How to Get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City (2026)

Montmorency Falls is one of the easiest nature escapes from Quebec City – close enough to visit in half a day, but dramatic enough to feel like a real break from the city. In fact, this waterfall is 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls. This guide focuses on the question most travellers ask – how to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City, even if you don’t have a car. I’ll outline the best transport options from Quebec City, where you can stay overnight nearby and the different ways to experience the falls – with just enough adventure if you want it.

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Quick overview of Montmorency Falls

• You can get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City by public bus or a shuttle bus transfer
• Journey time ranges from 30-45 minutes
• Montmorency Falls is best visited during its peak flow season in spring to early autumn
• Activities range from cable car rides to rock climbing experiences
• Accommodation available near the falls for convenience

How to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City

There are great options for travelling from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls, depending on your priorities and whether you have access to a car.

How to get to Montmorency Falls from Québec City without a car

For comfort and convenience, book a shuttle bus transfer to the falls from Quebec City. This is the fastest and most direct option. It costs around $32 (Canadian dollars) for a return trip. When you have finished your sightseeing, simply return to the shuttle drop-off point at one of the five return times available. The shuttle will then take you back to Old Quebec.

The cheapest way to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City, if you don’t have a car, is by bus. This 12km journey takes around 45 minutes and it costs around CA$6 for the return journey. You can take the local 800 bus from Gare-Palais/2562 towards Beauport (Est). The stop you need for Montmorency Falls is Brideau, which is a ten minute walk from the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls Park).

It’s also possible to take an Uber or taxi from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls. The price is around CA$30 depending on your departure point. However, please note Uber availability at the falls can be limited during off-peak times.

Book the convenient shuttle bus transfer to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City here.

How to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City by car

The drive takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions via Route 138 East. From Old Quebec, head east on Grande Allée Est, which becomes Route 138. Follow the signs for Montmorency Falls/Chute Montmorency. There are car parks at the base of the falls, at the summit and Manoir Montmorency at the top of the falls and at nearby Boischatel, northeast of the falls.

Read on to find out where to stay and what to do at Montmorency Falls. You can have incredible experiences here and view these impressive falls from totally different angles.

Here are the different ways to see the Montmorency Falls

There are several different ways to experience to Montmorency Falls. Some of them may depend on the time of year. For us, it was early October when we visited, when the falls are at their fullest. The waters cascaded powerfully as the Montmorency River dropped sharply over the cliffs into the St Lawrence River that we had seen from the Governor’s Promenade in Quebec City.

From the viewing platforms

We made our way down the steep steps to the Montmorency Falls viewing platforms. From the bottom we could feel the spray and the force of the falls as the droplets refracted the light into mini rainbows. We could only just spot the tiny people walking across the suspended bridge stretching across the top of this Quebec City waterfall.

By cable car

We strolled along to the cable car station and took a cable car ride to the top, enjoying the views to the top of the falls.

There, just behind the falls, we found the Montmorency Manor, which is an excellent place to indulge in some of Quebec’s notable food and drink.

Book your tickets to Montmorency Falls, including the cable car ride.

This is the most exciting way to experience the falls

A member of staff at the Montmorency Manor told us about something called via ferrata. All I could gather was it was something to do with zip-lining over the river. I’m afraid of heights – more specifically of falling – but for some reason I was feeling adventurous. “Count me in,” I said, immediately wondering if I’d regret my decision.

We crossed the suspension bridge that spans the tops of the falls and I looked down at the water crashing down onto the rocks below. By this point, I could feel the nerves jangling uneasily in my stomach. I seriously questioned why I’d signed up to this.

In our via ferrata briefing we learned that it means ‘iron road’ in Italian. Essentially, it’s a protected climbing route using a steel cable fixed to the rock, which you secure yourself to with carabiners and harnesses. Theoretically you cannot fall more than a metre or so. There are also iron rungs, pegs, carved steps and ladders to help even novices like me scale an otherwise dangerous route. Like the sheer rock-face next to a torrential 83-metre high waterfall that’s taller than Niagara. Gulp.

After our briefing we donned our harnesses and helmets, then returned to the top of the viewing stairs we had originally descended. This time, we turned towards the waterfalls and were faced with our first challenge: a 300-metre zipline across a deep crevice.

The zipline

Way down at the bottom the river crashed against the rocks. Even from up here, the falls’ powerful, cold spray whipped into our faces and bodies. One by one, we attached the two big carabiners attached to our harness to the zipline carriage and propelled ourselves across the valley.

My heart was thumping and I screamed the whole way. But the challenge wasn’t over yet. We had to climb up the rock-face now. There was no turning back.

Rock-climbing

Clinging to the rocks and the cable, my arms and legs were shaking. A lot of the time I was hesitating about how to move. Each time we had to unhook and hook our carabiner to the steel cable or rungs, before figuring out how best to take the next step while still holding on. Thankfully the girl after me had done this before so she helped coach me through it.

The teacher could see how nervous I was – the terror written across my face and my trembling limbs – as I inched up the rock-face embarrassingly slowly. We were going further up, and towards the thundering waterfall. So it was increasingly scary. But they could also see my focus. It takes a lot of courage, he said afterwards, to do something like this when you are so afraid. I didn’t feel particularly courageous at this point – I just knew going back wasn’t a possibility. The only way was forward and up, even if it was at a snail’s pace.

At one point we stopped at a ledge for a brief respite and to admire the view as we edged closer to the falls.

Then we scaled a ladder next to the falls, where you feel simultaneously protected by the wooden and metal structure, while conscious that there’s just this ladder between you and the void, so high up from the rocks and crashing waters 80 metres below.

Conclusion of our via ferrata experience

We did it! We got to the top and walked back onto the suspension bridge to see again where we had just climbed up. The adrenaline was still pumping and I was glad it was over. But, wow, what an experience.

As the sun set on our day in the beautiful Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, I walked with my back straighter, my head held high and a big smile on my face, as we headed to the bus stop to travel back to Quebec City.

Here is where to stay in Montmorency Falls

If you are considering staying overnight close to Montmorency Falls, a good accommodation option is Au Gîte de la Chute. It’s just five minutes’ walk from Montmorency Falls in the town of Boischatel.

Find the latest accommodation deals near Montmorency Falls via the map below:

Here are affordable places to stay in Quebec City

If you are looking for a budget hotel in the heart of Old Quebec, try the art deco Hotel Manoir D’Auteuil, which is full of character. This wonderful hotel is known for its friendly staff, tasty breakfast and convenient location for city sightseeing. 

Alternatively, try one of Quebec City’s cute B&Bs. They include the exceptional Le 253, where the welcoming hosts serve a full English or vegetarian cooked breakfast every morning. Alternatively, the boutique-style L’Arvidienne Couette et Café is equally lovely. It features traditional rooms with styling inspired by impressionist artists, as well as an on-site library.

Check out the best hotels for your dates in Quebec City via the interactive map below:

These are cool things to do in Quebec City

Dating back to 1608, the old French architecture of Quebec City is so attractive, it’s worth simply taking a stroll around and taking it all in. You can pick up a map and get guidance from the helpful staff at the Quebec City tourist office or join a walking tour.

The first place we aimed for was Governor’s Promenade, an expansive, elevated boardwalk with spectacular views along the St. Lawrence River and the city’s defensive wall on the other side. It leads to the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel.

Built at the end of the 19th century, the Chateau Frontenac was built by Canada’s railway companies and is evocative of the chateaux in 14th and 15th century Loire Valley in France. It is a landmark of Quebec City.

Don’t forget to check out the famous city walls. Quebec City is one of only two cities in North America that has fortified city walls that are still intact and in great condition. 

Frequently asked questions about Montmorency Falls

Is Montmorency Falls worth visiting?

Yes, Montmorency Falls is a spectacular sight that’s easily accessible from Quebec City. There are activities like the cable car, zipline and via ferrata to keep you entertained.

What is the best time of year to visit Montmorency Falls?

The falls are most impressive during spring snowmelt and after heavy rains, typically from April through October. Winter visits offer a different experience with the falls partially frozen, creating unique ice formations, though some activities may be limited.

Can you get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City by VIA rail train?

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls. VIA Rail Canada operates train services to and from Quebec City, but these connect to other major cities rather than local attractions. Visitors looking for public transport to the falls should take the bus.

Can you Uber from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls?

Yes, Uber operates between Quebec City and Montmorency Falls and the journey takes about 15 minutes. However, Uber availability at the falls can be limited during off-peak times, so consider arranging return transportation in advance or using the shuttle bus for more reliability.

What should I wear when visiting Montmorency Falls?

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as paths can be wet and slippery from the falls’ spray. Bring waterproof clothing or a light raincoat, especially if you plan to get close to the viewing platforms. For via ferrata, closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

Final thoughts on Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls works well as an easy day trip from Quebec City. It’s straightforward to reach, even if you’re travelling without a car.

The falls can be experienced in a way that caters to all comfort levels, from the viewing platforms and gentle cable car ride to the heart-pounding via ferrata experience, like I did.

The convenience of transportation options makes it easy to incorporate Montmorency Falls into a Quebec City itinerary, while the nearby accommodation means you can stay overnight if you prefer a slower pace.