The Chteau Frontenac enters its 125th year of glitz & glamour

If these walls could talk.

Quebec City'sChteau Frontenac, one ofCanada'smost recognizable architectural gems, which turns 125 years next year, has seen nobility and rock stars roamits expansive hallways.

World leaders strategizedin secretin its conference rooms.

The prestigious copper-spired hotel that towersabove the St. Lawrence Riverwill be holding events throughout the year to mark its125th anniversary, and most of them will be free so that everyone can partakein them, saidthe hotel's executive director,Robert Mercure.

• From the CBC archives:Chteau Frontenac's 100th anniversary

"We're all owners of the Chteau. We want it to be accessible and for all Quebecersto feel welcome here," Mercuresaid.

The ChteauFrontenac opened its doors onDec.18, 1893, as part ofa push by Canadian Pacific Railway to drive luxury tourism across the country.

'More than 125 years of history'

"It resides literally on the birthplace of Canada and New France,'' Mercuresaid.

The hotel is built on Cap Diamant, a stone's throw from the Plains of Abraham andnear the spot wherethe explorerSamuel de Champlainlanded before founding New France.

It is built on the foundations ofChteau Saint Louis and Chteau Haldimand, where governors of New France resided.

When it opened, it had170 rooms, but it's been expanded several timessince and now has more than 600 rooms.

TheChteauFrontenacwas designed by the Americanarchitect Bruce Price, who also drew up the plans for Montreal's VigerStationnear the Old Port, as well as Windsor Station, near the Bell Centre.

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Guest registry filled with names of famous

The chteauhas buzzed with glitz and glamour as long as it's been around, its guestregistry signed by celebrities, politicians and athletesamong them Queen Elizabeth II, Cline Dion, Paul McCartney, Princess Grace of Monaco and Charlie Chaplin.

The highly secret Qubec Conferences of1943 and 1944 were held at the Frontenac.

Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King hosted members of the Allied Forces, including U.S. president Franklin D. Rooseveltand British Prime Minister Winston Churchill there, as they planned the future course of the war.

The final details of Italy's surrender were worked out there.

Later, Alfred Hitchcock took a liking to the castle-like building.Hitchcock filmed I Confess there in1953.

Revamped, butghost of Frontenac lingers

OnMonday, the hotel hosted high tea, and actors personifying colonial Quebec figures, includingde Champlain and Louis deBuade, Comte de Frontenac gave visitors and journalists a tour.

The hotel, a National Historic Site and part of the historic district of Old Quebec, recognized as aUNESCO World Heritage Centre,is characterized by its 12 kilometres of cavernous hallways, sparkling chandeliers, elaborate stonework and shining brass accents.

It underwent $75 million in renovations in 2013 and 2014. The changes included brightening the interior with fresh coats of icy blue paint, revamping the hotel's restaurants and three-fifths of its rooms.

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However,the ghost of Frontenac still haunts thechteau, said BernardCrustin, who incarnated de Champlain Monday, with a knowing smile.