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I will cut right to the chase, if you are visiting Québec City, the grandeur of the Montmorency Falls is not to be missed. Would I plan an entire trip just to visit these waterfalls? No, I don’t think I would. But it makes for an excellent half-day trip out of Québec City and is the perfect detour for those who like nature-focused travel.
Located only 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Québec City’s city center, the Montmorency waterfall is 83m (272 feet) high. That is a whopping 30m (98 feet) taller than Niagara Falls. Although, to be fair and factual, Niagara Falls are wider than Montmorency Falls.
The falls mark the point where the Montmorency River empties into the Saint Lawrence River and they are the crown jewel of the park. However, the fun part about your visit is going to be deciding how you want to see and experience their power. I personally think the highlight of any visit and a must-do while in the park is walking over La Chute-Montmorency (the proper name of the falls) via a suspension bridge. It’s the best way to see and hear the mighty falls thundering below your feet. Plus, if you visit in October like I did, this spot offers you a front-row seat to some serious fall foliage.
If you really want to spike your adrenaline you can zipline across the canyon/cove in front of the falls! I didn’t see anyone zipline while I was in the park, but I wish I had. It looks like it would be a quick ride.
Once you’re in the park, you can reach the top of the falls and the suspension bridge, one of three ways:
If you will not have a car on your trip, you can access the park and falls via public transportation or you could book a shuttle bus through Viator. You could also join a small group tour like this one – which also includes a stop at Sainte-Anne de Beaupre.
- If you want to go straight to the top of the falls as fast as possible then, park your car in the lower parking lot (its free and outdoors) and hop on the cable car (~$15 CAD). This will take you straight to the top and is an excellent accessible option.
- One of the least scenic ways – albeit most efficient ways – to reach the top of the falls is to stay put in your car and drive up to the upper station and the Manoir Montmorency. The Manoir is a replica of an 18th century manor house with an information counter, interpretation center and a shop with terrace restaurant. The Manoir didn’t add anything to my visit. We still checked it out – because when at Montmorency Falls – but it isn’t a stop I would recommend for a specific reason.
- If you want to walk to the top then, park your car (again in the free, outdoor, lower parking lot) and start by walking up the Promenade de la Chute from the cable car’s lower station.
Next, climb the 487-step panoramic wooden staircase to reach the top. Because of the many stairs, this is classified as a moderate hike.
The hike covers about 2.9 miles with an elevation gain of 508 feet. This is the route I took, and I am so glad I did. It provided clear views of the falls from start to finish. I also loved being able to see Québec City skyline off in the distance at various outlook/resting spots along the way and how the stairs led you up the cliffs surrounding the falls.
One of the best parts about this route is you can get fairly close to the base of the dramatic falls early into this trail. That’s where I took my favorite photo within the park:
I took this trail up the falls, followed it until it dead-ended at the Manoir and then traced my steps back the way I came. I think the trail stopped at the Manoir due to construction. Once they finish the construction (expected to finish in 2026), I think you’ll be able to access the lower parking lot and can walk around the falls in a large circle instead of doing an out and back hike. All said and done, this trek took me about 1.5 hours to complete.
A word to the wise: solitude was not to be found on this hike. Thankfully, the overlook is large, so there was plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the view and take all the photos.
If you’re into hiking or looking to explore areas outside of the falls, there are some wooden trails in this park. These trails are close to the suspension bridge.
The falls can be found inside a provincial park called Parc de la Chute-Montmorency which is managed by Sépaq, the government agency that manages all parks and wildlife reserves located within the Quebec province, including Jacques-Cartier National Park. For map of the park scroll to the bottom of this post. I took a photo of a map that was on display during my visit.
The park itself is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’d like to walk around the park, you’ll have to pay approximately CA$9 (around $7 USD) in the low season and about CA$13 (around $9 USD) in the high season for each adult ages 18 and older; children can enter for free. High season lasts from mid-May to early November. For more information, including seasonal hours and to purchase tickets online visit the Montmorency Falls Park page on the Sépaq website.
Final thoughts
As a nature-lover who is always looking for the best green spaces and natural areas in every city I visit, Montmorency Falls exceeded my expectations. I have visited Niagara Falls and even “Bosnia min-Niagara” (aka Kravica Waterfalls). I expected Montmorency Falls to be like Niagara in terms of tackiness. If you have been to Niagara Falls, I trust you know what I mean. Surprisingly, Montmorency Falls wasn’t as tacky, but it was still touristy. In other words, you aren’t coming to Montmorency for a peaceful nature day. For that, I suggest you check out Jacques-Cartier National Park (located 45 minutes north of Québec City).
In terms of when to visit, I went the first week of October and was treated to a very picturesque fall experience. However, I have seen plenty of photos of the falls looking just as majestic in all seasons – even when frozen in the winter! If you are looking for a relaxing half-day trip from Québec City this is a worthy option.
Thanks for dropping by and reading this post. Let me know in the comments below if this is a place you would visit (or if you already have!)
~ Alyssa
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Splendid waterfalls
And so much more impressive than we anticipated!