Discover Quebec City and Montmorency Falls on a Comfortable Full-Day Trip

This day trip from Montreal offers an ideal escape for those eager to explore Quebec City’s charming streets and historic sites without the hassle of driving. For $97 per person, travelers enjoy round-trip transportation on a premium bus, guided sightseeing, and a photo stop at the impressive Montmorency Falls. The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, making it perfect for a full, enriching day away from Montreal’s urban buzz.

The experience is praised for knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, with many reviews highlighting the beautiful views and detailed commentary. A notable feature is the Montmorency Falls, which are 1.5 times taller than Niagara, offering spectacular photo opportunities. While the schedule is packed and includes some brief stops, the tour provides a well-rounded taste of Quebec City’s history, architecture, and natural beauty.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a convenient, guided overview of Quebec City, with professional guides and a smooth transport experience. It’s less ideal for those seeking extended exploration or more flexible pacing, as the itinerary is quite timed and includes some short visits.

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Key Points

Full-day guided trip from Montreal with round-trip transport on a premium bus
Includes sightseeing at Old Quebec, Place Royale, Notre Dame Basilica, Château Frontenac, and Plains of Abraham
Photo stop at Montmorency Falls, a waterfall 1.5 times larger than Niagara
Leisure time in Quebec City to explore winding streets, public stairs, and enjoy scenic views
Tour costs $97 per person, lasts around 12 hours, with live English guides
Good reviews for guides, comfort, and value, with some noting timing is tight

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Starting Point and Logistics at Downtown Montreal

The tour departs from 1001 Dorchester Square, with convenient access via Peel metro (green line) and Bonaventure metro (orange line). Travelers check in at the ticket counter located within the Tourist Information Center, opposite the park, marked with a “?” sign. The trip begins with complimentary hotel pickup in downtown Montreal, making the start smooth and hassle-free.

The group size tends to be manageable, and the bus is described as comfortable and clean. The driver and guide are praised for their friendly demeanor and professionalism, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all passengers. Travelers are advised to confirm their participation at least 24 hours before the tour by contacting the activity provider.

Scenic Drive and the Comfort of Premium Transport

The premium bus used for this trip ensures a comfortable ride despite the 12-hour duration. Travelers appreciate the cleanliness and spaciousness of the vehicle, which makes long hours on the road more bearable. The bus typically includes short breaks—notably a 15-minute stop—for stretching, restroom visits, and refreshments.

The driver is often highlighted for timely departures and arrivals, with some reviews mentioning extra stops for water or snacks. For longer drives, travelers might wish for additional amenities like power sockets, but overall, the bus provides a reliable and comfortable travelling experience.

Quebec City’s Old Town and Historic Highlights

Upon arrival in Quebec City, the guide leads a guided sightseeing tour featuring key sites like Place Royale, Old Quebec, and the Notre Dame Basilica. The narrow streets and steep hills give the city its distinctive charm, and walking through these areas offers a glimpse into centuries of history and architecture.

Old Quebec includes a visit to Petit Champlain, one of the oldest shopping districts, and the Quebec Citadel, a historic military fortress. The tour also takes a drive along Grande-Allée, considered Quebec’s most elegant avenue. A highlight is the Chateau Frontenac, the city’s most iconic hotel, where visitors get excellent views and photo opportunities.

The tour incorporates leisure time—about three hours—allowing visitors to explore winding streets, visit shops, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Walkers can also access Quebec’s oldest public stairs, Escalier Casse-Cou, and enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River from vantage points.

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Exploring the Plains of Abraham and Historic Landmarks

A visit to the Plains of Abraham is included, where the famous 1759 battle between French and British forces took place. The site is now a sprawling park with scenic walking paths and historical markers. Many enjoy strolling here to appreciate the green space and historical significance.

Plus, the tour touches on Quebec’s architecture and city layout, emphasizing the steep hills and narrow streets that define Old Quebec. The guide’s commentary makes these sites come alive, providing context that enriches the sightseeing experience.

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Ride the Funicular and Walk the City’s Historic Steps

A notable feature is the funicular, a cliff-side ride linking Upper and Lower Quebec. This scenic ride offers magnificent views of the city, the river, and the surrounding landscape. It’s a popular stop that highlights Quebec’s geographical charm.

Visitors also get to walk the Escalier Casse-Cou, the city’s oldest public staircase, which provides another perspective of Quebec’s historic neighborhoods. These areas are ideal for photos and small explorations, but the tour schedule limits how much time can be spent at each site.

Montmorency Falls: Towering Waterfall with Iconic Views

The photo stop at Montmorency Falls generally lasts around 30 minutes. The waterfall, at 274 feet (83 meters) high, is 1.5 times taller than Niagara, making it a must-see natural wonder. Travelers can view the falls from various vantage points, including viewing platforms and the footbridge.

While the time at the falls is brief, many reviews express satisfaction with the visit, noting the spectacular scenery and the opportunity to take impressive photos. Some wish for a longer visit to walk up closer or explore more, but the included stop provides a solid overview of this impressive natural site.

Return Journey and Flexibility for Drop-offs

The return trip to Montreal generally includes a short rest stop for bathroom breaks and refreshments. The driver is praised for timeliness and courtesy, with some reviews mentioning drop-offs near hotel locations on request, which adds to the convenience.

The 12-hour duration means the trip is quite full, but the comfort of the bus and the expertise of guides help make the long day enjoyable. The tour concludes back in Montreal, typically with drop-offs close to the original pickup point.

Overall Value and Suitability

Priced at $97, this tour offers good value for a comprehensive exploration of Quebec City and Montmorency Falls. Reviewers highlight excellent guides, scenic stops, and smooth transportation, making it a popular choice for first-time visitors or those short on time.

The schedule’s tight timing is a consideration—some wish for more time at Montmorency Falls or in Quebec City—but overall, the trip is praised for well-organized logistics and engaging commentary. This tour suits travelers who want a thorough overview without the effort of self-driving and are comfortable with a full, busy day.

Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip: Final Thoughts

This guided day trip from Montreal delivers a well-rounded experience of Quebec City’s historic charm and natural beauty, especially with the highlight of Montmorency Falls. The combination of comfortable transport, knowledgeable guides, and timed sightseeing makes it a reliable and enjoyable choice.

While the short sightseeing stops and tight schedule may not satisfy travelers seeking more in-depth exploration, many appreciate the accessibility and richness of highlights included. The $97 price point and positive reviews reflect good value, especially given the professional guides and scenic stops.

This tour is perfect for those visiting Montreal and eager to experience Quebec City’s character in a single day, provided they are comfortable with a full itinerary and brief stops.

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From Montreal: Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Montreal to Quebec City?
The total duration is approximately 12 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The round-trip transport on a premium bus, a driver/guide, a guided tour of Quebec City, and a photo stop at Montmorency Falls are included.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
No, the schedule is fixed, but some reviews mention the benefit of leisure time to explore on your own.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with scenic stops and manageable walking, but be aware of the full-day length.

How do I find the meeting point?
Check in at the Ticket counter within the Tourist Information Center at 1001 Dorchester Square. It’s accessible by Peel or Bonaventure metro stations.

What do travelers say about the guides?
Reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging commentary that enhances the experience.

This day trip to Quebec City and Montmorency Falls offers value, scenery, and expert guidance, making it a solid choice for a day of exploration from Montreal.