It often happens that even experienced travelers, who come into the great Canadian city of Quebec and examine its historical and cultural monuments, do not immediately understand that the history of the ancient Chateau St. Louis and the famous Chateau Frontenac have different origins, although closely intertwined together. The fabulous Chateau Frontenac was built on the site of ancient medieval castles, the Chateau St. Louis and the Chateau Haldimand.

The history of the Chateau St. Louis began at the turn of the 17th century, when, by order of the founder of the city, Samuel de Champlain, a stone fort was erected on a high green hill by the Saint Lawrence River. Later, the fort lost its military relevance and was rebuilt into the luxurious Chateau St. Louis in honor of King Louis XIII of France. At the same time, the castle acquired four stone bastions and strong defensive walls. Even though the mighty citadel more than once repelled the attacks of the Iroquois Indians, the new English owners found the castle too modest and decided to rebuild it. And then, the history of the second castle began. The Chateau Haldimand was named after the governor of the province of Quebec, Frederick Haldimand. But this beautiful building was not destined to survive to our time. Only a small part of the castle was given to the Laval University in the middle of the 19th century, but the rest turned into ruins. In their place, the modern Chateau Frontenac was built.

Where the remains of the ruins of two ancient castles now lay, there is the spacious wooden Dufferin Terrace. It offers a delightful view of the city and the picturesque bank of the Saint Lawrence River, and, of course, the ancient ruins. In summer, street performers and musicians occupy the terrace gazebos. In winter, during the Winter Carnival, a 150-meter ramp is erected for toboggan downslope sliding, a popular game for both adults and children.