Waterfalls Near Quebec City
A day of chasing waterfalls, finding a favorite, and melting in the summer heat.
Some beautiful waterfalls are just outside Quebec City, making them an easy day trip from Old Quebec. Montmorency Falls is the best-known and easiest to reach by bus or tour, but if you have a rental car, I recommend adding Canyon Sainte-Anne for a little more natural beauty.
Montmorency Falls: The Upper Falls
Montmorency Falls is impressive, and you can actually see it from the highway as you drive by. But I wanted to get a closer look, so I started at the upper section. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with paved paths leading to viewing platforms and a sturdy bridge that takes you right over the top of the falls. You can get close enough to feel the power of the water, and there are picnic tables if you want to bring lunch and stay awhile.
It’s a very easy area to explore, and I enjoyed the views from the bridge. However, this is a developed attraction rather than the wild, forested waterfalls I usually seek out. The water wasn’t the clear glacier-fed kind I love photographing in Alaska, and the surrounding landscape didn’t quite have the natural drama I was hoping for. Still, it’s worth seeing, and I was glad I stopped.
Montmorency Falls: The Lower Falls
Here’s a tip that might save your legs: the staircase between the upper and lower areas has 487 steps. When it’s 98°F with 70% humidity, that feels like approximately one million. 😂 I kept my admission ticket and drove the seven minutes between the two parking areas instead. The staff directed me into the lower lot, and I was very happy to make the trip in a fully air-conditioned car(double check the rules before you go).
The lower section feels more like a tourist attraction, with a large souvenir shop and a cable car, but I skipped those and walked toward the falls. I took the longer paved path and eventually reached the splash zone, where the mist was flying everywhere. With a waterproof phone case and a rain cover for my camera, I was ready to get soaked. AAnd honestly, after baking in that heat all morning, it felt like a ride on Splash Mountain at Disneyland—and I was there for it! 😂
The cool spray was wonderful, and the falls themselves were powerful. I just didn’t find the setting as photogenic as some of the more natural waterfalls I’ve visited. Montmorency is worth a stop, but personally, I wouldn’t plan to spend more than a couple of hours here.
Canyon Sainte-Anne: My Favorite Stop
About 30 minutes from Montmorency Falls, Canyon Sainte-Anne was the stop I was happiest to add to my day. I picked up a rental car just outside Old Quebec, which gave me the freedom to visit both waterfalls without relying on a tour schedule.
After paying admission, I followed the forested paths across a series of bridges and viewing platforms. Some are suspension bridges, while others are solid underfoot. The canyon isn’t one enormous waterfall drop; instead, the water rushes through a gorgeous, rugged gorge, carving its way between dramatic rock walls. There are plenty of places to stop, take photos, and get close enough to appreciate the power of the water.
Once I got beyond the more developed entrance area, the setting felt much more natural and peaceful. Trees provided welcome shade from the summer heat, and the views were beautiful from several different angles. For photography, this was much more my style: greenery, textured rock, and a canyon that gave the images depth. If you’re going to visit just one waterfall beyond the city, I’d seriously consider adding Canyon Sainte-Anne to your itinerary.
There’s also an adventure ride called AirCANYON that sends you soaring over the canyon. I skipped it, but it looked like a fun option if you’re after a little extra excitement.
The Waterfall I Missed: Chutes Jean-Larose
There was one more waterfall on my list: Chutes Jean-Larose, near Mont-Sainte-Anne. From what I saw while researching, it looked like a beautiful series of cascades and a tempting addition to a waterfall-filled day.
But by the time I finished the first two stops, I was done with the heat and had absolutely no desire to get out of the car for another hike. 😂 And if you know me, you know I will squeeze my car into a sliver of a parking spot if it means I get to see a waterfall. If you didn’t know that about me, well, now you do! This girl stops for waterfalls!
I haven’t visited Jean-Larose myself, so I won’t pretend to have firsthand advice. If you want to add a third waterfall, it may be worth investigating—but check the current trail access before you go, as closures and maintenance can affect access.
Melissa’s Planning Notes
✔ Quick Tips
✔ Getting There: Take a bus or tour if you’re only visiting Montmorency Falls. Rent a car if you want to explore Canyon Sainte-Anne and other waterfalls.
✔ Skip the Stair Workout: Montmorency’s staircase has 487 steps. Driving between the upper and lower parking areas worked well for me, and the cable car is another option.
✔ Bring a Picnic: Both Montmorency Falls and Canyon Sainte-Anne have picnic areas, so you can make a relaxing afternoon of it.
✔ Dress for the Weather: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a hat and water, and be prepared for summer heat and humidity.
✔ Protect Your Camera: The lower viewing area at Montmorency gets very wet. Bring a waterproof phone case and a rain cover for your camera.
✔ Budget for Admission: These are developed attractions with entry fees, unlike many free waterfalls in the U.S. Check current prices before you go.
✔ Don’t Underestimate Summer Waterfalls: Both places had strong water flow when I visited. These were definitely not little summer trickles!
✔ Check Trail Conditions: If you’re planning to visit Chutes Jean-Larose, verify that the trail is open before making the drive.
Planning Snapshot
📍 Location: Outside Quebec City, in the Côte-de-Beaupré area
⏰ Time Needed: A couple of hours for Montmorency Falls; half a day if you add Canyon Sainte-Anne, and longer if you add Chutes Jean-Larose.
🚗 Getting Around: Bus or tour for Montmorency; rental car for multiple waterfalls
📸 Don’t Miss: The bridge over Montmorency Falls and the canyon viewpoints at Sainte-Anne
🎒 Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, a hat, and waterproof camera protection
💭 My Take: Montmorency Falls is impressive, but Canyon Sainte-Anne was more my style. If you love natural scenery and photography, I’d make time for both.
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