Around 1900, the Château Frontenac reflected the split between the English-speaking elite and French-speaking working-class residents. Most guests were American or British. In part, this is because English was the language used in the hotel. In the 1930s, however, French-language advertising helped balance out the Château’s clientele.

1921 - 1923

Construction of the Château Frontenac

A project to build a luxury hotel in Québec City was launched toward the end of the 19th century. Québec City architect Eugène-Étienne Taché submitted a proposal to the Fortress Hotel Company for a building that had an opera house. However, it was the Chateau Frontenac Company that obtained the land on which the emblematic building now stands, and American architect Bruce Price was chosen to design its plans. The Château Frontenac was built in several phases, over almost a century. Learn about the stages of building the world’s most photographed hotel!

Construction of the central tower at the Château Frontenac

Thaddée Lebel Around 1900, the Château Frontenac reflected the split between the English-speaking elite and French-speaking working-class residents. Most guests were American or British. In part, this is because English was the language used in the hotel. In the 1930s, however, French-language advertising helped balance out the Château’s clientele.

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Depicted period: 1922

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Thaddée Lebel Fonds - Date: 1922

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