Breathtaking Montmorency Falls in Quebec City

Published Date:

Last Updated:

Share post:

The sight of gushing water scrambling over cliffs around the world really is a spectacular experience, especially when you are fortunate enough to see some of the world’s leading waterfalls such as Niagara Falls or Victoria Falls. However, when you come across a relatively unheralded waterfall as we did during our visit to Quebec City, Canada it really is an inspiring find that warrants some exposure.

montmorency falls quebec city

If you head to Quebec City, I would highly encourage you to take a short 15 minute drive away from the historic downtown district to sample Montmorency Falls which truly are a breathtaking natural phenomenon.

The area surrounding the falls is protected within the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and after leaving Autoroute 440E, you have to pay the admission fee in order to truly experience the waterfalls. Sure, you could decide to watch the waterfalls from a distance but the true experience takes place as you enter the park and have the option of viewing the falls from the cable car that takes you up the mountain side.

montmorency falls quebec city

The cost for two adults is $29 (Canadian Dollars) which includes unlimited access to the cable car and also your parking fee (alone that would be $10) which at first may seem a little expensive but after spending a few hours you will soon realize that this is money well spent.

montmorency falls quebec city

Your self-guided tour of Montmorency Falls begins at the railway station which conveniently allows visitors to stop here or for those just passing through provides spectacular scenery en route to their final destination.

montmorency falls

We opted to take the cable car which offers amazing scenery not only of the Falls but also the bridges crossing the St. Lawrence River and distant Quebec City skyline. Gliding up the mountain in the cable car provides you with ample time to take some memorable photographs.

montmorency falls manor house

After disembarking from the cable car, the first thing you notice is the impressive design of Montmorency Manor. This manor is most famous for being the summer residence of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and father of Queen Victoria.

montmorency falls quebec city

Built in 1781, this manor now offers visitors with a restaurant where you can sit inside or outside overlooking the spectacular scenery that surrounds the park, and also a visitor center where you can pick up more information on the Falls along with purchasing some gifts to really help cherish your experience here!

Spending some time inside the Manor is certainly worthwhile before venturing out towards the suspension bridge that covers the majestic waterfall.

montmorency falls quebec city

If you have any fear of heights or suspension bridges, walking across Montmorency Falls is probably either a great way to overcome these fears or perhaps the swaying feeling of the bridge may worsen your phobia. Although Heather’s fear of heights isn’t enough to prevent her from experiencing such attractions, I could tell as we made our way across the bridge that she was a little wary of her surroundings.

You really get to appreciate the force of the waterfall as it makes its way down the apparent calm river and then rapidly picks up speed as it makes the 275ft drop. The scene is majestic and worthy of the admission fee alone.

montmorency falls

As you cross to the other side of the suspension bridge, there is a scenic walk that you can take around the valley and down to the panoramic stairs which were unfortunately closed whilst we were there. When open, these give visitors the opportunity to climb 487 stairs down the ridge to feel the real force of the waterfall as you edge closer to the attraction.

I have to admit that this staircase looks a little precarious as it snakes its way down the side of the cliff. It’s obviously a great spot for folks working out as even when the staircase was closed, there was a couple of daredevils running up and down as they tested their endurance.

montmorency falls

The walk back to the cable car gives you the opportunity to revisit all the same locations again but from the opposite angle. Our experience at Montmorency Falls was a definite positive one and I am envious of locals who are able to relax here after work or on the weekend and listen to the calming sound of the water cascading down the Falls.

montmorency falls quebec city

Have you experienced Montmorency Falls before? What other unsung waterfalls around the world have you visited that are worthwhile exploring?

Share on Social...

Chris Boothmanhttps://abritandasoutherner.com
Chris Boothman is the co-founder of A Brit and A Southerner. Born near Manchester, England, Chris moved to USA in 2006 where he soon after met his wife and travel partner in crime, Heather. They have since embarked on an amazing journey of travel as they challenge others to follow in their paths of working full-time but also being able to travel frequently! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Chris at [email protected]

18 COMMENTS

  1. love the portrait selfie. It looks like a fun tour, I would definitely stop for lunch at that beautiful manor, those always make the visit worthwhile especially if there is a local specialty of the house. This is definitely a must do visit in the area.

    • We had a pretty tight schedule Noel and wanted to head downtown old Quebec City to have lunch otherwise we would have been with you on that one having lunch in the Manor. There was plenty of seating outside which would have been a really perfect setting to have a lunch and listen to the sound of the waterfall crashing over the mountain side.

  2. Waterfalls are such a special part of nature. Even the small ones on a walk in the woods capture my interest. This would be a don’t miss site for me, and well worth the short drive outside Quebec City! Nice find.

    • Completely agree with you Alison. Whenever we are out and about we are always on the lookout for a waterfall, I just get a real sense of relaxation out of watching them. Definitely recommend checking out Montmorency if you are in the Quebec City area.

  3. I also love the portrait selfie – it’s a really wonderful shot 🙂 I adore waterfalls and have really enjoyed this article and the photos. I am not sure about the suspension bridge however, I think I not only have an issue with heights, but may even have vertigo. But my more adventurous side would like to give it a shot anyhow – what’s the worst that could happen?? 🙂

  4. Breathtaking is the word indeed! I’d love to photograph them for myself one day. Love the shot of the winding tracks too, leading you through the yellow flowers into the distance. The last shot is lovely too – so happy! 🙂

    • It’s a stunning waterfall for sure Samantha! That suspension bridge really isn’t for the faint hearted but it’s a great experience for sure. Fortunately I embrace heights and love peering over the edge so it was a really cool experience 🙂

  5. Beautiful! Certainly makes me think that I’ll have to head back and do some travelling around my own country in the near future. Waterfalls have always been one of the amazing things that I’ve associated with Canada ever since starting to travel about a decade ago. Depending on what side of the country you’re on, there are some beauties like Wells Gray, Kekabeka (and can you beat that name?), or even Fintry Falls (good luck finding that one), and even some little knooks and crannies… that turn into waterfalls before your eyes… Yep, gonna have to head back for a visit soon.

  6. This place is beautiful and it’s only a couple hour drive from our house. Ottawa is on our list for this Summer so this would be a great side trip:)

  7. Okay these waterfalls are beautiful but something about these photos makes me think it was freeeeezing. Maybe it’s the gray skies or maybe that’s just my general association with Quebec….haha.

    • Probably a combination of the two Syd 🙂 It actually started out cloudy and overcast but as we made our way to the top of the falls and across the suspension bridge, the clouds parted and it was a really beautiful, warm day.

  8. I’ve still only visited one waterfall up close – Really need to get some more under my belt! That suspension bridge looks so much fun, I’m not particularly great with heights but I don’t think I would mind the swaying. Love the 3rd photo from the end – Where you can see both the bridge and the edge of the waterfall – Great colours and composition!

  9. Wow, this looks impressive and I’ve mentally added it to my waterfall chasing bucket list! I love coming across a waterfall , the power of water is mesmerising particularly when they are in spate! I’ve finally visited High Force in the Upper Tees Valley, UK; and can definitely recommend a trip there when in the Uk, along with the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales. Thank you for your blog post, it sounds like a fascinating trip from Quebec City.

    • Thanks so much for your kind comments Tilly and for your recommendations in the UK! We generally get back to the UK a couple of times each year depending on our travel plans to visit my family in Lancashire, so definitely Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in Yorkshire would just be a short drive for us. Thanks again for the tips 🙂

  10. I sure appreciate your post! We’re headed there in September, and I’ve heard so many people say we shouldn’t miss Montmorency Falls, but yours is the best description and information I’ve seen. And to answer your question, I grew up near Snoqualmie Falls in Washington, USA, which is pretty impressive. It may be taller than Montmorency, but not nearly as wide. Anyway, it is also definitely worth a visit!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

POPULAR POSTS