Canyon Ste-Anne, Ste-Anne Falls & Parc du Mont Ste-Anne

42km (26 miles) NE of Québec City; about 9km (5 1/2 miles) NE of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré

After Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, the road enters into thick evergreen woods, and the frenetic pace of urban life begins to slip away. A short drive off Route 138 is Canyon Ste-Anne, a deep gorge and powerful waterfall created by the Ste-Anne-du-Nord River. Unseen from the main road, the canyon and its falls are an exhilarating attraction. A bit inland is the Parc du Mont Ste-Anne, which surrounds an 800m-high (2,625-ft.) peak. In winter, it's the area's busiest ski mountain, while summertime invites camping, hiking, and biking.

Birders will want to visit the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (tel. 418/827-4591; www.followthegeese.com), on the coast of the St. Lawrence River. Over 300 species of birds have been seen here, but it's the great snow geese who are the stars. During migration season, usually late April to mid-May and early October into mid-November, tens of thousands of geese stop at the cape, making it an important ornithological site. Naturalists lead walks through the marshes. It's open daily mid-April through October and January to mid-March. Watch for the sign on Route 138.

Getting There

By Bus -- From mid-November until late April, the Taxi Coop Québec (tel. 418/525-5191; www.taxicoop-quebec.com) shuttle service picks up passengers at Québec City hotels in the morning to take them to Parc Mont Ste-Anne, returning them to Québec City in the late afternoon.

By Car -- Continue along Route 138 from Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré. To get to the waterfalls and other destinations, stay on Route 138. A marked entrance to the falls will be on your left. To get to the park and ski mountain, exit onto Route 360 east. Château Mont Sainte-Anne will be on your left, with the entrance to the park directly after it.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.