, there is one of the most famous hotels in the world – Château Frontenac. It is located very close to the famous Quebec fortress, thanks to which this place is known as the only city in North America that has preserved the ensemble of its defensive structures.

On one side of this military building, the castle offers breathtaking and peaceful views of the St. Lawrence River and the city itself, which so carefully guarded its history. Today, the castle is a visiting card of Quebec, the pride of all its inhabitants, and also as one of the most desirable hotels in the world.

History of the castle

Looking at the brick-red walls of the structure, looking up and at the green roof, all dotted with large and small spiers, it seems as if you are in the Middle Ages. As if the hooves of the horses are about to rattle, which are taking eminent guests to a magnificent ball, and the castle itself will be painted with the alluring flame of candles. However, the history of Frontenac Castle is not so ancient.

Initially, in its place was a residence for the colonial rulers (in the 1620s). However, it did not exist for so long, and its appearance was incomparable with the current castle. A little later, at the end of the 18th century, Chateau Haldimand was built in its place, which also did not exist for a long time (it was demolished as soon as the building was over 100 years old).

Already then, in 1894, Chateau Frontenac was erected on the site of the long-suffering residences, which was destined to become not only popular among visitors, but also a very famous hotel all over the world.

It owes its origin to the Canadian Pacific Railway. The company hired renowned New York architect Bruce Price. He was already familiar with the architecture of Quebec: some time ago he worked on the building of the railway station. The future hotel reflected modern trends in architecture – hence its unusual and so majestic appearance. It received its name in honor of Louis de Buade (Count of Frontenac), a man who is known to posterity as the founding father of Canada.

The company that built the hotel intended it to be part of a series of Canadian hotels located along the railroad track, so that wealthy tourists traveling in this way would stay at it. The idea was a success – immediately after the opening, Frontenac Castle became one of the most visited places in Canada. Today, people from all over the world flock to Quebec to take pictures of this unique hotel.

This is not surprising, because every detail is made with amazing elegance and luxury. Here you can find majestic fireplaces, openwork staircases, snow-white curtains and unique lamps. Most of the interior details are made of marble, due to which the decoration of the castle acquires a special shine.

In 1925, a central tower, 20 stories high, was added to the castle. It has become not only the highest part of the chateau, but also a favorite place for many famous personalities who have been visitors to this hotel at different times. It is thanks to this iconic tower that the silhouette of Château Frontenac is recognizable among people from all over the world.

Interesting facts about Château Frontenac

When you first get to Quebec, you can already see the silhouette of this wonderful castle-hotel from afar. Looming against the background of a bright blue or vice versa gray sky, it strikes with its grandeur and it seems as if it is the tallest building in all the surroundings.

However, this is nothing more than a brilliant idea of ​​an architect who decided to build a castle on top of a small rock, which makes it visually look much higher and larger than it actually is. In the city itself, there are also taller buildings, but it was this decision that helped create the famous silhouette of the chateau, which residents of the city print with such pleasure on their stamps.

Eminent guests of the castle

The castle hotel owes its popularity not only to its royal decoration, but also to the constant public, which stops here as needed. During its short history, Château Frontenac has seen many politicians and figures in the arts.

The most famous among the visitors to this extraordinary place are Queen Elizabeth, Alfred Hitchcock, Ronald Reagan. In 1943-44, Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt stopped in the central tower of the castle, who at that time held a number of military conferences.

Feel like a king

If the decoration of their rooms is not enough for the hotel guests, the owners have provided an opportunity to make their visitors feel like royalty. Not without reason, the hotel services separately offer guided tours dressed in costumes from the 19th century, as well as walks with real, well-trained guide dogs.

Record holder among hotels

Today, Château Frontenac is not only one of the most unusual tourist destinations on the planet, but also holds a Guinness World Record as the most photographed hotel in the world. Looking at this huge towering over the old city, indeed, one cannot resist the desire to quickly photograph it from all possible angles. Therefore, it is not surprising that it amazes not only its guests, but also all tourists who are lucky enough to be at its foot.

Looking at Chateau Frontenac, it is impossible not to notice how fair the love of the city's residents for this attraction is. No wonder they call this place the “pearl” of Quebec. Being in the very heart of the old city, it not only reminds its residents and tourists of ancient history, but like a stone giant, it watches over the tranquility of its native land, casting the shadow of its majestic spiers far around.

Canada is famous for another castle – “Hatley”, with its beautiful gardens and bewitching atmosphere of the Middle Ages.