If you find yourself somehow compelled to visit Quebec City, then I suppose you’ll want to see the Château Frontenac. Despite my deep-seated disdain for travel and my unfortunate profession, I’ll begrudgingly admit that this hotel, perched like an unwelcome sentinel over the Saint Lawrence River, is quite famous. Its turrets and spires are the kind of clichéd charm that makes you wonder if they’re mocking you.

The interior is as packed with history as it is with tourists, all eager to snap photos and pretend to savor the local ambiance. As if enduring the crowds and the relentless souvenir shops isn’t enough, the views from the terraces are said to be spectacular—though I doubt they’re worth the hours of standing in line for a decent glance.

If you absolutely must visit, try not to engage with the endless stream of guides and vendors trying to convince you that this overhyped castle is the highlight of Quebec City. You’re better off ignoring the historical plaques and just enduring the experience with a stoic expression. Sadly, there’s little else that’s truly compelling in this dull slice of Canada that’s been turned into a postcard.

Honestly, the only thing worse than visiting is having to write about it, but here I am, doing my job to inform you of this so-called attraction.