6 Things to know before Exploring the Montmorency Falls, Quebec

The waterfalls were named after the Duke of Montmorency in his honor by Samuel de Champlain in 1613. The falls is just a short drive from Quebec City and a natural formation where the Montmorency River cascades over the rock face to join the St. Lawrence River downstream. An interesting fact about this waterfall is that it is higher than the Niagara Falls, the highest in the Quebec province and the eighth-highest falls in Canada. Measuring 83 meters (272ft) tall it is nearly 100 ft taller than the Niagara Falls although it doesn’t seem like it due to the sheer volume and size of the latter. It also has an interesting history as being the site where the Battle of Montmorency took place between the English and French forces in 1759. The site is also the place where the first hydroelectric power station was established in 1885 to power the Quebec City. In the recent past the falls has been a filming location for some of the region’s popular movies. Today, the Montmorency Falls is a popular picnic spot for the residents of the Quebec City and a tourist attraction for the thousands of travelers who go through the region.

Most of the regular visitors to the park think it is beautiful all year around. However, as tourists who wish to experience everything the park has to offer including the treks and the rides along with fantastic views, it’s best to visit during autumn and summer. On clear months you can experience the breath-taking panoramic views from the cable car ride or hike on all the trails to the top. Zip-lining is open between May to October, and the Via Ferrata circuits are best tried in July and August. Since winter is the season where the whole region is covered in a blanket of snow and the waterfall partially frozen, the bulk of the experience would be missing. Some of the walkways and wooden stairs can also be closed due to the ice formation and slippery conditions that can be dangerous. The cable car is closed most of the winter days and being one of the best experiences in the park it is something you don’t want to miss. On the bright side the walkways on the top are open, and the frozen landscape gives you a chance for ice canyoning and snowshoeing. There’s also the chance for ice climbing through guided classes or free climbs for experienced climbers. So even if you have no choice but to visit the Montmorency Falls in winter there are still numerous fun things to do.

The Montmorency Falls Park is located 13 km from downtown Quebec. It’s approximately a 15-minute car drive from the city and a quick and easy to get-to picnic spot for most of the people in the city. It’s also a quick stop for those who are road tripping and an irresistible detour to those travelling on the AutoRoute 440 East. It often so happens that may who drive on this route get a glimpse of the falls from a distance and take a spontaneous detour for a quick stop! If you don’t have a car to drive to the falls, you can take the public transit from the city or even a bicycle ride on the Corridor du Littoral cycle path which goes all the way to the park. Several bus routes run to the park and the total journey time is close to 45 minutes. You can also choose from the tours available from the city which have a stop at the falls or book a guided tour specifically to the falls. The bike tour to the park is popular among nature lovers and those looking to spend some quality time outdoors on a long bicycling trip. The journey could be as long as 4 hours if you choose to stop at the various sightseeing locations on the way and have a very rewarding experience.

If you have plenty of time on your hands and wish to see it all, take a whole day to explore the Montmorency Falls Park on foot. Access to the park is free for all visitors. However, if you’re travelling with your own transport there is a parking fee which depends on the time of the year, type of vehicle and sometimes even the number of passengers. The ride and activities have additional fees as well. Since the site has two parking lots, one at the bottom near the Visitor Centre and one at the top near the Montmorency Manor, plan your parking according to the activities or where you wish to start exploring. Grab a copy of the complementary Parc de la Chute-Montmorency booklet to better know your way around the park. The booklet has useful information on the circuits, the best lookout spots to view the scenery and some explanation about the park, its history, and its geographical features.

There are a number of ways to view the waterfalls, and each place offers a different perspective on the whole park in general. If you start from the bottom, you will get to see the whole view of the falls from the paved path that starts from the Visitor Centre and goes to the viewing platform at the base of the falls. From here you have a view of the falls, the suspension bridge that goes over it, and the zip line that runs from one side to the other. Along the way, those with children can stop at the playground and the picnic area for some fun and leisure.

If you’re starting out from the Visitor Centre, you can take either of the two ways to the top. One is by the cable car that runs from the Visitor Centre or taking the panoramic stairs and climbing 487 steps to the top. The cable is perfect if you don’t want to sweat it out much and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park and the surroundings. One recommended path is the Panoramic Circuit where you take the cable car to the top and walk across the suspension bridge and finally climb down the panoramic stairs. The Panoramic circuit lets you experience it all and not strain yourself too much.

The cable car ride costs around $12.10 for adults and $28.10 for a family ticket while children under the age of 5 ride for free. The tickets are available for one way or even a round trip if you choose to avoid the stairs. At the top is the Manoir Montmorency which was originally the country house of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, also Queen Victoria’s father. The old house built in 1780 was destroyed by a tragic fire accident in 1993. The one you see today is a reconstruction that maintains the architecture of the original building and has a few features of its own. It has a souvenir shop, an interpretation centre for the visitors to learn a little more about the history of the place and an outdoor restaurant where you can dine with an incredible panoramic view of the surroundings. It’s recommended to have reservations if you wish to dine here.

Right after the Manoir Montmorency is a suspension bridge that connects one side of the falls to the other. Although the bridge is robust, it can be a vertigo-inducing experience for the faint of heart. If you’re not too afraid of heights, this bridge offers an incredible overhead view of the waterfall from its upstream to the cascade below while you experience the rumbling of the water below. There have been numerous bridges in the past; however, this one was built newly along with the new mansion in 1993.

If you’re taking the panoramic stairs down to the bottom, you’ll be getting down on a staircase that clings to the flank of the cliff. It has a total of 487 steps, and it’s much easier to climb down it than to climb up. On most mornings you’ll also find many athletes training here, and while it helps to be in great physical shape to climb to the top, you will do fine by taking frequent breaks for some air and views. There are a number of sheltered viewpoints on the stairs just to help those climbing up for a well-deserved break.

At the bottom of the circuit, you’re back to the paved walking trail which has a concrete promontory for the visitors to enjoy the splashes and the misty spray that comes off the falls. In the winter months much of the spray freezes mid-air and falls over to create a natural ice cone which is quite a popular formation with the regular visitors.

For those seeking some thrill at the Montmorency Falls Park there are options such as the two Via Ferrata hikes and a third route which combines a hike with the zip-line. The Via Ferrata hikes are guided by professionals where you’re taken on a path with some hiking and plenty of rock climbing with safety harnesses connected to a cable that runs across the rock faces. The easiest hike has an age limit of 8 years, and the other two have age limits of 12 and 14 years.

The Explorer Route is the easiest of the Via Ferrata hikes and involves some hiking and plenty of rock climbing to get to the top. There are metal footholds built into the rock and handholds for a firm footing and grasp. You’re also clipped to a safety line that runs across the trail so while it can be tiring; it’s safe even for children as young as 8 years old.

The tougher of the Via Ferrata hikes is the Torrent of Montmorency which is a 270-metre route that runs very close to the falls. You will get to scale rock faces so close to the waterfall that you can feel the misty spray on your face and hands. Since this route is a bit tougher, the age restriction is 12.

To complete the hike with the ultimate adrenaline rush at this park, go on the zip line. With a total length of 300 metres running across the cove of the waterfall, you can take a dive off one ledge and glide down to the other side all while screaming your lungs out. Since it’s a double zip-line, you can take the ride with a partner or a friend and have one of the best times of your life.

If you’re visiting the park in winter, make sure to check out the ice climbing that goes on at the frozen parts of the waterfall. Some parts of the falls freeze during winter giving a sturdy wall of ice popularly known as Sugar Loaf. Climbing enthusiasts scale the ice walls by themselves or go on guided climbs with a professional. You will need to rent some climbing gear at the spot to get on it.

Where to eat at Montmorency Falls

The Manoir Montmorency has its own restaurant which serves an extensive menu along with Sunday brunches. The terrace at the Manoir offers incredible panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Located at the foot of the falls is a small sandwich place called The Sandwicherie, which offers a wonderful selection of beverages and sandwiches. LE 1759 is the park’s mobile restaurant at the top of the panoramic staircase. They offer some great street food type of meals at affordable prices. The Bridge Snack Bar is an other place for you to grab something to eat and even get a drink at the park. It is on the entrance at the Boischatel sector.

The whole park is accessible to wheelchair and those with reduced mobility

Although entry to the park is free, the ride and activity will cost depending on the season

While pet dogs are allowed in many places, guide dogs are allowed everywhere

The Visitor Centre has a souvenir shop, toilets and a snack bar for a quick bite

Although the Montmorency Falls seems similar one of the many touristy places around the world, it has some interesting facts you need to know. The coolest fact is that the falls is basically an ancient geological structure or more precisely as the geologists like to put it; a fault. It’s basically a section of landmass across with a continental sized crack runs along over which the Montmorency River cascades.

While the Duke of Damville, Charles de Montmorency never saw the falls that were named after him, it became a strategic point in the war between the British and the French 150 years later. The remnants of the military installations set up by the British in 1759 are still standing and can be found towards the east of the park. The war also spawned a legend that lives to this day. Two young lovers, Louis, and Mathilde during the time of the war were set to be married. Louis who was in the military was killed in a battle near the falls. Mathilde who was overcome with sadness put on her wedding gown and jumped off the falls. Ghostly encounters and sightings about a White Lady are reported even to this day by believers!

The Manoir Montmorency was also the place of a love affair between the Duke of Kent and Therese-Bernardine Montgenet, who was a married woman. According to rumours, the illicit relationship lasted for 27 years!

With all the sights and experiences the Montmorency Falls Park has to offer, it’s definitely a place that should be on your travel itinerary. Advanced flight booking with accommodation can help you get cheap deals and big savings on your travel to Quebec.