Quebec City & Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal

Summary

Old Quebec charm, Montmorency Falls roar, stories from Montreal to city walls

You’ll wander Old Quebec’s cobbled lanes with a local guide who brings its stories alive, ride up beside roaring Montmorency Falls by cable car, and taste fresh pastries under cathedral bells. Expect laughter with fellow travelers and small surprises around every corner—this day trip from Montreal lingers long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

“C’est la plus vieille rue du continent,” our guide Michel said, waving his hand toward a narrow lane in Petit Champlain. I’d never heard French sound so proud. The morning started early in Montreal — coffee still warming my hands as we climbed onto the bus. There was a soft drizzle at first, just enough to make the stone streets in Old Quebec shine like they’d been polished for centuries. Michel kept pointing out details I would’ve missed: a carved face above a doorway, the way locals always seem to pause at Place Royale like it’s their own living room.

The drive up to Montmorency Falls didn’t take long (maybe 15 minutes from the city?), but it felt like slipping out of time. You could hear the falls before you saw them — that low thunder that gets into your chest. We took the cable car up and I pressed my forehead to the glass, watching mist swirl over yellow leaves (it was autumn when I went). At the top, the spray caught on my jacket and made everything smell sharp and green. Someone behind me tried to count how many meters taller these falls are than Niagara; I just stood there feeling small and kind of lucky.

Back in Old Quebec, we wandered past Château Frontenac (Michel called it “the castle hotel” — he says even locals still gawk at it sometimes). My legs got a workout on Breakneck Stairs — name’s not a joke — but you get these flashes of river light between buildings that make you stop for breath anyway. We ducked into a bakery for maple pastries; I probably butchered “merci” but the woman smiled anyway. There’s something about hearing church bells echo off those old walls that makes you forget what year it is.

I didn’t expect to feel so much history under my feet or to laugh so much with strangers over lunch (not included, but worth every crumb). If you’re thinking about a Quebec City & Montmorency Falls day trip from Montreal, don’t rush it — let yourself get lost down an alley or two. I still think about that view from the top of the falls when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Quebec City and Montmorency Falls

• Travel from Montreal to Quebec City
• Explore Old Quebec historic district
• Visit Petit Champlain neighborhood
• See Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec
• View Château Frontenac hotel
• Travel to Montmorency Falls Park
• Take cable car to top of falls
• Enjoy viewpoints and trails at falls
• Return to Montreal

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Montreal to Quebec City?

The drive typically takes around 3 hours each way by tour bus.

Is admission to Montmorency Falls included?

No, admission isn’t included but you can buy tickets through your guide on the bus.

Does this tour include pickup in Montreal?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included in Montreal.

Can infants join this Quebec City & Montmorency Falls day trip?

Yes, infants can join; they may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No, lunch is not included—you’ll have free time to buy food locally.

What are some highlights visited in Old Quebec?

You’ll see Petit Champlain district, Place Royale, Breakneck Stairs, Château Frontenac, and Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica.

How high is Montmorency Falls compared to Niagara?

Montmorency Falls is 30 meters (about 100 feet) higher than Niagara Falls.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; some walking is involved.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport from Montreal with pickup, entry into Old Quebec City’s historic areas guided by a professional storyteller-guide, all applicable taxes covered—and help reserving attraction tickets right on the bus if you want them for Montmorency Falls or other stops along the way.