Plateau Strategy

Destinations › Québec City

Dufferin Terrace and Chateau Frontenac

Québec CityAttractionviews
Dufferin Terrace and Chateau Frontenac
Photo: photo source

A long public boardwalk opens over the St. Lawrence beside the railway hotel whose towers became Quebec City's most familiar silhouette.

Guide's tip. Turn away from the hotel for a moment and read the river, Lower Town and distant shore together. The terrace became public in 1838 and still hides the remains of earlier governors' residences below. Chateau Frontenac is a working hotel, so public exterior views are the dependable visit. Walk 0.18 miles to the Basilica-Cathedral.

On a walking tour. Stop 4 of 10 on the walking tour Quebec City, river to the art museum, every stop on a map in walking order.

about 60 min for a visit

The story

Dufferin Terrace extends as a public wooden boardwalk beside Château Frontenac and above the St. Lawrence River. Earlier forts and governors’ residences occupied the site for more than two centuries. After fire destroyed the residence, a public terrace opened in 1838 and was later expanded and renamed for Governor General Dufferin.

Château Frontenac opened in 1893 as part of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s effort to attract luxury travelers. Later wings and its central tower created the silhouette known today. It remains a working hotel rather than a public museum.

Stand at the rail and read the river, Lower Town and distant shore before turning toward the hotel. Exterior views and the terrace are the dependable free experience. Hotel restaurants have their own access, while guided hotel tours are limited to guests.

Open in the Destination Book →Plan a day around it →Stay nearby →

Nearby in Québec City