Montmorency Falls facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Montmorency Falls
Montmorency Falls in the summer.
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Location	Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Coordinates	46°53′27″N 71°8′51″W / 46.89083°N 71.14750°W / 46.89083; -71.14750
Type	Cataract
Total height	84 m (276 ft)
Number of drops	2
Watercourse	Montmorency River
Average flow rate	130 m3/s (4,600 cu ft/s)

The Montmorency Falls (French: Chute Montmorency) is a huge waterfall located in Quebec, Canada. It is found on the Montmorency River, just before the river flows into the mighty Saint Lawrence River. These falls are a popular natural wonder, attracting many visitors each year.

Where are the Montmorency Falls?

The Montmorency Falls are located very close to Quebec City. They are about 12 km (7.5 mi) away from the old part of the city. The falls sit between the areas of Beauport and Boischatel.

The water of the Montmorency River drops over a tall cliff into the Saint Lawrence River. This happens right across from the western tip of Île d'Orléans. The area around the falls is a special protected place called Montmorency Falls Park (French: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency).

How Tall are the Falls?

The Montmorency Falls are really tall! They stand at 83 meters (272 feet) high. This makes them a full 30 meters (99 feet) taller than the famous Niagara Falls. Imagine how much water rushes over them every second!

Visiting the Falls

Montmorency Falls Park offers many ways to see the amazing waterfall. You can walk up and down many staircases. These stairs let you see the falls from different angles.

Bridge and Cable Car

There is a suspension bridge that goes right over the top of the falls. This bridge connects both sides of the park. It gives you an incredible view looking down into the rushing water.

You can also ride a special cable car called a funitel. This funitel carries people between the bottom and the top of the falls. It's a fun way to get around and see the scenery.

Summer Fun and Winter Wonders

In the summer, the park often hosts exciting fireworks competitions. The falls make a beautiful backdrop for the colorful explosions in the sky. During these warmer months, the water of the falls can sometimes look yellow. This is because of the high amount of iron in the riverbed.

In the past, a unique place called the Ice Hotel was built near Montmorency Falls for its first year. In winter, the spray from the falls can freeze. This creates a giant "sugarloaf" cone of ice at the base.

Gallery

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  A look at the surrounding areas, opposite the falls. Quebec City can be viewed in the distance

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  Etching of the falls in the wintertime by James Peachey, National Archives of Canada

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  Photo of the Sugarloaf forming at the base of the falls in winter

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  Falls

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  Suspension bridge

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  Distant view

Images for kids

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  An early 1760s engraving of Montmorency Falls by William Elliott from a drawing made by Captain Hervey Smythe, Major General James Wolfe's aide-de-camp, on July 31st, 1759, from the British Army's encampment, two months before the Battle of Quebec.

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  Montmorency Falls in Winter, an 1850 painting by the French-Canadian artist Joseph Légaré.

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  View of Montmorency Falls from the Trans Canada Trail

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  Wooden trail

See also

In Spanish: Cascadas de Montmorency para niños