Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

During my stay in Quebec City, I took a quick day trip to Montmorency Falls, one of the most beautiful spots just outside the city.

This towering waterfall is even taller than Niagara Falls and makes for the perfect escape if you’re looking to add a little adventure to your trip.

From hiking trails to the suspension bridge, Montmorency Falls is a must-see when visiting Quebec City.

Here is everything you need to know! And a glimpse into my visit.

Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls is one of the most impressive natural sights near Quebec City, standing at 272 feet, which is about 83 meters tall.

That makes it roughly 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls!

The waterfall is part of Parc de la Chute Montmorency, a protected area with hiking trails, viewpoints, and plenty of adventure activities.

What I love most about this spot is that it feels so close to the city, yet it still has the raw power of nature.

Looking for more to do in Quebec City? 32 Things to Do in Quebec City: Complete Guide with Day Trips!

When is Montmorency Falls Open?

The falls are open year-round, and each season offers something different.

In summer, you can hike down the long staircase to feel the mist at the bottom or cross the suspension bridge at the very top for sweeping views.

I chose to do both!

In winter, the waterfall turns into a frozen wonder with huge ice formations called the sugar loaf that attract climbers from around the world.

If you are visiting in winter, you have to visit Hôtel de Glace! Which is North America’s Only Ice Hotel

Whether you want a short walk, a family outing, or something more adventurous like ziplining, Montmorency Falls makes an easy day trip from Quebec City.

My Visit to Montmorency Falls

I visited Montmorency Falls in late August, and it could not have been easier to get there.

The drive from downtown Quebec City took only about fifteen minutes, making it one of the quickest day trips from the city.

If you do not have a car, there are also guided tours that leave right from Old Quebec, which is a great option if you prefer not to drive or want someone else to handle the details.

I recommend this Montmorency Falls & Ile d’Orleans Half-Day Tour with GetYourGuide!

Parking at Montmorency Falls

There are two main options for parking, either at the lower lot or the upper lot.

I recommend choosing the upper lot if you want to hike, zipline, or walk the suspension bridge. That is where we parked.

If you want to take the cable car, park at the lower lot.

The entrance has a small booth where we paid the fee, which was about fifteen dollars each at the time of our visit.

From there, it was just a short walk to reach the staircase that leads down the side of the falls or to continue on toward the suspension bridge.

Hiking the Montmorency Falls Staircase

When I reached the top of the staircase and looked down, I knew we were in for a workout.

The panoramic staircase has 487 steps in total, winding along the cliffside with several viewpoints along the way where you can pause for photos or a break.

I decided to hike all the way down, and every step gave me a new angle of the falls that made the effort worth it.

At the bottom, I walked right up to the base of the waterfall.

The mist was so strong that I ended up drenched, but it felt refreshing on a hot summer day.

A rainbow stretched across the spray, which made the view even more beautiful.

The climb back up was tough and definitely took some willpower, but standing that close to such a powerful waterfall made it unforgettable.

Cable Car as an Alternative (If You Don’t Want to Hike the Stairs)

If the idea of climbing all 487 steps isn’t for you, don’t worry!

You can simply drive to the bottom parking area and take the cable car up instead.

You can book the Cable Car here. I recommend this one because it’s a GetYourGuide package deal that includes park access, the cable car ride, and parking.

While I didn’t take it myself, it looked like a wonderfully scenic and effortless way to experience the falls.

Crossing the Suspension Bridge

After finishing the staircase and making my way back up, I followed the path through the woods toward the suspension bridge.

I am usually nervous about suspension bridges, but this one felt different.

Since it stretches across the very top of the falls, you do not see the steep drop below, which makes it feel much less intimidating.

The bridge was crowded when I crossed, so it took a little patience to make it across.

The best approach is to step to the side, wait your turn, and then take in the incredible views as the water rushes beneath your feet.

Standing above Montmorency Falls with the sound of the rushing water all around was an experience I will never forget.

If you love bridges, read all about the World’s Longest Covered Bridge in Canada!

Ziplining Over Montmorency Falls

Right before the entrance to the suspension bridge, I came across the zipline that takes you directly over Montmorency Falls.

I didn’t try it myself, but watching people soar across the rushing water looked like such a thrilling experience.

The line stretches about 300 meters and gives you a bird’s eye view of the falls as you glide over the drop.

Tickets for the zipline are usually around CA$30 to CA$35 per person, depending on the season.

If you are looking for something more adventurous than hiking or the cable car, this would definitely be a bucket list way to see the falls from a completely different perspective.

Tips for Visiting Montmorency Falls Year-Round

• Plan your day trip from Quebec City: The falls are only fifteen minutes from downtown, so you can easily fit them into your Quebec City itinerary without needing an overnight stay.
• Choose your parking wisely: The upper lot makes it easier to reach the panoramic staircase and suspension bridge, while the lower lot is better if you want quick access to the cable car.
• Wear comfortable shoes: If you plan to hike the 487-step panoramic staircase, sturdy shoes will make the climb much more enjoyable.
• Expect to get wet: Walking to the base of the waterfall often means getting drenched in the mist, especially on windy summer days. Bring a light rain jacket or be ready to embrace it.
• Arrive early or later in the day: Montmorency Falls can get crowded with tours from Old Quebec, so morning or late afternoon visits usually mean fewer people on the bridge and stairs.

Explore More of Quebec City

Spending the day at Montmorency Falls was one of the highlights of my trip to Quebec City. It is hard to believe that such a powerful and scenic waterfall is only fifteen minutes from downtown.

Here are 32 Things to Do in Quebec City: Complete Guide with Day Trips.

If you want to grab dinner after, check out Best Restaurants in Quebec City: Where to Eat & What to Try.

Or, grab a drink at 4 Hidden Speakeasies in Quebec City You Need to Find.

If you are visiting Ile De Orlanes, The Best Sunset Winery Is Vignoble Isle de Bacchus.

Or, Ste-Pétronille Winery Has The Most Mouthwatering Pizza!

Read all of my Quebec City Travel Guides!