Quebec City & Montmorency Falls Day Trip with River Cruise

Summary

Montmorency Falls mist Old Quebec’s stone streets river breeze cruise

You’ll feel the spray at Montmorency Falls before wandering Old Quebec’s winding streets with a local guide who brings history to life. Taste fresh pastries, hear cathedral bells echoing off ancient stones, then drift along the St Lawrence River as city lights flicker past—a day trip from Montreal that lingers long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my Quebec City day trip with the roar of water in my ears and a fine mist on my face, but that’s how it went—Montmorency Falls hits you right away. Our guide, Marie, pointed out how it’s even taller than Niagara (which I’d never realized), and you can actually feel the spray if you get close enough. There was this faint earthy smell mixed with cold river air. Some kids were daring each other to lean over the railing—Marie just shook her head and laughed, said she used to do the same growing up here.

After that, we drove into Old Quebec. The streets are all uneven stone and suddenly you’re somewhere between Europe and Canada—shop signs in French, a guy playing accordion near Place Royale. We wandered through Petit Champlain (I got lost for a second; everything looks like a postcard), then Marie led us past Château Frontenac. She told us about some old rivalry between France and England here—I only half caught it because I was distracted by this bakery smell drifting out of nowhere. We had free time so I grabbed a coffee and just watched people for a while. The cathedral bells rang right on the hour, echoing down those narrow alleys.

The cruise on the St Lawrence River was quieter than I expected—almost meditative after all that walking. Sitting on deck, you see Quebec City from a distance: Château Frontenac perched above everything, sunlight bouncing off windows. There’s this moment when you pass Île d'Orléans and all you hear is water slapping against the hull and some distant gulls. I found myself thinking about how old everything is here, but also how alive it feels—like people really live their days out in these places, not just pose for photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Quebec City and river cruise

• Visit Montmorency Falls
• Tour Old Quebec historic sites
• See Château Frontenac
• Explore Place Royale and Petit Champlain
• Visit Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica
• Enjoy AML Louis Jolliet river cruise

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Quebec City tour?

Yes, complimentary pickup and dropoff from Montreal hotels within 5km of the departure point is included.

How long does it take to reach Montmorency Falls from Montreal?

The drive from Montreal to Montmorency Falls is part of your full-day itinerary; exact timing varies but it's typically around 3 hours each way with stops.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

No lunch is included; however, there is free time in Old Quebec where you can buy food or snacks.

When does the sightseeing cruise operate?

The AML Louis Jolliet Cruise runs from May 13 to October 29 each year.

Are entry fees covered for attractions?

Yes, entry fees including the AML Cruise (in season) are covered in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces; it's not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional tour guide is multilingual; languages offered include English and French.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from Montreal to Quebec City with complimentary hotel pickup within 5km of downtown. Entry fees are covered for Montmorency Falls Park and your guided St Lawrence River cruise (available May–October). You’ll have a multilingual local guide throughout Old Quebec plus enough free time to explore or grab lunch before heading back in the evening.