Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards recognize the Québec City landmark, where historic architecture, regional dining, and an Old Québec address shape the stay.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has placed second among the top 20 hotels in Eastern Canada in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, earning a score of 99.64. Determined by the publication’s readers, the ranking brings fresh recognition to one of Québec City’s defining landmarks.
For travelers considering a stay, the appeal starts with the setting. Overlooking the St. Lawrence River from Cap Diamant, the Château occupies a prominent position in Old Québec, with the city’s historic streets close at hand. Its architecture makes an immediate impression, but the experience also extends to Québec-focused dining, an extensive choice of accommodations, and concierges who help guests explore beyond the hotel.
A Reader-Voted Honor
The hotel announced the result on October 8, highlighting the connection between the award and the guests who helped determine it.
“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes directly from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, our guests, and reflects the trust they place in our property,” said Jean-François Vary, general manager of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Vary also credited the hotel’s team for the result. For readers weighing where to stay in Québec City, the award provides another point of reference for a property whose reputation is closely tied to the destination itself.
More Than a Century Above the St. Lawrence
The Château’s first wing opened on December 18, 1893. Built for Canadian Pacific Railways and designed by architect Bruce Price, it belongs to the railway hotel tradition that helped shape luxury travel in Canada.
That history remains central to its identity. The building’s commanding position above the river gives a stay a strong sense of place, while its location within the UNESCO-listed historic district puts Old Québec at the center of the itinerary.
Travelers interested in the broader story can explore DRIFT’s guide to staying at iconic Fairmont hotels across Canada, which places the Château alongside other notable properties in the country.
Choosing a Room at Château Frontenac
The hotel has 610 guest rooms and suites, with accommodation categories that include courtyard, city, and river views. That distinction is worth considering when choosing a room: travelers drawn to the St. Lawrence outlook should look specifically for a river-view category.
Fairmont Gold adds access to an exclusive lounge and dedicated concierge service, offering another option for guests who value a more personalized stay.
Throughout the hotel, the Les Clefs d’Or concierges provide recommendations tailored to individual interests. For a first visit, that local guidance can help narrow down what to see and how to organize the day. Returning visitors can use it to look beyond the places they already know.
Québec Flavors and River Views
Dining is another reason to spend time inside the Château. Its signature restaurant, Champlain, focuses on Québec ingredients, connecting the meal to the surrounding region. It offers a natural starting point for travelers who want food to be part of their introduction to the province.
Bistro Le SAM takes a more relaxed approach, with reworked bistro classics and cocktails. At 1608 Bar, the St. Lawrence River provides the backdrop for a drink, while Place Dufferin serves breakfast with river views.
Together, these venues give guests options across the day, whether the plan calls for an unhurried breakfast before sightseeing or an evening meal at the hotel. They also make it possible to build time at the Château into the trip alongside exploring the city.
Old Québec at Your Doorstep
The hotel’s location makes the surrounding neighborhood a central part of the stay. Dufferin Terrace offers a place to take in the river and the Château’s exterior before continuing into Old Québec on foot.
For those considering a cold-weather visit, DRIFT’s guide to things to do in Québec City in winter offers ideas for exploring the destination during the season.
1. Explore Old Québec on a Guided Walking Tour
This two-hour tour with Tours Voir Québec introduces the city’s history through stops including Dufferin Terrace, Place Royale, and the Petit-Champlain district. It departs from the tourist information center across the park from Château Frontenac, making it particularly convenient for hotel guests. I’d suggest it early in the stay to get oriented.
View the Québec City Walking Tour on Expedia
2. Visit Montmorency Falls with a Cable Car Ride
For a scenic outing beyond Old Québec, this experience includes park admission and a round-trip cable car ride, with views toward the St. Lawrence River and Île d’Orléans. Explore the walking trails and suspension bridge above the falls at your own pace. Plan your own transportation to the park; parking is included in the listed ticket.
View Montmorency Falls with Cable Car Ride on Expedia
For accommodation and dining information, visit Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
