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| View near the Ferry Terminal to Levis |
Read all about Levis here!
*postcard pictures alert*
This landmark is so pretty and magnificent that amateur photos look so postcard worthy! The Chateau Frontenac is the (notice I didn't use 'a' here) landmark that makes Quebec City's Skyline. I make it a point to send a postcard back home every city I visit. This time I was extremely excited because the postcards all had the Chateau Frontenac on them, in every season :)
Postcards
Bring your postcard to the post office near the Tourist Information Counter and you can get them stamped before you post them out! These stamps are really special because they don't just stamp the city's name, but they've got their famous landmarks on the stamp :) These famous landmarks include the Chateau Frontenac, the Post Office itself (which is the oldest post office in the whole of North America), if I'm not wrong, the first ever door in North America (located in the Citadelle of Quebec). They are really pretty! If I were you I'd make a trip down to the post office myself instead of just dropping the postcards into a postal box somewhere.
*stamp = Postage Chop
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| Me outside Chateau Frontenac |
What is Chateau Frontenac?
Initially, I thought the Chateau Frontenac had historical importance and I was disappointed to find that it was actually just a hotel. Okay. Not JUST a hotel, (its so pretty. *swoons*) but you get the idea. I learnt it has some historical significance: it was once an official residence of a French and later British governor. According to the image on Wiki it did NOT look anything like that. Around the Chateau along the pavilion picture below, Fairmont has glassed up a spot showing part of the foundation of the original Chateau that stood here.
Now, this land is owned by Fairmont a Canadian-based operator of Luxury Hotels and Resorts (yes, the same Fairmont group in Singapore). They must have put in millions to make the Chateau Frontenac what it is today. It is the most photographed hotel in the world. :O
Being there, I also noticed it might be the most touristy. Theres a huge bus bay/drop off area where hoards of loud-mouthed asian tourists get off. Irks me so. (No discrimination here, cos I'm asian too!) The interior is a stark contrast with the scene outside. Its outmost lavish with rows of chandeliers and deep brown leather couches sitting on thick floral carpets. (No photos of these because there's strictly no photography in the Hotel Lobby) There are also staff there dressed in Victorian clothes, all that lace and the studded vests and the high hats, all ready for a photo opportunity; one which isn't free of course.
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| Checking out my iPhone's Pano mode :D |
Didn't get to snap a shot inside? Outside is lovely as well! :) Look at those candy floss skies! So dreamy!
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| Heh. How awkward can I get? |
Do you know? The St. Lawrence River is a gateway to America and it has contributed to the economy for over 400 years.
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| Where tourists get off |
The tourist information centre is located just in front of the Chateau Frontenac and behind the building named Musee du Fort. They provide invaluable information based on your preferences, much like a tour agency. Do visit them before you start your trip in Quebec City!
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| The magnificent hotel by night :) |
:) The Chateau Frontenac is the most romantic scene at night :) I feel so fortunate to be living in Old Quebec; in the night I can wander around this lovely city that's steeped in history and beauty :)
