1. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s Golden Mailbox
A chorus of giggles eclipsed greetings of Bonjour as I sat in the elegant lobby of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Québec City.
A group of young women clustered around something on the wall, pointing at it while queuing up for selfies. What had captured their attention? A vintage golden mailbox.
I knew I’d find European flair and superb French cuisine in Québec City. What I didn’t expect was the city’s exceptionally warm welcome—and a love story that has captured hearts worldwide.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was already renowned for its history. But after a love letter from a soldier from decades past was discovered, even more fans began flocking to the hotel.
When the hotel underwent renovation in 2014, workers discovered a WWII-era letter stuck in the mail chute between floors. The heartfelt missive was from a soldier deployed to the front lines to his sweetheart, asking her to wait for him.
Despite extensive efforts by Château Frontenac staff, there was no Disney ending. Staff could not locate the recipient.
However, the tale inspired a scene in a popular Korean drama, Goblin: The Lonely and Great God. One scene, filmed on location at Château Frontenac, depicts a character who mails a letter that takes a decade to arrive.
Since the episode aired, fans have arrived in droves from around the globe, including an enthusiastic brigade from Korea.
2. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac—Old-World Charm, Impeccable Service
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is not just a hotel but a beloved landmark. UNESCO designated the building as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
Originally built as a railway hotel for the Canadian Pacific Railway, the hotel has hosted dignitaries and celebs alike, including Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Céline Dion, and Paul McCartney.
It wasn’t the celebrities who had been at the hotel but current staff who left an impression.
Early one morning, as the lobby buzzed with just the housekeeping team and me, I asked concierge Diane Gathier her recommendations for the day.
She suggested the legendary Breakneck Stairs, which connect Québec City’s Upper and Lower Towns.
As we chatted, Diane shared that she has been part of the hotel family for over thirty years. She met her husband years ago, when they were both working at the hotel.
Doris, at the front desk, also met her husband, Michel, when they were employees at the hotel three decades ago.
The couple was even featured in La vie de château (“The Life of a Castle”), a documentary about the hotel.
Doris told me, with a laugh, “The final scene shows us sharing a kiss.”
3. French Cuisine… Bon Appétit!
Dining in Québec City may make you feel as though you’ve been transported straight to Paris.
Menus brim with everything from rich, savory pâtés to delicate pastries.
Fall brings pumpkins and squash, used in soups, along with crisp apples and delicious ciders. Linger over French onion soup or a stack of crêpes, the thin, delicate pancakes beloved in these parts.
Champlain, the gastronomic restaurant in Château Frontenac, is—in a word—swanky.
Champlain, winner of Wine Spectator’s 2026 Best of Award for Excellence and selected by the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Québec, excels at every step.
With warm bronze tones, elegant oak-paneled walls, and impeccable service, every aspect of Champlain is designed to impress.
A remarkable ceiling sculpture that replicates the St. Lawrence River is suspended near the entrance—remember to look up and take a moment to admire it!
Our server, Jean-François, introduced himself and guided us through an array of innovative dishes, from delicate veal to succulent suckling pig to tender sirloin. Each course—paired with wine—was masterfully prepared.
The grand finale was a beautifully presented maple leaf dessert that paid homage to Canada—a fitting close to an unforgettable dining experience.
4. Cobblestone Streets, Shops, Cafés of Old Québec
Old Québec typically refers to the historic area of the city, which includes both the Upper Town and Lower Town.
Lower Town—the area below the cliffs—is best explored in the early hours, when its narrow cobblestone streets are peacefully quiet.
My friend and I ventured down the Breakneck Stairs, located near the funicular behind the Château Frontenac, to arrive in Lower Town. Thankfully, the stairs are not as intimidating as their name suggests.
Shortly after sunrise, shops remained shuttered, but cafés were open and ready to serve a flaky croissant and velvety café au lait.
As we meandered through the streets, we admired beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, flower boxes, and a charming mix of boutiques and galleries.
5. Festivals Year-Round
A woman wearing a bright red cowboy hat and a big smile handed me a small Canadian flag as she exclaimed, “Happy Canada Day!”
Canada’s vibrant cultural mosaic provides endless reasons to celebrate, and Québec City embraces every season with a variety of festivals, whether it’s Québec Winter Carnival or the Celtic Festival Quebec in the fall.
We happened to be there on Canada Day, one of the city’s highlight events.
Near Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace was packed with revelers in red, proudly wearing Canadian flag stickers.
A highlight of the celebration is the giant cake baked each year by the culinary team at Château Frontenac. This impressive creation features a replica of a maple leaf made from fresh Québec strawberries.
Warm Welcome
When one of the team dressed in chef’s whites passed by, I asked if I could snap a quick photo.
Even though he was amidst the hustle and bustle of prepping the enormous cake, Chef Simon Renaud paused what he was doing and graciously smiled for the camera.
Only later, when I saw his picture in the hotel magazine, did I learn that Chef Renaud oversees the entire culinary staff of some 150.
Chef Renaud’s willingness to pose for a photo for me—a mere tourist in the crowd—impressed me even more than his extensive credentials.
Genuine hospitality. It was just one more thing to love about Québec City.
Tips for Visiting Québec City
The best time to visit Québec City? Fall, when the city dazzles with brilliant autumn hues, temperatures are comfortable, and there are fewer crowds.
Visit the area vineyards and learn about winemaking when the pace is slower than in the summer months. Plus, the views of the countryside are exceptional.
Take a hike, not far from the city, and enjoy the mosquito-less time of year, when soft lighting makes for a beautiful landscape.
Stroll Dufferin Terrace, a scenic boardwalk that stretches alongside the St. Lawrence River. It offers stunning views of both the river and the historic architecture of Old Québec, and it’s great for people-watching. If you’re considering exploring the St. Lawrence by boat, see our Guide to River Cruising.
Where to Eat in Québec City
At Champlain in Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Chef Tristan Ratcliffe Lambert and his team showcase local ingredients in imaginative dishes. When making a reservation, request a window table so you can overlook Dufferin Terrace. Order the five-course meal with wine pairings for a special occasion.
Smith Cafe, a charming family-owned restaurant with several city locations, serves a simple butter croissant sandwich that is exceptional. Despite its modest name, outstanding food and service draw lines out the door.
Bistro Le Sam, a casual eatery at Château Frontenac, serves a delicious butternut squash risotto, a fall favorite.
And in true Canadian style, Starbucks even brews a maple latte.
Where to Stay in Québec City
Even if your budget allows for only one night, a stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is unforgettable.
My friend recalled visiting Québec City with her husband 20 years earlier, when they could not afford to stay at Château Frontenac. Instead, they lodged across the street and admired the hotel from afar. When I asked whether the experience lived up to her expectations, she said, “It was even better!”
Rates at Château Frontenac tend to be lower in late fall, especially November, and early spring.
Québec City Resources
For the most current and comprehensive information, visit Quebec City Tourism.
The website provides travel tips, hidden gems, deals, and other resources to help you plan your visit to Québec City.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
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