Quebec City: Montmorency Falls & Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Day Trip

Summary

Montmorency Falls spray, copper art, and shrine quiet near Quebec

You’ll ride out from Old Quebec with a small group, feeling the mist at Montmorency Falls before tasting chocolate on Île d'Orléans. Step inside Albert Gilles’ copper workshop, then walk quietly through Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré’s shrine—each stop feels different but somehow fits together. There’s time to pause, laugh with your guide, or just watch the river go by outside the window.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, it’s taller than Niagara?” That was the first thing I blurted out when our guide rolled down the window and we caught that first glimpse of Montmorency Falls. The air smelled like wet stone and pine, kind of sharp—my jacket was already dotted with spray before we even got close. We stood there for a minute just listening to the roar, and I swear you could feel it in your chest. Our guide, Luc (who had this dry sense of humor), pointed out where people try to take their selfies and end up soaked. I didn’t risk it—well, not at first.

The drive out from Old Quebec felt quick, maybe because Luc kept telling stories about the old houses on Île d'Orléans—apparently every family has their own apple pie recipe. We stopped at a little chocolate shop for a view over the river; honestly, I barely noticed the view because I was too busy trying to pronounce “Île d'Orléans” properly. Luc laughed when I tried (I definitely butchered it). The chocolate was rich and left this cocoa dust on my fingers that stuck around until lunch.

I didn’t expect to be so taken by the copper art museum—Albert Gilles’ place. There was this warmth inside (maybe just the smell of metal polish?) and you could see fingerprints in some of the pieces if you looked close enough. After that came Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine. It was quiet inside except for someone lighting a candle near the front. The stained glass threw these blue patches onto my hands as I sat for a second longer than planned. Something about that hush stays with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré visit

• Start tour at Old Quebec
• Stop at Montmorency Falls
• Explore Shrine of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré
• Drive on Orleans Island
• Walk through Chocolate shop view
• Visit Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls & Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré?

The tour lasts about 4.5 hours total.

Is pickup included in this Montmorency Falls day trip?

The tour starts from Old Quebec near Château Frontenac; hotel pickup isn’t specified.

Do you get time to explore Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine on your own?

You have about 45 minutes to explore the shrine independently.

Are there food stops during this tour?

You’ll stop at a chocolate shop on Île d'Orléans but lunch isn’t specifically included.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

What else do you visit besides Montmorency Falls?

The itinerary includes Île d'Orléans (with a chocolate shop stop), Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine.

Can service animals join this Quebec City day trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your half-day includes transportation from Old Quebec by Château Frontenac, all local taxes covered, stops at Montmorency Falls Park, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine (with time to explore), a visit to Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum and Boutique, plus a quick drive across Île d'Orléans with a chance to sample chocolate overlooking the river before heading back into town.