Feel the water spray as you walk a few meters above these falls, which are even higher than Canada’s famous Niagara Falls and freeze over in winter.
Montmorency Falls plunge 272 feet (83 metres) into a bowl-shaped basin on the St. Lawrence River. This waterfall is nearly 100 feet (30 metres) higher than Niagara Falls, although not as wide. At the top of the cliff is the large Montmorency Manor. It houses an interpretation centre and a restaurant and café that overlook the falls.
For excellent photo and video opportunities walk on the suspension bridge directly above the falls. You can also admire the view from a variety of other angles and locations. Take the cable car that travels between the base of the falls and the top of the cliff. One-way or round-trip tickets can be purchased.
Alternatively, climb the series of stairs that snake up the mountainside. These stairs can be tough to navigate, especially during the winter when covered in snow and ice. There are several lookout points along the way where you can stop to catch your breath and take in the vistas. Many visitors choose to take the cable car up to the top and then walk back down via the stairs.
During the colder months the water stops flowing as the freezing temperatures turn the water into a mountain of ice. The strange ice formations that the frozen mist takes on are an awesome sight. The ice mass can even be climbed, if you are an experienced ice climber. To book in for this, check out the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency’s website.
Montmorency Falls are situated within the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. While you are here take the opportunity to go hiking or cycling along one of the park’s trails, which offer scenic views of the waterfall.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is about 8 miles (13 kilometres) east from Québec City. The park and waterfall are accessible year-round and admission is free. The site is served by local buses. If you are driving, the highway exit for the park and falls is well signposted and there is parking available on site for a fee.
