Why Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is the world’s most photographed hotel

Try to resist the historic and romantic allure of Québec City’s most famous hotel. I couldn’t.

It’s a bold claim.

Québec City’s Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac has declared itself “the most photographed hotel in the world.” Frankly, I was shocked. (Not in NYC? Singapore? Right here in Canada?) Also, I don’t know how you even prove that. But after spending a long weekend in Québec City, I can understand the spell this majestic property casts upon not only photographers, but anyone who passes by.

I actually attempted not to take pictures of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac—surely the world doesn’t need any more photos of the most photographed hotel? I failed spectacularly.

Its location, high atop Cap Diamant overlooking the Old City, commands your attention. Its design, with shining copper roofs and dramatic turrets, evokes fairy-tale romance. Whatever your Québec City itinerary, you will likely end up in its shadow, and its thrall.

Disclosure: My blog contains links from Affiliate programmes. At no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase from these links, I earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting my work and the site!

Some Canadian Hotel History

Built in 1893, Chateau Frontenac is one of Canada’s historic “Canadian Pacific Railway” hotels. The grandiose architectural projects (now mostly operated by the luxury hotel chain Fairmont) were designed to lure wealthy travellers to take a CP train trip.

These famous hotels remain a dream stay for many of us. Fairmont Banff Springs, surrounded by snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks. Toronto’s Royal York Hotel, forever associated with Queen Elizabeth II. And in Québec City, Canada’s oldest metropolis, le Chateau Frontenac.

Some of the hotel’s most famous guests include plenty of royalty: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Grace of Monaco, Lady Sarah Ferguson, with modern celebs like Céline Dion, Paul McCartney, and Steven Spielberg booking in here.

My first glimpse of the grand dame came from a sightseeing bus. The red double-decker made the turn around the provincial Parliament buildings and descended into the walled city, stopping for us to hop off at Place d’Armes. This small park is the postcard picture of Québec —Old World cobblestone streets and café terraces, a large gothic fountain and, just steps away, the massive Fairmont Chateau Frontenac.

A Castle in the City

Beauty, indeed. I’m no expert in architecture but I know that “Châteauesque” means “castle like” and it sure looked a lot like the French medieval hotel of my imagination, with towering towers, steeply pitched roofs, and spikey spires. It was blazing midsummer and yet suddenly I wished I had worn a velvet cape.

This must be what they mean when they talk about Québec City being like “going to Europe.” But it’s not Europe, it’s classic Canada.

I stood and stared for a long hot minute, watching the parade of couples, families and solo travellers angling for just the right castle shot. They all seemed pretty happy to do it. But so far, I was resisting. Could I go the whole trip without a Chateau Selfie?

I could not.

Later that night, I found myself on a boat on the St. Lawrence River. And there, looming large atop the cliff, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. As night fell, it was illuminated by floodlights like a Hollywood movie star. I thought about life here in the late 19^th century. How first-time visitors arriving by ship must have been impressed. Heck, I’ve seen the Taj Mahal and Petra and many of the world’s grandest hotels, and I was very impressed.

I thought also about how many grand buildings are kept behind gates, or otherwise inaccessible unless you are privileged to be a resident, a member, a guest. This one is right in the heart of the city. It’s a part of the experience of visiting Québec City. I probably should take a photo with it….

Someone on the boat snapped my photo with the hotel in the background. I was grateful to have it.

Even later that night, I dragged myself up Québec City’s steep Escalier Casse-Cou (“Breakneck Stairs”) from Lower to Upper Town and found myself once again at the doorway to the Chateau.

I’m a reader, so I stopped at the historical plaques and learned that a meeting in 1945 here established the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

I had heard much about another famous meeting held in this building, during World War II—the First Quebec Conference, where Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King welcomed American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British PM Winston Churchill to hash out the allied response, including the Battle of Normandy. All very important stuff. But an agency to improve nutrition and feed the world? That’s a proud Canadian Heritage moment right there.

My second photo of the Chateau Frontenac was this sign, to remember it.

Can non-guests visit Fairmont Chateau Frontenac? Yes!

So the outside is beautiful and the history is legendary but I believe a hotel’s magic is made by the staff and the way you feel when you’re inside.

Like most of the more than 4 million visitors to Québec City each year, I did not rest my head in any of the 600 rooms here. (This time!) But non-guests can get a look inside the Chateau Frontenac on an organized tour or visit the opulent lobby during certain daytime hours.

My favourite way to check out hotels is the bar. Yes, even as a sober person, because a great hotel hires great bartenders and a great bartender can craft a delicious drink with or without alcohol. I put on my best dress and sidled up to a stool at 1608 Bar, Chateau Frontenac’s elegant spot for a drink.

A drink at 1608 Bar

There is much to photograph. The St. Lawrence River through the oversized windows, a sparkling chandelier, the glow of several fireplaces. I was too busy reading the menu, my attention drawn to this note:

“Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac does not use palm oil, artificial sweeteners, azocolourants, antioxidants and paraben preservatives in any of its menus.”

This seemed very much in keeping with the legacy of the hotel’s role in the UN food programmes. I also learned the hotel has eliminated single-use plastic items, doesn’t serve endangered fish species, and has a rooftop aviary with more than 70,000 bees. In hindsight I regret not asking for a custom drink with the honey produced in-house, but I wanted to try the zero-proof concoctions on the menu.

I was not surprised that Entre ciel et terre (“between Heaven and Earth”), a mocktail with vanilla, lemon and lavender inspired by Miyakazi’s Castle in the Sky, was a perfectly balanced, delicately delicious drink. At $25, it’s at the high-end for an N/A beverage, but you’re paying for the atmosphere, for the history, for the romance, and the opportunity to have a friendly chat with interesting strangers from around the world.

I took a photo of that drink. And a fabulous giant flower arrangement on the way out. And again the next morning, on one last long walk through the city I found myself—as it seems impossible not to—once more on the boardwalk looking up at Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac.

“When in Rome,” I thought, and set up my selfie tripod. Click. Click. Click.

It seems I would be adding to the tally of Most Photographed hotel after all.

If you’re planning a trip to Québec City, see all the amenities and promotions on the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac site. And if you have stayed here I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Read more unique and unusual things to do in Quebec City.