montmorency falls from quebec city quebec
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How to Get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City + Tours

Looking for how to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City? You’ve come to the right place.

Almost one-and-a-half times taller than Niagara Falls and only a short drive from historic Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is sure to impress.

The perfect addition to any Quebec City itinerary, Chute-Montmorency is the second most visited attraction after Old Quebec, with almost a million visitors each year.

As someone who loves visiting waterfalls, including this one multiple times, I will show you how to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City, Montmorency Falls tour options, and essential tips for visiting. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

montmorency falls quebec city

About Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls, or Chute-Montmorency in French, is a scenic waterfall found on the outskirts of Quebec City, Quebec. At 272 feet (83 m), it is 30 meters higher than the iconic Niagara Falls but has less volume than Niagara. The falls and river are part of the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Water flows through the Montmorency River, over the waterfall, and into the St.Lawrence River. It is the only Quebec City waterfall. 

How Far is Montmorency Falls From Quebec City?

A short drive from downtown Quebec City, Montmorency is approximately a 15-minute drive or 50-minutes by public transit. Its ideal location: less than 15 km from historic Old Quebec, makes it a great choice to visit as a day trip from Quebec City.

montmorency river in montmorency falls park

When to Visit Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls Park is open year-round. The best time to visit the falls will depend on which season is your personal favourite for admiring nature. Depending on which season you choose to visit the falls, different activities will be available. 

Summer activities in Parc de la Chute-Montmorency include hiking, biking, and ziplining. Whichever month you choose to visit, Montmorency Falls is a fun activity in Quebec City enjoyable in every season. 

fall in quebec

The falls are especially beautiful in the autumn, with the fall colours taking over the trees. The tree leaves become vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow and is a beautiful sight to see. I chose to visit Quebec City in the fall, and enjoyed seeing the fall foliage beginning while breathing the crisp fall air. 

And if you have extra time on your Quebec road trip, stop in Montreal for a few days to try some of Montreal’s must-eat restaurants.

montmorency falls in winter

Montmorency Falls in Winter

Montmorency Falls is open in winter and becomes a winter wonderland. Splashes from the waterfall freeze and form a natural ice cone at the base of the falls. The park remains open, but the staircase closes for safety purposes. The cable car operates weather-dependent during the winter months. When no facilities are available, the parking is free.

montmorency falls suspension bridge winter

Snowshoes are available for rental and can be used to enjoy the upper trails and on the suspension bridge. For the more adventurous, there is ice climbing available. If you are looking for fun winter activities in Quebec City, visit Montmorency Falls.

lookout at montmorency falls park

How to Visit Montmorency Falls – The Best Ways to View the Falls

There are a variety of ways to experience Chute-Montmorency, including riding a cable car, walking over the suspension bridge, from the staircase lookout, the promenade at the waterfall’s base, or ziplining in front of the falls. 

montmorency falls from quebec city - suspension bridge

Suspension Bridge 

Along the top edge of the falls, the boardwalk will take you to a lookout and the suspension bridge. The suspension bridge crosses the river along the top of the falls, where you can be close to the waterfall’s edge. Walking across the suspension bridge is a must do at Montmorency Falls The bridge is very stable and not bouncy like some bridges. Besides the incredible view of the falls, the suspension bridge provides views of the St.Lawrence River and Quebec City.

montmorency falls cable car

Cable Car 

There are cable car rides available to transport people between the top and bottom of the waterfall, offering a scenic view during the ride. Cable car tickets are single rides in one direction. During the ride, you will see the falls, in addition to beautiful views of Île d’Orléans, the St.Lawrence River, and Quebec City. The ride lasts for a few minutes.

If you do not wish to ride the cable car, you can use the stairs or drive between the top and bottom of Montmorency Falls. During my visit to the falls, I used the stairs and drove. I soon fell in love with cable cars in Lisbon, and wish I rode the one here, so I will definitely ride the cable car when I return for another visit to this beautiful waterfall.

stairs at montmorency falls park

Montmorency Falls Stairs

Within Montmorency Park is a staircase leading to the bottom of the falls, with an observation deck with a few different levels offering different views of the falls. The staircase was built along the cliffside and contains 487 steps. Be prepared to take breaks, and admire the falls from the various lookouts. 

montmorency falls zipline quebec

Zipline Montmorency Falls

If you are looking for a unique way to experience Montmorency Falls, try zip lining! From the top of the cliff, you will zipline 300 m, crossing in front of the falls. The Montmorency Falls zipline takes approximately 30-45 minutes from start to finish, including the time to sign-up. 

Unfortunately, during my visit in October, the ziplining was not open, so I could not zipline the falls. I’ve been wanting to go again since my first zipline in Costa Rica, so I was sad it was closed during my visit.

How Long to Spend at Montmorency Falls?

How much time you need at Montmorency Falls will depend on what you want to see and do while in the park. If time is tight or if you only want to see the falls from either the bottom or the top and take pictures, 45 minutes can work.

To fully experience this incredible Quebec waterfall and take your time, you should allow at least 1.5 – 2 hours to see both the top suspension bridge area and the bottom of the falls where the stairs and viewing platform is.

If you plan to zipline, add even more time. I took my time and spent 3 hours at Montmorency Falls Park.

view from montmorency falls suspension bridge

How To Get To Montmorency Falls from Quebec City

To go to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City, you can drive, take a bus, bicycle, taxi, or take a guided tour. 

Here are directions to get to the park via bus and driving.

Bus from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls – starting from Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 

  • Take bus 11 – Gare Fluviale at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 
  • Ride for 5 stops and exit at Gare-Palais 
  • Walk for 4 minutes – down Rue Saint-Paul towards the park, pass the park, turn right on Bd Jean-Lesage and hop on the bus on Bd Jean-Lesage at the corner (Rue de la Gare du Palais)
  • Take bus 800 – T.C-Montmorency at Gare-Palais 
  • Ride for 28 stops and exit at T.C – Montmorency 
  • Walk from the bus to the park

The bus ride lasts about 50 minutes, and the bus will take you to the top of the falls.

Driving Directions to Montmorency Falls From Quebec City

  • Take the Autoroute 440 E ramp to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
  • Continue onto A. 440 E
  • Take exit 325 toward Parc de la Chute-Montmorency/QC-138 O
  • Turn left onto Bd Sainte-Anne/QC-368 O
  • Turn right onto Av. St Grégoire
  • Follow the road until you reach the Parking Lot Entrance

The drive takes approximately 15 minutes from Old Quebec City to Montmorency Falls Park. 

Montmorency Falls Park – Lower Parking Lot

Address: 5300 Bd Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1C 0M3

montmorency falls from quebec city quebec

Montmorency Falls Park Tickets

Montmorency Falls tickets can be paid on-site or through their online ticket system. An entrance ticket is required when services are available. During select times in the winter months, park entry is free, and those dates are listed on the park website.

Parking at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

There are three parking areas at Montmorency Falls Park. You can park at either the bottom of the falls or the top. Parking is paid per vehicle and can be purchased on-site or online.

A Montmorency Falls parking ticket is valid for the day, allowing you to move between the three parking lots. Hold onto your parking ticket to show if you plan on changing parking lots.

Lower Parking Lot Address: 5300 Bd Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1C 0M3

Upper Parking Lot Address: 2490 Ave Royale, Quebec City, QC G1C 1S1

Alternate Upper Parking Lot Address: Rue Montmorency, Boischatel, Quebec G0A 1H0

visiting montmorency falls in winter

3 Best Montmorency Falls Tours from Quebec City

An exciting and unique day trip from Quebec City, a Montmorency Falls tour should be at the top of your itinerary in any season.

Whether you are visiting Quebec for the first time or returning, these 3 best Montmorency Falls tours will take you up close and personal with this beautiful spot.

1. Private Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls

⭐ 5/5 (215 reviews)

A Private Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls is one of the best ways to explore and experience the beauty of Quebec City.

On this 4-hour guided bike tour, you will ride an easy 16 miles (25 kilometres) of mostly flat terrain and bicycle-friendly paths. And learn about Quebec City’s history from a knowledgeable guide.

Numbers are limited on this small-group tour to ensure your experience is personalized and unique. So get ready for adventure as you explore one of Quebec’s most iconic destinations!

Duration: 4 hours

Language: English and French

Included:

  • Local qualified guide
  • Bike rental with the necessary equipment
  • Water. You may bring your own water bottle (eco-responsible)
  • Snack
  • Cable car

Minimum age: Children old enough to ride a bike solo

Size of Tour: 15 people max

“My husband and I loooooved this tour. I am jealous of the wonderful biking infrastructure in Quebec City. We had a wonderful time. The falls are spectacular as well. Completely worth it.” – Patrice G (see more reviews)

Book your Private Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls

montmorency falls park promenade

2. Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City

⭐ 5/5 (85 reviews)

Ride through the Canadian countryside on this Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City.

Take a 4-hour bike tour along the St. Lawrence River to reach Parc de-la Chute Montmorency.

Enjoy plenty of time at the Falls while enjoying scenic views from the cable car up to the top of Montmorency Falls, walking across the suspension bridge, and seeing the Montmorency River.

If you aren’t used to long bike rides, upgrading to an e-bike for extra is worth it. Make sure to confirm your e-bike in advance, as supplies are limited.

So pack your day bag with some snacks and embark on this scenic bike tour.

Duration: 4 Hours

Language: English and French

Included: 

  • Local guide
  • Bottle of water
  • Entrance fees at the waterfalls
  • Use of bicycle
  • Round-trip cable car
  • Casque

Minimum age: 10 years +

Size of Tour: 2-10 people

“Another winning suggestion. We are 71 and 73, and had no trouble taking this tour with E bikes. The view and experience worth it. So many bike paths to travel in Quebec plus the history Ben gave us was fantastic. I would Def do this again.” – Patricia S (see more reviews)

 ➜ Book your Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City 

old quebec tour to montmorency falls

3. Quebec City: Old Town and Montmorency Falls Bus Tour

⭐ 4.6/5 (72 reviews)

If you don’t wanna ride a bike, this Quebec City: Old Town and Montmorency Falls Bus Tour is for you.

This guided bus tour will show you some of Quebec City’s most beautiful sights. From its stunning architecture in Old Town to its riverside scenery near the waterfall.

Enjoy panoramic views from the top of Montmorency Falls and learn about the history of this amazing city.

So if you’re ready to see one of Canada’s oldest cities, book your Old Town and Montmorency Falls bus tour.

Duration: 2.5-3 Hours

Language: English and French

Included:

  • Transport by bus
  • Live commentary
  • Guide dressed in 17th-century colonial attire
  • Admission to Parc de la Chute Montmorency

Size of Tour: 24 people max

“We had a wonderful time on our trip with Peter., our guide His humour and helpful manner were truly appreciated. His recounting of the history of Quebec, Old Quebec and the Montmorency Falls was exceptionally well done. He added a little whimsy and humour to the telling that made the whole experience exciting and entertaining. One of the highlights of our time visiting the area. We highly recommend the experience.” – GetYourGuide Traveler, Canada (see more reviews)

Book your Quebec City: Old Town and Montmorency Falls Bus Tour 

montmorency falls from quebec city view

Tips for Visiting Montmorency Falls 

  • Make sure you see the falls from both the top and the bottom. They both provide very different views of the waterfall, and your visit is not complete if you don’t see both angles. 
  • Visit the bottom of Montmorency Falls first. It is exciting to see the falls from afar first and slowly get closer and closer until you reach the top; I found it added to the experience.
  • If you plan to zipline, wear loose-fitting clothing and closed-toe shoes. They will provide you with the best ziplining experience. 
  • Weekdays are less crowded, so visit the falls on a weekday if possible. 
  • If you don’t want to take the stairs or cable car to get to the falls, drive your car up/down. The ticket you get by parking at Montmorency Falls allows you to enter from either parking lot. It will save you time and effort if you are short on time.
  • You do not need a full day at Montmorency Falls. Visit as a day trip or even a half-day. During my visit, I stayed 3 hours at the park.
  • Bring your camera and have fun, as there are plenty of fun photo opportunities within the park.
winter at montmorency falls

Final Thoughts: Montmorency Falls & Tours

Visiting Montmorency Falls is one of best things to do in Quebec City, aside from a historic tour of Old Quebec.

Taking a tour of Montmorency Falls from Quebec City is an incredible way to experience the beauty of this majestic waterfall. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking scenery or a unique cultural experience, a visit Montmorency falls tour by bike is sure to provide both!

Now you know the best time to visit and how to get to Montmorency Falls Park. You will not want to miss this natural gem so close to the city. Enjoy your time in the beautiful city of Quebec and don’t forget to check out some of the beautiful streets of the Old Town.

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