Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)

The basics

One of Quebec City’s highlights, Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency) is often visited on city sightseeing tours and dedicated bike tours. For a close-up view of the waterfall, you can climb the 487-step mountainside staircase or take the fee-based cable car to the top.

Once there, cross a suspended bridge over the crest of the falls to access both sides of the park. In summer, adventurous travelers can go ziplining over Montmorency Falls or try out the park’s via ferrata circuits, while winter travelers can take part in snowshoeing and ice climbing.

Things to know before you go

• Fees apply for the cable car, ziplining, via ferrata access, and snowshoe rentals.

• Food is offered at the cable car station, at Manoir Montmorency, and at La Terrasse du Manoir.

• The park features three playgrounds for kids.

• Much of the park is wheelchair accessible, although only some of the viewing platforms can be reached by wheelchair.

How to get there

The falls are located on the boundary between Beauport and Boischatel, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the heart of Old Quebec. The site offers two paid parking lots, one below the falls and another above the falls. To reach Montmorency Falls by car, take Autoroute 20 northeast from Montreal to Quebec City. Then take Autoroute 440 east out of Quebec City.

When to get there

Montmorency Falls is a year-round attraction. Ziplining is offered from May to October, and if you’re visiting in July or August, you can try out the via ferrata circuits or catch the international fireworks competition that takes place at the park. In winter, the cable car still runs and the falls gain the famous "Sugarloaf," an impressive mound of ice that forms at the foot of the falls and sometimes reaches up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall.

Other natural attractions close to Quebec City

Montmorency Falls Park is one of Quebec City's most popular natural attractions, but there's plenty more to explore close to the capital of Quebec Province. Don't miss the historic Plains of Abraham park in downtown Quebec or Jacques-Cartier National Park, known for its stunning glacial valleys and rivers.

Ways to explore

Whether you ride the cable car, climb the 487-step mountainside staircase to the top, walk the suspension bridge over the crest of the falls, or soar overhead on a zipline, there are plenty of thrills to be had at Montmorency Falls Park.

Sightseeing tours of Quebec often combine a view of the falls with a walking tour of Old Quebec, a food-tasting tour of the neighboring Île d’Orléans, or a bike or boat cruise along the St Lawrence River. Outdoor adventurers can also tackle the park’s via ferrata climbing routes and enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.

Accessibility

The park is partially accessible to wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility. The cable car is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

None; many activities in the park are suitable for children, and the park offers free admission for under-18s. The cable car offers free or reduced-rate admission for kids, dependent on age.

What to pack

An e-ticket (advance booking is recommended), reusable water bottle, camera, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Weather-appropriate sportswear or hiking clothes; closed-toe shoes for the zipline and via ferrata

Not allowed

Bikes on the cable car, drones

Amenities

Interpretation Center, restaurants, gift shops, restrooms, parking (included with admission), electric vehicle charging points

Address 

Montmorency Falls Park is located in the Beauport and Boischatel areas of Quebec, about 8 miles (12.5 kilometers) from the heart of Old Quebec. It’s easy to reach by car, public transport, or on a guided tour from Quebec or Montreal.

Driving

It’s about a 20-minute drive from Old Quebec to the falls. Head northeast along the A440, following the course of the St. Lawrence River. There are two parking lots, one below the falls and another above the falls.

Public transportation

The RTC Bus 800 leaves from D’Youville in Old Quebec and takes about 45 minutes to reach the park. Alternatively, rent a bike and follow the riverside Corridor du Littoral cycle track all the way to the falls, about a 45-minute cycle.

Best times to visit

Opening hours vary throughout the year, so make sure to check ahead. Most day-trippers visit between 11am and 4pm, and parking can fill up fast, so get there early.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays can get busy at the park, so expect long lines and crowds at all the popular viewpoints. Visiting mid-week is often much quieter.

Best months to visit

Montmorency Falls Park is open year-round, but many activities are seasonal, so come between mid-June and mid-October to enjoy the ziplines and via ferratas. The frozen falls are a highlight for winter visitors, but avoid December and January (except for Christmas week) when the cable car and other attractions are closed.

Special events

NONE