Montmorency Falls

11km (7 miles) NE of Québec City

Back on the mainland, the impressive Montmorency Falls, which were named by Samuel de Champlain for his patron, the duke of Montmorency, are visible from Autoroute 440. At 83m (272 ft.) tall, they're 30m (98 ft.) higher than Niagara -- a boast no visitor is spared. These falls are, however, far narrower.

On summer nights, the plunging water is illuminated, and from late July to mid-August, an international fireworks competition, Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec, is held 2 nights per week. In winter there's a particularly impressive sight: The freezing spray sent up by crashing water builds a mountain of white ice at the base, nicknamed pain de sucre (sugarloaf). It grows as high as 30m (98 ft.) and attracts ice climbers.

The water's yellowish tint is because of the riverbed's high iron content.

Getting There

By Bus -- Dupont, which also goes by the name Old Québec Tours (tel. 800/267-8687or 418/664-0460; www.tourdupont.com), offers tours to the falls.

By Car -- Take Autoroute 440 east out of Québec City. After 10 minutes, watch for the exit for the falls and the parking lot. If you miss the exit, you'll see the falls on your left and will be able to U-turn.

Viewing the Falls

The falls are surrounded by the provincial Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (tel. 418/663-3330; www.sepaq.com/chutemontmorency), where visitors can take in the view and have a picnic. The grounds are accessible year-round.