Québec City: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Québec City, October 2025

This was my second time in Montreal and I took the opportunity to spare one day to visit Québec Cité, which is 260 km away from Montreal.

The aircraft that took me to Montreal across the North Atlantic, was the A321-251NX, registration CS-TXH, named Pedro Teixeira:

We started our tour in Quebec City by climbing the Rue Saint-Jean towards the Parc de l'Esplanade where we found a "Québec cité" 3D sign which made my first photo, with the Porte Saint-Louis in the background.

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Parliament Building

Nearby stands the Parliament Building with its 26 statues on the facade.

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Promenade des Gouverneurs

The autumn colors were already dominating the scene in Québec. 

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Château Frontenac (by day)

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is the most prominent landmark in Quebec City. I think this is undisputed for everyone. Here seen from the Promenade des Gouverneurs:

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Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec

A cable car links the promenade to the Old Québec City. A ticket is required so we didn't use it although we went to explore the old part.

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Notre Dame de Québec

I think this is the main church in Québec. I took this photo literally a couple of seconds before they turned off the lights and started closing the venue for visitors.

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Rue du Petit Champlain

In the old town, the Rue du Petit Champain is a typical street you can't miss. We had a late lunch there at the restaurant Cochon Dingue. This city definitely retains an European feel with a vibrant cafe culture.

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Château Frontenac (by night)

At night, the Frontenac Hotel is once again a very impressive sight with its modern illumination, that dominates the whole town.

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Back in Lisbon

Back home, a photo of a small souvenir of Pan Am (round metal poster) I bought at the "Magasin Général P.L. Blouin" at Rue Saint-Jean:

Canada - amazing Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, 1991

Toronto was the first big city I visited back in 1991. Everything was so different from what I have seen until that date, that I really can't forget that trip.

The flight TP304 to Toronto, departed from Lisbon and had one stop in Montréal - Mirabel. I'm quite sure we stayed in the aircraft during the turnaround time. I also remember that it was the first time I travelled in Business Class. From TAP archives, the aircraft was the Airbus A310 with tail number CS-TEI. The A310 was still a very recent type in the fleet and it marked a new era in the history of the airline which evolved from a loyal Boeing customer (apart from the L-1011) to an all Airbus fleet.

Between Montreal and Toronto

From Toronto, I remember visiting the amazing CN Tower and having dinner in the revolving 360 Restaurant. I also recall seeing squirrels running free in the backyards of the houses and snowing for the first time, even if it was a very light snowfall.

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Niagara Falls

One of the highlights of the trip was going to the Niagara Falls. We experienced really cold temperatures but for sure it was worth it.

We also went up to the top of the Skylon Tower and enjoyed a wonderful view of the Falls from its observation deck.

Little me pushing the baby stroller

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Pearson Intl

And little me at the airport gate, admiring the TAP's Airbus, before our flight back to Lisboa:

Recently, TAP Portugal announced they will relaunch the route to Toronto this summer which got me really excited!