Montmorency Falls

Chute Montmorency

An 83-meter waterfall about 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls, just 12 km from Old Quebec. You can ride a cable car, or walk across a suspension bridge directly above the falls.

Montmorency Falls lies about 12 km northeast of Quebec City. Here the Montmorency River drops 83 meters vertically from the edge of the Laurentian Plateau into the Saint Lawrence River. That is about 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls, and the falls are roughly 46 meters wide. During the Anglo-French war of 1759, British commander James Wolfe landed and fought here. The falls are part of Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency), managed by Sépaq, the Quebec provincial tourism agency. There are several ways to visit:

① Ride the aerial cable car from the parking lot below (round trip about CAD 18) to the top of the falls. At the summit is the Manoir Montmorency, built in 1781, which now houses a restaurant and visitor center.

② Walk across the suspension bridge over the top of the falls, with the rushing water right beneath your feet.

③ Descend the 487-step panoramic staircase along the cliff edge to the base of the falls for a close view and spray. You may get wet in summer.

④ For thrills, try the twin-line zipline across the falls or the Via Ferrata climbing route.

In winter, the spray freezes and forms ice cones up to 30 meters tall at the base of the falls. Locals call them “Pain de Sucre” (sugar loaves), and you can take an ice climbing lesson. Entry to the park is free. Parking costs about CAD 15, and the cable car is an additional charge. Getting there: it takes about 15 minutes by car. Bus route 800 from the city center stops at the bottom of the falls. You can combine a half-day trip with a visit to nearby Île d'Orléans, known for its strawberries, cider orchards and countryside scenery. The bridge to the island is close by.

Montmorency Falls

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby