Haunted Chateau Frontenac Hotel
Ghost Sightings in Quebec City Canada's Landmark Building
Standing on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River in the heart of Old Québec City, the Chateau Frontenac remains home to the Governor of New France.
The Chateau Frontenac was built as a stopover for Canadian Pacific passengers. Other well-known hotels in the Canadian Pacific chain are the Royal York Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Banff Springs Hotel, Empress Hotel in Victoria, the Hotel Vancouver and the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa.
Construction of the Chateau Frontenac began in1893 under the supervision of William Van Horne, the General Manager of Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway. The hotel was designed by New York architect Bruce Price who also designed Windsor Station in Montreal. The architectural style is based on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The Château Frontenac was named after Frenchman Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac who governed New France from 1672 to 1698. The Frontenac coat of arms is displayed on the outside wall of the hotel as well as other areas inside the hotel.
Many important historical figures such as King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Grace of Monaco, Charles de Gaulle, Chiang-Kai-Shek and Ronald Reagan have stayed at the Château Frontenac. In 1944, this hotel was the scene of Quebec Conferences of World War II. Participants were Winston Churchill, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.
This stately hotel is now designated a United Nations World Heritage Site.
Haunting of the Chateau Frontenac Hotel
The most commonly seen ghost is a man who is believed to be Louis de Buade who was the governor in the late 17th century. The story is that he wanders around the hotel looking for his fiancée who was in Europe at the time of his death. He is dressed in period costume and has been seen sitting on windowsills, walking in the hallways and in the ballroom or staring at guests in their rooms while they are sleeping. During the hotel renovations in 1993, his spirit became very active. This is not uncommon for ghost sightings to escalate when renovations are taking place. It seems to stir up the spirits.
Several guests have found the ghost of a woman lurking in their rooms. She is described as having long hair and wearing a nightgown. She sometimes will lie down in bed beside a guest.
Guided Tours of the Chateau Frontenac Hotel
Enjoy a 50 minute tour in the luxurious interior of this grand hotel. The tour guides who are dressed in 19th century costume will share the secrets and history of the Chateau Frontenac.
From May 1st to October 15th, tours are offered daily. From October 16th to April 30th, tours are available on Saturday and Sunday.
