Inside the Le Chateau De Frontenac, the World's Most Photographed Hotel

Named after Count of Frontenac Louis de Buade, governor of New France 1672–1682 and 1689–1698, the hotel is near the historic Citadelle, Quebec City’s primary military base. Frontenac may not the tallest building around, but its setting on Cap Diamant—177 feet (54 meters) high—offers the most stunning views of the nearby Saint Lawrence River and features prominently in the city’s skyline.

Frontenac’s coat-of-arms can be seen on the hotel’s entry arch as well as at other points within the building, and a 300-year-old stone bearing the Cross of Malta emblem is also among the vaulted lobby’s interior.

After a series of restorations and a multi-million-dollar renaissance project, 18 floors now contain over 600 rooms. When Queen Elizabeth II is in town, she stays in the Château’s royal suite, also where her parents stayed. Other regal guests include Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Andrew, along with celebrities like Sir Paul McCartney, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Angelina Jolie.

Château Frontenac also has a huge historical legacy. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Mackenzie King planned the Invasion of Normandy here, and the Fathers of Confederation also gathered here to discuss unifying the British North American colonies that would later become Canada.

The Frontenac is an important architectural and historical landmark not only for Quebec but also the entire country. Guided tours of the hotel are available and offer deeper insights into the Frontenac’s past, present, and future.