Quebec City is often called the heart of French Canada, and some say the historic and luxurious Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the heart of Quebec City. Located in the Upper Town of Old Quebec, the Château Frontenac is the epitome of today’s romantic elegance in a setting of yesteryear.
The fact that it sits atop a promontory straddling the majestic St. Lawrence River makes it all the more inviting for couples looking for a special getaway in a unique location. Inaugurated in 1893, the Château Frontenac was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a stopover for wealthy vacationers crossing Canada by train.
Today, it is considered an emblematic monument of French Canada. With a design based on the romantic architecture of the castles of the Loire Valley, the ornate and fortified appearance of Château Frontenac, with its multiple towers, turrets, gables, dormer windows and chimneys, gives it a grand ambiance. Couples vacationing here can easily imagine they’ve crossed the Atlantic Ocean and settled into a French chateau.
A large suite and a romantic package
With just over 600 rooms and suites spread over 18 floors, the imposing castle is partly brick and stone and features elements of Gothic design. Located at an altitude of approximately 170 feet, the Château Frontenac offers many guest rooms with breathtaking views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. In keeping with its impressive exterior, the hotel’s interior features marble staircases, mahogany paneling, and spacious public areas furnished with period-style seating.
Indeed, its chic atmosphere has attracted celebrities such as Celine Dion, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paul McCartney, among others, as well as heads of state, including Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
A wide variety of rooms and suites are available, including the very luxurious Frontenac Suite. Its 670 square foot space includes a large living room that can accommodate up to 10 people, with an adjoining master bedroom and a breathtaking view of the river. Signature Rooms offer up to 350 square feet, with one king bed, while a Deluxe River View Room is 225 square feet. Signature room rates range from around $670 per night, while a Deluxe River View costs around $560. The hotel suite variety ranges from around $1,300 to $2,600 per night.
The hotel offers visitors two restaurants, the elegant Champlain serving regional cuisine and Place Dufferin, where couples can enjoy an intimate afternoon tea service, as well as sandwiches and light fare throughout. of the day. Room service is also available.
The Château Frontenac offers a romantic weekend package which includes one night, breakfast for two at the Place Dufferin restaurant or in your room, a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries with half a bottle of champagne and two crystal champagne flutes engraved with the Château Frontenac logo. (Rates are available by calling the hotel.)
Other bonuses the Chateau Frontenac offers romantic couples can be found in the Fitness and Aquatic Center, where steam baths, a swimming pool, and a hot tub are open daily. In addition, the hotel offers private cabana rentals in the summer, located on the outdoor terrace overlooking the river. Rental fees ($545 for a full day in peak summer season) include bathrobes, slippers, and towels, as well as fruit bowls and bottled water. Couples can also order snacks such as smoothies, nuts and chips.
Guests curious about the past and present of Château Frontenac can book a guided tour of the hotel and learn about the people and events that have shaped the property over the years, as well as details about its French architecture.
The romantic vibe continues in Old Quebec
Although the Chateau Frontenac is a destination in itself, its Old Quebec surroundings add to its romantic appeal and charm.
Quebec City has been dubbed North America’s “most European” city, and for good reason. The town dates back around 400 years, but some of its cobbled streets and buildings are older than that. The atmosphere of the old town is both romantic and ancient, with horse-drawn carriages. Couples can stroll along the fortifications of the walled city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Along Petit-Champlain, the main street of the old town, artists sell their works while upscale restaurants offer intimate dinners for two.
On Rue Saint-Paul, which runs along the old port, couples will find plenty of outdoor restaurants, and this area is famous for having the best antique shops in town. Many art galleries are also located in the harbor area.
Couples looking for more outdoor adventures can visit nearby Jacques-Cartier National Park, where activities include hiking, biking, kayaking and, in winter, skiing, or Montmorency Falls , a huge waterfall located about 15 minutes by car from the old town. Visitors can view the falls from a series of stairs and from a suspension bridge over the crest of the falls.
Location and how to get to Château Frontenac
The Château Frontenac is located at 1, rue des Carrières, Quebec. It is located in the historic district of Old Quebec, which includes Upper Town, including the fortified ramparts, and Lower Town, near the port.
Vacationers can get to Quebec City from New York in less than two hours and from Washington, DC in less than four hours. The Château Frontenac is a three-hour drive from Montreal.
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