Montmorency Falls: up by cable car, down on foot
Arriving early made a real difference to our visit.
Montmorency Falls, just outside Quebec City, was a lovely outing. We took the cable car up and walked back down on a route around the falls.
The waterfall is 83 metres high, higher than Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls, although height alone does not describe the very different width and scale of the two places.
The area has a history beyond its scenery, including fighting in 1759 and later industrial uses of the water. The falls have been both a natural landmark and a practical resource.
We arrived early and were among the first visitors. By the time we came down, the cable-car queue was long. For our visit, the early start was important.
The cable car saves the climb, but the descent is still a walk requiring preparation. Steps and wet surfaces deserve care, especially near the spray.
You do not have to cover every possible path. We enjoyed the combination we chose: a ride up and a walk around and down.
This is a different experience from Canyon Sainte-Anne, which we also visited. We enjoyed both rather than treating them as interchangeable waterfall stops.
Practical notes
Our route was cable car up and walking down.
Arrive early if possible; queues grew during our visit.
Check what a ticket includes and which paths are open.
Current opening, ticket or visitor information
Planning and booking
More from our Canada trip
Canyon Sainte-Anne: a gentle loop with wonderful views
Inside Quebec’s Parliament: a visit that made us think about identity