The grand Château Frontenac is not only the most recognizable feature of the Quebec City skyline, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the "most photographed hotel in the world". Perched on a hill overlooking St. Lawrence River, the monumental chateau-style hotel was custom built in 1893 for the Canadian Pacific Railway as a luxury resort. The original hotel was designed by Bruce Price and completed by William Sutherland Maxwell who added the iconic central tower in 1924. Although not the tallest, Château Frontenac dominates the city skyline with its peculiar silhouette; an undeniably exalted example of Victorian Architecture. The hotel is now the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, featuring over 600 guestrooms of varying sizes, each luxuriously appointed and many offering incredible views over the St Lawrence River.
Place Royale is a collection of buildings and narrow streets born in 1608 when explorer Samuel de Champlain established a secure fur trading post. It changed hands between the British and French, surviving fires and battles and eventually became Quebec City's version of "downtown." After a complete restoration, Place Royale is now the city's most picturesque place, sporting restaurants and cafes, as well as many tourist attractions. Be sure to visit the Maison Chevalier, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and the Interpretive Center.
This is one of Quebec City's most popular parks and historical attractions. Commemorating the daring 1759 attack in which Quebec fell to the British under the leadership of General Wolfe, Plaines d'Abraham features two striking Martello Towers offering rotating displays and great views over the St Lawrence River. The interpretive center is housed in the Musée du Québec.
One of the foremost Anglican cathedrals that were erected beyond the British Isles region, The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is a neoclassic Palladian structure that was built in 1804. Part of the historic section of Old Quebec, this church features an impressive bell tower and was added to the National Historic Sites of Canada in 1989. The church premises are also available on a rental basis for concerts and weddings; check website for details.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency offers a multitude of activities for the entire family. In the summer, walk across one of two suspension bridges or through miles of parkland trails before enjoying a gourmet meal at the Manoir Montmorency. Winter can be just as relaxing, though daredevils can take an ice climbing course on the frozen waterfall wall of ice and snow. The park is located just east of Quebec City along Avenue Royale. Admission to the park is free but parking is charged.
History, which is everywhere in the city, is most evident in its beautifully preserved fortifications that date from the early 17th Century. As the only remaining walled city in North America, Quebec has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are free to walk along the nearly five kilometers (3.10 miles) of walls witnessing the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site. The interpretation center offers an intriguing look into the military and architectural design features. Guided walking tours offer further insights.