Date: Sep 26, 2009
Montmorency falls are 84 meters/275 ft high, and are located very close to Quebec City (less than half and hour drive). Since we were already visiting Quebec City, it was an easy decision to make a small side trip to see the falls.
While not as large and powerful as Niagara falls (a very high-bar benchmark for any waterfall that you acquire after living 15 years in Ontario), Montmorency Falls are taller (by 30 m/98 ft) than Niagara and have this special kind of grace that only waterfalls which are tall but not too wide possess.
Montmorency Falls
On a bright sunny day, the spray from the waterfall creates nice colorful rainbows in the air.
Rainbow
There was a way to reach the top of the falls via a long set of scary-looking stairs built on a nearby hillside. After some debate we decided to climb these. It was a good workout which left some of us (mostly myself) gasping for breath, but on the plus side we got some incredible views of the surroundings.
Scary staircase
St Lawrence River
Once we got to the top, we got to walk the suspension bridge that crossed the river just above the brink of the waterfall. It was a fun (and slightly nerve-racking) experience, requiring a lot of “don’t look down and keep going” pep-talk. It worked for the people in the group, but our dog Lily got completely terrified and had to be carried across. Those of us who were brave enough to look down were rewarded with an awesome sight of the water plunging into the empty space below.
Looking down the waterfall
A final parting group-shot at the falls concluded the day, and we were off to New Brunswick. Check back soon to read about the rest of the trip!
Last look at Montmorency Falls
Gorgeous photos and that looks like a phenomenal experience. I sooo want to try those crazy stairs!