Montmorency Falls: Day Trips and Tours from Quebec City

Just outside of Quebec City, the plundering streams of Montmorency Falls beckon nature lovers to swap the commotion of the city for a symphony of rushing water.

Formed millions of years ago and as thunderous as ever, Montmorency Falls day tours from Quebec City is an unmissable experience. Montmorency Falls trips take you away from the crowds to discover one of Canada's tallest waterfalls.

Here's all you need to know about the Montmorency Falls, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Quebec City.

How to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City?

Montmorency Falls is located just outside Quebec City. There are approximately 15 kilometers between the two destinations, making a Montmorency Falls day trip easy to arrange.

From Quebec City to Montmorency Falls by car

The jaunt to Montmorency Falls by car is easy and picturesque. You'll drive northbound along the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, where the falls are well-signposted. The entire journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

From Quebec City to Montmorency Falls by bus

You can also use public transportation for your journey to Montmorency Falls. Catch the Line 800 bus from the T. Beaufort stop straight to the falls, which takes around 15 minutes. Buses run several times an hour throughout the day.

Guided tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City

Alternatively, participate in a guided excursion to Montmorency Falls. You'll meet in a central location in the city or benefit from a convenient hotel pickup between 9 AM and 10 AM. Tours last between 2.5 and 5 hours, depending on the activities on offer.

What is the typical itinerary?

Montmorency Falls day tours vary in their itineraries based on the other sights you’ll see along the way. On some trips, you'll board a bus and head directly to the falls, journeying through rural villages, and picturesque farms.

On others, you'll enjoy a whirlwind tour of the city's most celebrated landmarks by bus before making the quick trip to Quebec's largest waterfall. If you're full of energy, you can pedal through the city's stunning parks and meandering rivers to reach Montmorency Falls.

Once there, you'll usually have free time to explore the falls at your leisure. Here, you can participate in a host of adventurous activities if you choose. Once you've been thoroughly impressed by the natural phenomenon, you may begin your journey back to Quebec City.

Alternatively, several Montmorency Falls day trips make a detour to the nearby Île d'Orléans — a charming island that feels like you've stepped back in time. From here, you'll gain another perspective of the falls, while devouring artisanal ice cream.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Montmorency Falls?

There are several Montmorency Falls day tours to choose from, depending on which other sights you'd like to explore and how active you are.

Day trip to Montmorency Falls plus Quebec City

Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Quebec City, narrated by an engaging guide. Learn about the rich history of some of the city's more iconic gems, such as the Fontaine de la Place d'Armes and the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral.

Then, immerse yourself in the thundering streams of water, towering cliffs and vibrant greenery that form the colossal Montmorency Falls.

Bike tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City

Alternatively, hop on a bicycle and explore the countryside surrounding Quebec City on this Montmorency Falls day trip. Cycle through the pristine Domaine de Maizerets park and spot the many species of birds that call this corner of the city home.

Pedal down the Saint Lawrence River to reach the surreal Montmorency Falls. Enjoy some free time to take a ride on the cable car or simply admire the views from the ground, before starting your journey back to Quebec City.

Half-Day tour to Montmorency Falls plus Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré from Quebec City

After exploring the 83-meter high tumbling cascade of Montmorency Falls, you'll head to the church of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, dedicated to the mother of Mary Magdalene.

Countless miracles have occurred at this place of worship, including the extraordinary curing of many who were sick or disabled. Hop across to the Île d'Orléans on your way back to the city to enjoy a decadent ice cream and learn about the process of copper art.

How much do Montmorency Falls day tours from Quebec City cost?

Day tours of Montmorency Falls and Quebec City cost around US$30 per person, and take place in small groups, limited to a maximum of 24 participants.

Half-day trips to Montmorency Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré cost approximately US$60 per participant, and also explore the Île d'Orléans.

Each person will pay approximately US$110 for a day tour to Montmorency Falls by bike. This price includes a pass for the cable car as well as bike rental.

What will you see and do?

Montmorency Falls exceeds the world-famous Niagara Falls by over 30 meters and is the tallest waterfall in the province of Quebec. It also features on the list of the top 10 highest falls in Canada, taking eighth place.

A geological link to the past, Montmorency Falls was formed during the Paleozoic era, between a staggering 250 million and 540 million years ago. From afar, the falls look like one magnificent flow of water, however, up close you'll see that it's three separate streams that create the natural attraction.

A suspension bridge links the two sides of the falls, where you can watch the water plunder from a great height down the cliffs and into the icy pool below.

While at Montmorency Falls, you can hop onto the cable car ride that enables you to gain a panoramic view of the falls and far beyond. Alternatively, if you're looking for a thrill, you can zoom across the falls on a zipline, and experience its gushing streams up close.

Set atop the cliff is the Manoir Montmorency, which is an exact replica of the manor that burnt down in the 1990s. The original Manoir Montmorency was the secret meeting place of Prince Edward and Julie de Saint-Laurent, who were wrapped up in a forbidden love affair.

Julie — a married woman — and the royal managed to keep their torrid relationship alive for 27 years from the tranquil setting atop Montmorency Falls.

When is the best time to visit Montmorency Falls?

Take a day trip to Montmorency Falls between May and October, when you can choose to participate in the activities on offer, including ziplining, and enjoy the pleasant weather.

Alternatively, snow lovers may choose to head to Montmorency Falls during the wintertime when the water freezes over, creating a magical sight.

Are there any tours to Montmorency Falls from other cities in Canada?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Canada:

• Day trips to the Montmorency Falls from Montreal

Travel tips

• Wear shoes with excellent grip on your Montmorency Falls day trip, such as hiking boots, as the ground near waterfalls can be slippery.
• Most tourists visit Quebec City between June and August. If you wish to have a peaceful experience at Montmorency Falls, consider planning your excursion for the shoulder months of May, September or October.
• Don't miss out on riding the cable car to understand the magnitude of Montmorency Falls.