The Château Frontenac (full name Fairmont Le Château Frontenac) is one of the most iconic buildings in all of Canada. It is the most spectacular historic hotel in Quebec City and is located in the historic Upper Town of Old Quebec. Visiting the Château Frontenac is an essential part of any weekend itinerary of Quebec City.

While there is little history to many of the North American cities (many are only around 150 years old), Quebec City is one of the oldest and most rewarding in North America. Quebec City is worth anyone's time and a worthy part of any Canadian trip and has a history central to the development of modern Canada.

A prestigious member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac opened its doors in 1893. This Châteauesque-styled building boasts 18 floors and is one of the first completed grand Canadian railway hotels. It was designed by Bruce Price and was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway company. It is now designated as a National Historic Site of Canada and has been expanded on three occasions (last happening in 1993).

The architectural style used throughout the hotel served as a template for other Canadian grand railway hotels built in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The central fortress-like tower design was inspired by the medieval chateaus found throughout France's Loire Valley.

This heritage resort seduces visitors from around the world with its breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the UNESCO-listed architecture of the Old fortified City. One fun fact from the history of Old Quebec city is that the Americans have tried unsuccessfully several times to invade what is today Canada. In 1774 the Continental army attacked Quebec City leading to one of their first defeats against the British.

Today, Château Frontenac offers 610 guestrooms and suites to the weary traveler and rewards them with an elegant touch of historic Europe. It is a luxury hotel and one can expect the very best of French Canadian hospitality and service here.

The Château Frontenac has been the accommodation of choice for many famous people while visiting the beautiful city of Quebec. Its guests include Queen Elizabeth II, Céline Dion, Princess Grace of Monaco, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul McCartney, Charlie Chaplin, and others.

For Alfred Hitchcock fans out there, it was also the filming location of the 1953 film I Confess - starring Montgomery Clift and Anne Baxter. George Jessop was the then manager of the hotel and plays himself in the film.

Anyone can come inside and admire the recently renovated lobby together with historical artifacts going back 400 years. To learn more about this castle, consider their guided tours of the grand hotel.

The hotel offers professional guided tours of the Château. On these tours, one can really discover the history of the Grand hotel and gain a new appreciation for the most iconic hotel in Quebec City. One will discover the famous people and historical events that have shaped the identity of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac over the years, as well as the architectural developments and renovations that it has undergone in recent years.

If one does not stay at the grand hotel, then at least take a tour of it and see why this is the most iconic building in Canada as well as a reminder of the glory days of the Canadian railways.

Discover the fascinating history of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and book your stay!

Read the full article from The Travel online here.

About Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Washington DC based Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 360 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognizes authentic cultural treasures that demonstrate exemplary historic preservation and their inspired architecture, cultural traditions, and authentic cuisine. Historic Hotels Worldwide along with Historic Hotels of America are official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (United States of America).