This guide covers everything you need to visit Montmorency Falls in Quebec, Canada: admission prices, cable car costs, opening hours, transport options from Quebec City, and which tours include the waterfall. I explain the three ways to reach the summit, what to expect at different seasons, and how long to spend. Here’s what first-time visitors should know.
Why Montmorency Falls is worth visiting
The Montmorency River drops 83 metres over a cliff into the St. Lawrence River. That’s 26 metres taller than Niagara Falls. The single-drop waterfall creates impressive drama just 12 kilometres from downtown Quebec City.
The falls are within Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, a provincial park with hiking trails, viewing platforms, a suspension bridge, and restaurants. Samuel de Champlain mentioned the falls in 1613. British General James Wolfe camped here before the 1759 Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
Admission prices and operating hours
Montmorency Falls admission 2025:
- Peak season (April to early November): CA$12.60 adults, free for under-18s
- Low season (November to March): CA$9.46 adults, free for under-18s
Admission includes all park areas, trails, viewing platforms, and the suspension bridge. The cable car requires separate tickets (CA$14.95 adults, CA$7.48 children 6-17, free under-6s).
The park opens daily year-round except Christmas Day. The outdoor areas are always technically open, but everything else works to different hours. It’s best to use the cable car hours as a guide. In summer it runs from 9am to 6:30pm. Winter hours shorten to approximately 10:00am to 4:00pm. Always check current hours before visiting as they adjust seasonally.
If you want to go the easy way, book Montmorency Falls tours that include transport and admission.
The three ways to reach the summit
Cable car: Ascends 83 metres from base to summit in 60 seconds. Cabins hold 12 passengers. Day tickets allow unlimited rides. The easiest option for those with mobility limitations or limited time.
Panoramic staircase: Free alternative with 487 steps carved into the cliff alongside the waterfall. Takes 15-25 minutes climbing, less descending. Provides intimate waterfall proximity and occasional spray. Hard on knees going down.
Vehicle access: Drive directly to upper parking and Manoir Montmorency. Parking fees apply (CA$10-15 daily). Best for restaurant visits or those avoiding stairs entirely.
The suspension bridge and viewing platforms
The suspension bridge spans 60 metres across the top of the falls. Water rushes beneath your feet. The bridge sways slightly with foot traffic. Solid construction and railings make it manageable for most visitors despite the height.
Multiple platforms offer different perspectives. Upper platforms near the Manoir provide bird’s-eye views down the full height. Mid-level platforms accessed via staircase give close proximity to falling water. Base platforms let you look up whilst feeling spray.
Rainbows appear in the spray during sunny conditions. The bridge provides prime photography spots. Early morning or late afternoon light works best.
Popular tours from Quebec City
Half-day Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré tours are most common. These 4-5 hour excursions cost CA$94 per person. Tours visit the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, stop at Montmorency Falls for 45-60 minutes, and often include Île d’Orléans stops.
Tours depart from downtown Quebec City hotels via air-conditioned coaches. Guides provide bilingual French/English commentary. Morning and afternoon departures are available.
However, 45-60 minutes at the falls feels rushed. You have time for the cable car, bridge crossing, and photos. You don’t have time for hiking, restaurant dining, or leisurely exploration.
Full-day tours from Montreal combine Old Quebec with Montmorency Falls. These 12-14 hour trips cost CA$80-120. They include 2.5-3 hours travel each way, making them practical only for Montreal-based travellers wanting comprehensive single-day experiences.
Reserve tours with transport included for hassle-free visits.
Independent transport from Quebec City
Public bus RTC Route 800 runs from downtown (near Château Frontenac) to the falls every 30 minutes during peak hours. Journey takes 20-30 minutes. Fares cost CA$3.70 adults. Frequency reduces during off-peak and weekends.
A taxi or Uber costs CA$30-40 each way. Journey takes 15 minutes. Securing return rides can be challenging. Arrange return transport before dismissing your initial taxi.
Shuttle services like Tours Vieux Québec’s run straight to the falls from Quebec City. They cost CA$36.46 for adults, including park admission. The shuttle departs from 10 Rue Sainte-Anne multiple times daily with flexible return timing.
Rental cars provide maximum flexibility. Drive east on Route 138 for 15 minutes. Parking costs CA$10-15 daily. It’s the best option for combining with other nearby attractions.
Hiking trails wind through forested areas. The Manoir Trail loops 1.3 kilometres from upper parking through woods. Takes 30-45 minutes at moderate pace.
Seasonal considerations
Spring (April-June): Maximum water flow from snowmelt. Most powerful period with spray reaching remarkable distances. Weather remains unpredictable with occasional rain and cool temperatures.
Summer (July-September): Peak tourist crowds. All activities operate fully. Expect queues for the cable car during July and August weekends. Visit before 10am or after 5pm to reduce crowds.
Autumn (September-November): Arguably best viewing conditions. Crowds thin after Labour Day. Fall foliage creates extraordinary photography opportunities. Moderate water flow and reliably clear skies.
Winter (December-March): Ice formations build along cliff faces. The “pain de sucre” (sugarloaf) ice cone forms at the base, sometimes reaching 30 metres high. Ice climbing and snowshoeing are available. The cable car may operate reduced schedules.
Hiking trails wind through forested areas. The Manoir Trail loops 1.3 kilometres from upper parking through woods. Takes 30-45 minutes at moderate pace.
What to wear and bring
Waterproof jackets protect against spray near the base and on the suspension bridge. During high-flow periods, you will get wet. The spray is cold mountain river water, not warm mist.
Sturdy footwear matters for the 487-step staircase. Platforms can be slippery from spray. Hiking boots or quality trainers work. Avoid sandals or smooth-soled shoes.
Layer clothing year-round. Summer spray-dampened clothing combined with breeze creates surprising chill. Winter demands full cold-weather gear. Temperatures regularly drop to -15°C to -25°C.
Cameras need waterproof protection. Cases or rain covers prevent spray damage. Lens cleaning cloths help remove water spots.
The Manoir Montmorency restaurant
The Manoir perches atop the falls offering upscale dining with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cascade. Serves contemporary Quebec cuisine. Mains cost CA$25-45. Afternoon tea and Sunday brunch available.
Reservations strongly recommended for window tables during peak season. The terrace provides spectacular photo opportunities even if not dining.
Combining with nearby attractions
Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is 20 kilometres east. This magnificent Catholic basilica attracts half a million pilgrims annually. Free admission. Most half-day tours combine it with the falls.
Île d’Orléans preserves traditional Quebec rural life with farms, orchards, and artisan workshops. The 67-kilometre perimeter road passes strawberry stands, chocolate shops, and cideries. Perfect for full-day circuits with the falls.
Book combination tours visiting multiple Quebec attractions.
Frequently asked questions
How long should we spend there? Independent visitors typically spend 1.5-3 hours. This allows the cable car (or stairs), suspension bridge, multiple viewpoints, and perhaps dining. Tour groups allocate 45-60 minutes, which covers highlights but feels rushed.
Is the cable car worth CA$14.95? Depends on physical ability. For those unable or unwilling to climb 487 steps, it’s essential. For capable climbers, the staircase provides free summit access with superior waterfall proximity.
Can you swim? No. Swimming is prohibited due to dangerous currents, undertows, and cold water. Several drownings led to strict bans.
Are dogs allowed? Yes, on leashes. Dogs are prohibited from the cable car and restaurant. Clean up after pets.
What’s the best time to visit? Early morning (at opening) or late afternoon provide softer light and lighter crowds. Midday sun creates harsh shadows but produces reliable rainbows in the spray.
How does it compare to Niagara Falls? Montmorency is 26 metres taller but Niagara carries vastly more water. Montmorency offers more intimate viewing in less developed surroundings. Both merit visits.
Can we see it from Quebec City? Not clearly. The falls are 12 kilometres east. That’s too distant for meaningful viewing without travelling to the park.
What food options exist? Manoir Montmorency provides full-service dining. Small snack kiosks operate seasonally selling ice cream and drinks. Bringing your own food is permitted with picnic tables available.
More Quebec travel
Other Quebec travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- River surfing on the St Lawrence River in Montreal.
- Five great places to stay in Vieux Montreal.
- Three great places to stay in Montreal’s Centre-Ville.
- Why Pointe-a-Calliere is the best museum in Vieux Montreal.
- Why Montreal is Canada’s best city.
