Canadian Pacific built the first transcontinental railway across Canada in the late 19th century. They also constructed Québec City’s famous Château Frontenac in 1893. About 20 years later, CPR asked architect Harry Prindel to design a new train station in a Château style similar to their famous hotel. Today, from a transportation perspective, Gare du Palais is a shadow of the past. Only about 12 trains arrive here daily from Montreal and Ottawa. This is also an intercity bus terminal. Yet, since the historic facility was extensively refurbished, the station is a joy to visit. Step beneath the 40 foot window and between the twin turrets to experience a small sample of Canada’s Golden Age of Railways.
