6 Road Trips Around Quebec That Will Take You To Frozen Waterfalls
Let's go chasing waterfalls.
- Many people think admiring cascades of falling water is something that can only happen in the summer, but we're here to prove that wrong with a list of waterfalls in Quebec that look just as good when they're frozen!
- TLC was wrong when they said not to go chasing waterfalls...
- Find out where to go to see some of the most beautiful Quebec waterfalls below!
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
A waterfall road trip isn't just for the summer. Some of Quebec's most beautiful waterfalls are even more enchanting during the winter months when the streaming water turns to giant sheets of refractive ice gripping onto the sides of cliffs. Don't let the cold weather fool you, checking out some of the province's most spectacular landscapes makes for a great day trip and envy evoking Instagram opportunities.
Whether you're looking for something new to do outdoors, are a photographer, nature lover or just like going for drives, these waterfalls are a must-visit.
If you're feeling really sporty and in need of a quick adrenaline shot right to the heart, you can check out some of the ice climbing or ice canyoning options that are available at many of the spots.
Be aware that during the winter months, a lot of the parks will shut down direct access to some of the waterfalls (closing bridges and chairlifts, not upkeeping paths, etc), so make sure to take a look at the website. But you can still always appreciate the scenery from afar.
Keep reading below to check out some of the Quebec waterfalls that are most worthy of a road trip this winter.
Chutes-de-la-Chaudière
Where: Rue du Parc-des-Chutes, Charny
Located in Lévis, just a few minutes from Quebec City, the 35-meter high falls are a beautiful and haunting sight in the winter. You can hike to the falls, but it can be slippery, so make sure you've brought your crampons.
Chute Montmorency
Where: 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Quebec
Possibly the most well known, Chute Montmorency is extremely popular for ice climbing. The falls are a massive 84 meters tall - if you're curious, that's 30 meters higher than Niagra Falls. A lot of the extras close down during January, like the gift shops and cable car, but will be back open starting February 8.
Chute Jean Larose
Where: Chutes Larose, Beaupré
If you want to try ice canyoning (propelling down the site of an ice cliff), this is the spot to do it. It's the only spot in North America that allows canyoning during the winter. The drop will take you on a 41-meter descent with only your rope for security.
Check out more info on canyoning!
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Chutes de Plaisance
Where: 168-200 Chemin Malo, Plaisance
The Chutes de Plaisance is a wide and powerful series of cascades tumbling between Ottawa and Quebec. The 67-meter falls are striking. While you may not get to be up close and personal (the main park trails shut down) there are still several viewpoints to admire the falls from.
Kabir Kouba
Where: Chute, Kabir Kouba, La Haute-Saint-Charles
The public park of the Kabir Kouba Waterfall offers guided tours of the area so you can fully take in the 28-meter falls and also get an idea of the extraordinary geological phenomena like glacial boulders, and fossils older than dinosaurs.
Chute Sainte-Anne
Where: C.P. 2087, 206, Route 138 Est, Beaupré
Chutes Sainte-Anne is another location that lets you scale the 70-meter falls with the winter Via Ferrata routes (think somewhere in between hiking and climbing while equipped with metal connectors and a steel cable). This is Canada's first winter Via Ferrata, so take advantage of it!.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.