January 18, 2025

The Magnificent Montmorency Falls

The Montmorency Falls are the center of the landscape.
The Montmorency Falls are the center of the landscape.

Thrill in the Rush and Beauty of Montmorency Falls.

Look! It’s Montmorency Falls!  Our first view of the spectacular Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (English is Montmorency Falls), is as our “Blue Bus” pulls into the parking lot.  The Falls are spectacular!  What makes Montmorency Falls so significant?  It’s 99’ higher than the famous Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of North America.  Montmorency Falls are 272’ tall!  While Niagara Falls are wider, Montmorency Falls provide plenty of excitement, as well as, numerous areas for viewing, and experiencing the waterfalls.  Actually, Montmorency Falls is three separate waterfalls.  The largest and most impressive of the three falls is Grand Sault that is the feature attraction at Montmorency Falls Park.

Map of the Points of Interest at Montmorency Falls.
Map of the Points of Interest at Montmorency Falls.

How to EXPERIENCE Montmorency Falls
What is there to see and do at Montmorency Falls?  Reviewing the map we find numerous activities that are available to truly experience the Montmorency Falls.  There is the Contemplative Footbridge, a walkway that goes to a viewing platform, a Semi-submersible walkway (closed on our visit), The Panoramic Staircase of 487 stairs, a Cable Car, a boardwalk along the cliffs, the Suspension Bridge and Manor Montmorency.

The Mixa's on the Contemplative Footbridge
The Mixa’s on the Contemplative Footbridge

THE CONTEMPLATIVE FOOTBRIDGE
First stop is the Contemplative Footbridge.  This large wooden footbridge provides ample space to enjoy the panoramic view of Montmorency Falls.  Here guests stop for a quick photo or find a place to sit to take in the beauty of these magnificent Falls.  We appreciate the wide angle view of Montmorency Falls and the landscape around it.  Interesting terrain as there are several small waterfalls to the left among trees pouring over the cliffs, while on the right side of the Falls, where the steps lead to the top, the terrain is totally barren.  The Footbridge actually passes over the Montmorency River as it continues into the St. Lawrence River.  After a contemplative respite of admiring the Falls and taking pictures, we continue on the trail.

Model of the terrain of Montmorency Falls
Model of the terrain of Montmorency Falls

Along the walkway to the Concrete Promontory, we pass a section that has storyboards about the history of Montmorency and a 3-dimensional model that provide an idea of the terrain of the area.

The Montmorency Falls are the center of the landscape.
The Montmorency Falls are the center of the landscape.

THE PANORAMIC STAIRCASE
At the base of the Panoramic Staircase we first feel the spray coming off the Falls.  This wooden staircase with 487 steps winds up a steep cliffside.  Look-out points are placed along the staircase providing a chance to catch ones breath or take some great pictures.  While one guest suggests we take the Cable Car to the top and walk down the steps, we bypass the steps.

View of base of Montmorency Falls at the Promontory with a rainbow.
View of base of Montmorency Falls at the Promontory with a rainbow.

THE CONCRETE PROMONTORY
Be ready to get WET!  Approaching the base of the Montmorency Falls along the upper level of the Concrete Promontory, there is a heavy mist.  As we step down to the lower levels, the water makes a spectacular plunge over the cliff into the lake at the bottom.  We are WET!  Quickly, we return to the upper level to avoid getting drenched.  Here, we take great pictures staying reasonably dry.  Look!  It’s a rainbow!  The sunlight reflecting on the spray easily and consistently provides the thrill of a rainbow.  We try to capture the best picture of the rainbow at the Promontory.  On this sunny day, the return walk provides time for the sun to dry us off.

Aerial view of Montmorency Falls and cliffs from the Cable Car Ride.
Aerial view of Montmorency Falls and cliffs from the Cable Car Ride.

THE CABLE CAR
Now to get to the top!  With no line, we purchase our roundtrip tickets ($14.95/adult) for the Cable Car ride to the top.  The Cable Car ride provides more spectacular views of Montmorency Falls, the numerous small waterfalls on the cliff, the base of the falls, and the overall scenery of the area.

Cabe Car provides a great view looking toward the St. Lawrence River.
Cabe Car provides a great view looking toward the St. Lawrence River.

From the Cable Car, we have grand views of the base of Montmorency Falls to the St. Lawrence River.  What are the snakelike white things on the ground?  That is the Semi-submersible Walkway.  (Not in use on our visit.) Now that would be a fun adventure.

The Baroness' Belvedere
The Baroness’ Belvedere

THE BARONESS BELVEDERE
Departing the Cable Car, we locate the Baroness’s Belvedere, a wooden boardwalk that runs along the edge of the cliff to the Suspension Bridge.  From here we have a few places where we can look down into Montmorency River at the base of the falls and toward the St. Lawrence River.

Picture of Mixa's on the Barrone. Notice the Zipline behind us over the top of Montmorency Falls.
Picture of Mixa’s on the Barrone. Notice the Zipline behind us over the top of Montmorency Falls.

On the way to the Suspension Bridge we stop at the Baronne to admire the scenery.  From here we can see down to the base of the waterfalls and up to view the Suspension Bridge.  This is also the location for the zipline that goes across Montmorency Falls.  That would be a THRILL.  It is not operating on our visit.

View of the Suspension Bridge from the Barrone.
View of the Suspension Bridge from the Barrone.

THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE
A must at Montmorency Falls is to walk across the Suspension Bridge.  First, we thrill in seeing the Suspension Bridge from the Barrone.  Standing here, we can see this magnificent Grand Sault Water Fall.  We feel the spectacular power as the water crashes over the cliff.  This is a RUSH!  Join us on this picture tour of views of and from the Suspension Bridge.

We begin our walk across the Suspension Bridge that has two-way traffic.
We begin our walk across the Suspension Bridge that has two-way traffic.
Looking to the left of the Suspension Bridge, we see the Montmorency River drops over a ridge before crashing over the cliffs that create the waterfall.
Looking to the left of the Suspension Bridge, we see the Montmorency River drops over a ridge before crashing over the cliff that creates the waterfall.
Looking directly down the middel of the waterfall from the Suspension Bridge. Notice the Concrete Promontory and Panoramic Staircase.
Looking directly down the middel of the waterfall from the Suspension Bridge. Notice the Concrete Promontory and Panoramic Staircase.
View looking down from the Suspension Bridge. This provides another view of the Panroramic Stairs and Concrete Promontory.
View looking down from the Suspension Bridge. This provides another view of the Panroramic Stairs and Concrete Promontory.
Looking directly down the middle of the waterfall from the Suspension Bridge. Notice the Concrete Promontory and Panoramic Staircase.
Looking directly down the middle of the waterfall from the Suspension Bridge. Notice the Concrete Promontory and Panoramic Staircase.
Walk of the Estate is a wide serene pathway after visiting Montmorency Falls.
Walk of the Estate is a wide serene pathway after visiting Montmorency Falls.

Stroll the Promenade du Domaine (Walk of the Estate)
Now to relax and enjoy the beauty at Montmorency Falls Park.  While the waterfalls are the feature attraction, the top of the cliffs offer a very serene setting.  Exiting the Suspension Bridge we follow a beautiful wide walkway.  It is the Promendade du Domaine that leads to the beautiful Manor Montmorency.  There are nice benches, picnic tables and places to relax along the walkway.  Here, many families enjoy a respite or a picnic.  Now, let’s see if we can find some lunch for these two hungry travelers at Manor Montmorency.

Manor Montmorency is at the top of the Cliff.
Manor Montmorency is at the top of the Cliff.

MANOR MONTMORENCY
We first see Manor Montmorency when we exit the Cable Car.  This picturesque building atop the cliff at Montmorency Falls, is an exact replica of the original Manor Montmorency.  Sadly, that building went up in flames in the 1993 renovations.  The Manor Montmorency houses an interpretation center, a gift shop and a restaurant.  With our time schedule we only have time for lunch.

The delicious Shrimp Rolll with fries and fresh salad.
The delicious Shrimp Rolll with fries and fresh salad.

Quickly seated outside on the Terrace at Manor Montmorency, we admire the beauty of the building and setting.  Here we have views of the beautiful terraced garden and even the Cable Car platform.  It is a wonderful day with blue skies and sunshine.  As we enjoy our delicious lunch on the Terrace of the Manor Montmorency, we are thrilled with our visit to Montmorency Falls.  It has been a spectacular visit to the majestic Montmorency Falls.

Final view of Montmorency Falls as we take the Cable Car down to catch the Blue Bus.
Final view of Montmorency Falls as we take the Cable Car down to catch the Blue Bus.

IF YOU GO
Anyone visiting Quebec City for a few days, must include a trip to Montmorency Falls.
Below are our tips:

  • Plan a few hours to experience the various activities at the Falls.
  • Arrive early! Our bus tour had us there near 11:00AM.  At that time it was not crowded.  On our Cable Car ride up there were only a few people.  The Cable Car down around after 1:30PM had long lines for each cable car to go down.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. If you plan to climb the stairs, bring proper supplies – water, snack, etc.
  • Do not go on a rainy day.
  • Since we went on a bus ride, we didn’t deal with parking issues or fees. There is a parking lot at the bottom by the Visitors Center and at the top near the Manor House.
  • We highly recommend the Unitour Blue Line shuttle for a great visit to Montmorency Falls. We took the 10:45AM Blue Bus by Visitor Center in Old Quebec and returned on the 2:00PM. This allowed time to see the Falls at the base, the Suspension Bridge and have lunch.  We were so glad we did the Blue Bus.  It made the visit to Montmorency Falls so easy.  They have schedules in AM for leaving and PM for return.  This allows plenty of time at the Falls.  Purchase Cable Car Passes – either online or at sight.  Again, earlier is better to avoid the crowds.  The ride gets you to the top but also provides some great views of the Falls and the area.