It was a childhood dream of a little Canadian prairie girl to one day stay in the castle in Quebec City, the Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac where surely princesses hide away in the turrets high on the hill.
Recently rated one of the world’s 10 most iconic hotels by CondΓ© Nast Traveler the postcard images of the magical building have always stayed with me. It would take four decades before this princess had her wish granted and Prince Charming and I walked through the doors of this grand hotel.
Widely accepted to be one of the most photographed hotels in the world, the Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac sits stoically within the walls of Old Quebec gazing out at the St. Lawrence River. We will admit it seems impossible to stop taking images of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
No matter the angle, the castle like architecture begs for just one more capture. On more than one occasion my open mouth gaping and gawking caused me to run into a similarly amazed tourist. After much apologizing on both sides (it is Canada after all), it was back to capturing the majesty of the fairy tale come true before my eyes.
History of the Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac
Opened in 1893, the ChΓ’teau Frontenac was one of a series of hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). Promoting tourism, the CPR hoped to appeal to wealthy tourists with this Quebec castle and the similarly designed Banff Springs Hotel, as well as the emerald gem of Chateau Lake Louise.
Named after Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac, who governed the colony named New France in the late 1600’s, the hotel stands near the national historic Citadel. TheΒ star shaped fortification,Β built by the British to protect Quebec City in the 1800’s, standing guard over what was then Canada’s main port.
In 1943, the Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac’s served as the meeting place of Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt as they discussed strategies of World War II. The hotel also provided the backdrop for the filming of Alfred Hitchcock’s film ‘I Confess’.
What is special about staying at ChΓ’teau Frontenac?
To be frank, the question might be what isn’t special about spending time in this five star world class hotel. The standard is exemplary service and every square inch of the hotel glistens under elegant lighting as if magic polishing elves swoop down at the site of a fingerprint.
Forty years in the waiting, the little girl in me was not disappointed. Although I did not see Rapunzel at any point during our stay nor was I offered a tiara. Maybe next time.
Located in the heart of Old Quebec
Located within the walls of Old Quebec, Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac is central to European style cobblestone streets lined with shops, galleries and restaurants. Sitting high on a hill, good walking shoes are recommended for exploring all the area has to offer.
For those who prefer less exercise the Old Quebec Funicular provides transport from the Dufferin Terrace of the hotel down to Petit Champlain district below. More impressive perhaps is that you can ride it back up. At the time of writing the cost was $2.25 for a one way trip.
Where should we eat?
The hotel offers a wide variety of dining options but I will admit the 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar shown above became a beacon for Prince Charming and myself. After full days ofΒ wandering hilly streets and city walls we collapsed in one of the coolest bars we have seen in our travels.
With windows looking out toward the St Lawrence River, we settled near the fireplace on a chilly Quebec evening and melted into chairs more comfortable than ours in our own home. They said no to our request to take them home as souvenirs. Go figure.
It will come as no surprise to you that in ChΓ’teau Frontenac the chefs prepare food as though royalty have arrived. Possibly they have. At any rate nothing but top marks for the food. For other dining options click here.
I just want to relax!
For those who would prefer less time exploring and more time rejuvenating, the health club and spa await at the Frontenac. There is also a shallow pool for the wee ones. Although it has been many moons since our children were little I can’t help but smile when I see one of those family friendly spots.
I spent many hours sitting at the edge of such pools and know what a bonus a wading pool can be in a hotel stay. I told Prince Charming he absolutely could not go in there.
Adventure at Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac ?
As we continued our how-many-tourists-can-you-run-over-while-taking-photos-tour, we came across a structure that caused me to squeal with delight and had us planning a return trip in winter.
Can you guess what it is?
This snow slide has been in operationΒ well over 100 yearsΒ on the Dufferin Terrace at Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac. Over 250 meters (800 feet) long this is a toboggan ride not to be missed. I’m not a big fan of snow and ice but for some things this princess will make an exception!
Sweet surprise at ChΓ’teau Frontenac
At breakfast one morning, after being served my piping hot latte (the waiter remembered I liked lattes from the previous day), a little jar on our table caught my eye.
With my recent article on bee keeping and now keen interest on the matter, I practically tackled the waiter.
Waving the tiny jar maniacally toward him with my eyes popped wide as though hidden treasure was at hand I queried in a bit too loud a voice, ” You make your own honey?”
My smiling waiter, although I could guess a bit taken aback by my enthusiasm over the little golden container calmly replied, ” Oh yes we have hives in the garden on the fifth floor. You can go to have a look out the window but only the executive chef can go out to the hives.”
As fast as I could gulp the last of my delicious croissant, I grabbed Prince Charming from his newspaper and we were off to see the bees. Once arrived, with the kind guidance of staff, we looked out at the quiet little beekeeping production.
Not written in a brochure or jumping out from the website, the Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac was in the business of bees for high quality food for their guests and promoting the bee population, not because it was a marketing ploy. In fact had if I not spotted the name ‘Rooftop Honey’ on the jar I never would have known. Somehow that just made my stay all the more special.
How Much Does It Cost?
You may be thinking well that is all fabulous but I could never afford to stay in one of the world’s best hotels. As I was writing this review I decided to check the current room rates so no reader would have a heart attack upon seeing for themselves.
I randomly chose dates next month, one on a weekday and one on a weekend and had to blink to make sure I was seeing straight at the pleasant surprise. I recently booked the least expensive hotel room in a small Canadian prairie town. For $20 dollars more I could stay in the least expensive hotel room at ChΓ’teau Frontenac. You can try for yourself here. Apparently dreams really can come true and not just for princesses.
Do you have a long standing travel dream location?
To learn more about Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac visit the website here
For those of you on Pinterest a souvenir to keep from our travels.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502432902157744710/
Disclaimer :Β We were guests of Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac but as always all princess dreams and opinions are my own.
Impressive! And how lucky they were that a princess such as yourself would grace them with your presence π
You make me smile Vanessa. I certainly felt like a princess there but refrained from wearing my glass slippers. Not great for all the exploring to be done. π
Very nice pictures of Quebec City…such a lovely town. (Suzanne)
Thank you Suzanne. It really is such a beautiful city!
i love fairmount hotels,fullstop! loved the review, Sue, and feel obliged to add the Frontenac to the list (having stayed at the Chateau lake louise and Banff many years ago- well, it would be rude not to. the rooftop bee hives have certainly given it an edge.
lovely pictures, as ever, and by the sound of it you survived the selfie sticks!!
anne
I think it would be great fun to see if we could tick all of the Fairmont properties off the list across the country. Sounds like you have a great start! I am chuckling at the selfie stick comment. That is quite the phenomenon.
Your fabulous photos made me want to go there now… What a treat to stay at the Fairmont le Chateau! π
Amy for you just having stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs you will be very familiar with the grand style and over the top service. Definitely a treat to stay!
Wow, what a place! Your review and images have me wanting to hop on a plane and go there now!!
Thank you for the kind words Sue. Imagine all the wonderful photos you could take!
Hmm, I was thinking we’d make a trip to Montreal soon. I’d love to go there. But now I’m thinking Quebec City might be the way to go. Or maybe I’ll just need to do both…
What a gorgeous hotel. Thanks for sharing it!
Carrie I think you shall have to so as we did, visit both. Either a short flight but also access by train or bus. So happy to be able to share the Chateau Frontenac with you.
Wow! What a beautiful place! So cool that they make their own honey! (I know, I’m going crazy with the exclamation marks) The price is definitely right and the palace really is a palace. I’m sorry they didn’t offer you a tiara, maybe next time.
I love exclamation marks Donna Jean and use them a great deal in my own comments. π Isn’t the honey just the icing on the cake so to speak? Perhaps next time I shall have to bring my own tiara. π
Unfortunately I don’t have one dream stay, Sue, but several. Time to start prioritising I guess. Not so much a hotel though- the Venice Simplon train, and something wending its way through the Swiss Alps (or even across Canada) are more my thing. Save the poor old legs and get the view to come to me. I continue to dream π π
Those both sound like wonderful trips Jo. With all of the walking you do I would say a restful journey would be well deserved!
Wonderful post, Sue. I spent one early morning photographing this beautiful hotel from a distance. Never got inside. It’s looks to be as spectacular from the inside as out π Love the rooftop honey!
Wendy I wish I could say I was energetic enough to have leapt out of bed at dawn to go exploring. Definitely the inside is similarly jaw dropping. The discovery of the bee keeping just put me over the moon about the place. Thanks so much.
A really gorgeous hotel, both inside and out. That lobby is out of this world. How amazing that they have their own bee hives and honey. Now I’m wondering why Prince Charming wasn’t allowed into the pool. Great review, Sue. Makes me want to get on the next plane to Quebec. π
Sylvia you would not be disappointed in a trip to Quebec City. Old Quebec is like a little Europe. Just magical.As for the Chateau well it’s just magical. I agree the bee hives are purely fabulous!
I wouldn’t let Prince Charming go in the kiddie’s pool which is actually in the distance in the photo. π
This would definitely go on my castles to visit wish list! Thank you for this wonderful post.
You are most welcome! I hope you get to visit this castle of Quebec City one day soon.
I sure hope so!
Fingers crossed!
Good post Sue. We were there last winter the same weekend when we did our stay at the Ice-Hotel. It really is a beautiful and very imposing structure. I did not know about the honey though.
The Chateau Montebello is part of the chain too – another one to add to the list if you’ve never been. It’s one of the largest log structures in the world.
Norm thanks so much for telling me about Chateau Monebello. http://www.fairmont.com/montebello/ I have added the link in case others would like to have a look as well. Wow it looks amazing as well.
Now the ice hotel I’m not sure I am too keen on. π
can easily imagine a princess held captive in such a Disney style castle !
I am with you Duncan. No matter how many times I looked at the windows I still expected to see Rapunzel’s hair cascading down. π
My Dream Travel is to Place Myself In a Vat of Great Tasting Craft Beer with Chocolates Coming to Me at My Beck and Call in Belgium and then swing by Germany to repeat – ha!
What an AMAZING Place to Stay and Have a Wonderful Experience! I want to get on a plane and go there.
Happy Weekend – Enjoy π
Renee that made me laugh out loud. Quite the travel dream. Yes I think you should get on a plane straight away and be sure to swing by Western Canada too. π
You my dear already have a tiara! Cause you are royalty in my eyes! Hello my friend… long time no read! HA HA HA I am back to bloggyville and have so much catching up to do! Looks like this place is fabulous from your review… but the clincher for me were the bee hives and their own honey! HOW COOL IS THAT??? Will stop back soon and try to get caught up with you… hugs to you! Nancy
What a lovely surprise to find you here! I am chuckling away at your kind words. I will be sure to let Dave know that I am royalty. π
Quebec City is my favorite city in both Canada and the U.S., Sue. Diana and I have been there several times, though always on an RV trip. We’ve been in the lobby of Chateau Frontenac; it is outstanding! I’m so glad to see it is as wonderful as it appears, as detailed in your post. π
Wow your favourite city in two countries! It is such a unique place with such a European feel. Yes the Frontenac is outstanding, inside and out. π
By no means an unbiased opinion, but QuΓ©bec City and MontrΓ©al truly are wonderful Canadian Cities. So glad your dream to visit came true. Sue, make sure your return escapade to the city falls during the ‘QuΓ©bec Winter Carnaval’. One of our favorite activity is the night parade in ‘Uppertown’, then there’s the pancake breakfast sponsored by the Calgary Stampede…really, you’ll want to attend all the merry making of the festival. Here’s our take on this great event. http://whitepostcards.com/2015/02/12/quebec-carnival-the-winter-event-of-north-america/ – Ginette
Oh that looks marvellous! Wonderful to see the familiar sights with snow in the backdrop. Yes I think we shall have to return for the Ice Carnival one year.
QuΓ©bec City never disappoints, any time of the year!
I was just responding to Joanne and she was advising it is quite cold in winter. We are quite used to cold winters ourselves but I suppose the humidity makes a difference with the river nearby?
What an absolutely gorgeous place. How could one not feel like royalty! I think that’s wonderful about their own bees and honey. Thanks for sharing this, Sue! π
Thank you Linda. It is a special stay to be sure and one we will remember for a very long time. The bees just made my stay all the better!
Beautiful pictures Sue, and so nice to read about a city I know so well. One surprise though … I did not know the Chateau has their own bees. I learn something new everyday π
Glad I could bring you at least one piece of information Joanne. Have you ever done the toboggan slide?
No I haven’t … although when the boys were very young, we once went sliding on one of the hills on the Plains of Abraham.
That tobaggan slide does look like something I would love to try … but I try to avoid QC in winter. COLD!
Well I guess if your city has an Ice Hotel it definitely needs to stay frigid. If you do go when the sledding is open take a run for me. π
Will do … and likewise π
Absolutely. π
Must be absolutely magnificent!
I love how you describe the place , the hotel , your dreams….
I feel like being in Quebec ( already in my bucket list ) at this grandiose hotel!
You are so kind! We definitely recommend a trip to Quebec City and you just must stay at the Fairmont Frontenac. π
Magnificent! Thanks for sharing the glory!
My pleasure!
That made me smile. Yes a bit past Drumheller would be good for a whole Canadian experience. π
π
This chΓ’teau certainly is fit for those who like to feel as if they are in a fairytale. It really looks like a Disney-like castle from the outside. Very colourful too, and I guess that adds to the fairy-like appeal. You and honey, Sue. I am sure that home-made honey was delectably sweet. Maybe you took home a small can with you π
I don’t know what I was thinking but in my excitement to go see the bees I forgot to take the little jar of sweetness with me!
…and the hotel staff didn’t even offer to sell one to you. They really didn’t want it to be widely known that they make their own honey π
Definitely a very quiet and happy little bee keeping spot Mabel. I just adored that discovery.
What a lovely place! I can’t keep track of all these wonderful places. When are you going to publish a book or ebook? π
Well I guess one never know Helen. For now the blog seems to keep me plenty busy. π
Rooftop honey! That is SO cool! I’m a big fan of bees, both because they produce honey and because they pollinate my veggie garden, so I love it that the hotel hosts bees as well as humans. The whole hotel sounds wonderful, and the wine and cheese bar sounds yummy. But dang, I guess next time it’s BYOTiara! π
I knew I forgot to pack something Diane. π It’s funny how something can just make a hotel stand out, as if the whole castle thing wasn’t enough already. I love the inclusion of the bees but maybe even more so I love that it wasn’t used in the marketing , or at least not obviously to me.
A perfect place for a princess for sure.. I am impressed they even have their own bees π
Isn’t that great Indah? Yes fit for a princess to be sure.
I have stayed their just once, but it was just as enjoyable, and as magical as you describe.
So glad to hear you had a wonderful stay too Charlie!
You’ve described one of my favourite cities – summer and winter – so delightfully and if at all possible the Chateau perfects any stay there. Great post!
That is so kind of you! I have only been to Quebec City twice but it is such a special spot. Hopefully we can return soon!
In case you haven’t been, there is the charming Isle D’Orleans just offshore and if you get back you should try and visit. It has the most amazing view back towards the cliffs of Quebec City.
Oh that sounds remarkable! We will definitely check it out next time. Thank you!
Oh how delightfully glorious the Fairmont looks, Sue! You really got me dreaming about visiting this area with your wonderful, inviting, and comprehensive post. Thanks so very much. π
Jet it really is as though one got off in a plane in Canada and walked into Europe. So much history and architecture to explore. I really appreciate your kind words.
Love the photos as usual Sue and good work spotting the honey! I love all that food stuff! Glad your fairytale came true π
Lovely to find you here April. I was delighted to find out about the resident bees and the chefs using the honey. I can understand you would like that very much. π
Stunning Sue! What a beautiful place to stay. Dreamy!
It really was a dream come true to stay at the Fairmont Frontenac. Now where is my tiara? π
Ha Ha! Love this. I would love to check it out someday too! π
I definitely recommend it Nicole. Imagine the photos you would take!
And they make their own honey too, that is some amazing hotel. Lovely post Sue, it really is a castle fit for a princess.
Maybe they would let us slide down the banisters! I could tell them you just rocked a marathon. π
Wow! that post made me want to pack my Tiara Immediately! And seeing the bees, what a delightful surprise.
I am smiling so much at your comment. I had never thought to bring my own tiara! π
It is a truly beautiful building, and so famous even I recognized it when I saw the photograph! Are people actually to walk on that beautifully polished floor? I can’t help feeling guests are expected to hover six inches above it. My goodness, it really is immaculate.
It must be the polishing elves. It seems the only logical explanation for such a spotless place. π
Looks incredible! Out of a fairy tale indeed!
Thank you. I couldn’t agree more!
I have just returned from the interior of BC to see you are pursuing the “Girls” in far flung places. It is a great practise for the Fairmont hotels to demonstrate that bees can be raised in the most urban of environments. This timely article also reminds me that I have yet to visit Quebec so now we will have a very regal castle to visit. Thanks for the posting.
Allan when I saw that little jar of honey I thought of your beekeeping operation immediately! They even have the hives painted with scenes? Do I sound enthusiastic enough? π
I think it would be a lovely getaway for you and your special girl. Agreed the Fairmont is doing a great thing.
OH MY GOSH! WHAT A CRAZY beautiful place!!!! Love it….and all the other pics…..Quebec looks amazing!
It was a fabulous spot to stay and yes Quebec is remarkable. Thank you!
Well. That’s a bit swishy. I was kind of hoping it was going to be one of those “You won’t believe this is a Youth Hostel” type posts but nevermind. π
You make me laugh. Nope sorry to disappoint. π
By the way I’m thinking you must be almost ready to head out on your adventure? I will be thinking of you!
Four more sleeps. Yikes!
Thanks, Sue. π
Safe and happy travels my friend. Can’t wait to read about it!
Oh, and Happy Birthday!
Thank you. So great to be 24. π
This is breathtaking!! What a beautiful place!! β€οΈ
Almost forgot; HAPPY BIRTHDAY! β¨??β¨?
Thank you! π
Fairmont Frontenac really is a Canadian jaw dropper. π
HL = huge like, of course… vive le QuΓ©bec! π et bon anniversaire! <3
Thank you!!
Wow- that is a really cool hotel. How did you restrain yourself from running madly up and down the halls in order to see it all? I would be right with you, walking around with my mouth hanging open while running into other random gawkers. I do think you should have gotten a tiara tho.
Maybe the tiara is part of the loyalty program. π I did my best to behave but yes much open mouthed gawking.
that is superb π
Thank you Joshi!
It’s huge! It’s stunning and luxurious. What a wonderful dream come true. Thanks for taking me on a tour of this fabulous castle Sue.
I am beginning to think that Canada has the most beautiful hotels! I may have to visit again:)
I think that is an excellent idea!
What an incredible hotel. If I ever visit Quebec I’m going to stay there!!
I obviously was enthralled with the Fairmont Frontenac. Yes do go and enjoy!
Susan I am away right now and on my phone. For the life of me I can’t comment on your blog. However I have to tell you that when I read about your time in the markets of Vietnam and you found out that suckling pig was actually the back end of a dog…!!! Well throw in a live toad and let’s call it dinner. Yikes!!
Wow! Looks amazing Sue, like you say from every angle easy on the eyes. Dream on for me.
It is a beautiful spot to be sure. Hard to stop gazing at it!
I’m a beekeeper too and just returned from a stay at ChΓ’teau Frontenac! I wish I had known about this sooner : ) I will return though and I’m very excited to see this! Thanks!
Oh yes do ask the next time you are there! If I hadn’t noticed the honey at breakfast I never would have known. That seemed to make it all the more special that it wasn’t a publicity ploy. Best wishes to you and your bees!