From Montreal: Quebec City & Montmorency Falls Full Day Trip

Traveling from Montreal to explore Quebec City and its famous Montmorency Falls is a popular choice for those craving a mix of natural beauty and history in one day. This tour, offered by Concord Tours and Travel, has earned a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 77 reviews, and seems to be a favorite for many travelers. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the roughly 13-hour commitment, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

We love that this trip hits two of Quebec’s biggest highlights — the stunning Montmorency Falls and the historic Old Quebec — in a single day. The chance to see a waterfall taller than Niagara, plus walk through centuries-old streets, makes for a rich experience. Also, the inclusion of a guided walking tour and optional extra activities like a river cruise helps you get a real feel for the city.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is the long bus ride. The total drive time is about six hours, which some might find tiring, especially if you’re not used to long journeys. But if you’re comfortable with a bit of travel time and want a comprehensive, guided experience, this trip can be a great fit.

This tour is best suited for those who want a well-organized day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transportation. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a mix of natural scenery, history, and cultural insights, and who don’t mind a full day on the move.

Key Points

• Well-organized itinerary covers major sights with options for extra activities.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and helpful tips.
• Good value for money considering the included entry fees, guided walks, and transportation.
• Long travel hours mean comfortable transportation and patience are key.
• Flexible free time allows you to explore key areas at your own pace.
• Authentic reviews echo high satisfaction, especially with the guides and scenery.

What to Expect from This Quebec Adventure

The Montmorency Falls Experience

Your day kicks off early with a visit to Montmorency Falls, towering at 275 feet — taller than Niagara Falls, in case that helps put it into perspective. Located at the mouth of the Montmorency River, this waterfall is truly a sight to behold. You’ll get a chance to marvel at its raw power and beauty from the suspension bridge or the base of the falls (admission fee included).

Many travelers mention how breathtaking the views are and appreciate the opportunity to walk close to this natural marvel. As one reviewer puts it, “The falls are just stunning, and it’s so different from Niagara because it’s all natural and less commercialized.” If you’re up for it, the optional cable car ride provides an even higher vantage point, though it’s not included in the tour price.

Exploring Quebec City’s Historic Core

After the falls, the tour heads into Quebec City, where you’ll have about an hour of free time. This is enough to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and soak in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide offers suggestions for what to see, but you’ll likely want to check out the Château Frontenac, one of the most recognizable hotels in the world, and the Dufferin Terrace with its sweeping views over the St. Lawrence River.

Many visitors comment on how walkable and charming Old Quebec is, with cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. For those interested in history, the Place Royale is a must-see, as it’s the birthplace of French North America and a hub for local festivals.

Optional Activities and Additional Sights

Depending on the time of year, the tour offers some extra activities. From May to October, you can enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise departing from Old Quebec, passing l’Île d’Orléans and offering spectacular views of Château Frontenac and Montmorency Falls. Many reviewers find the cruise adds a peaceful, scenic element to the day.

In winter, the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) offers a fascinating visit, made from 12,000 tons of snow and 350 tons of ice, with intricately carved sculptures and ice furniture. This is a seasonal highlight but isn’t included in the base price.

From March to May or November to December, you might visit the Museum of Civilization, which features interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds. While not included in the tour price, these optional visits can deepen your understanding of Quebec’s culture and history.

The Heart of Old Quebec

Your guided walk takes you through quartier Petit-Champlain, one of North America’s oldest commercial streets. It’s a perfect spot to browse shops, enjoy a snack, or just soak in the vibrant energy. Nearby, the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral offers a glimpse into early ecclesiastical architecture with over 350 years of history.

Many travelers mention how guides make these stops more meaningful, sharing stories and context that bring the city’s streets to life. As one reviewer noted, “Our guide Jason was very knowledgeable and accommodating, making the long day enjoyable.”

End of the Day and Practical Tips

The tour wraps up back at the starting point in Montreal around evening, giving you a full but manageable day of sightseeing. Throughout the trip, the bus comforts and reserved seats help make the long drive more bearable. The group size is capped at 50, which keeps the experience intimate enough for questions and personal attention.

You should be aware that food and drinks aren’t included, so bringing snacks or grabbing something during free time is advisable. Also, if you’re doing the cruise or visiting the ice hotel, those are additional costs.

The Value for Your Buck

At around $73.39 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. It includes transportation, Montmorency Falls entry, and a guided walking tour of Quebec City. Many reviews emphasize the professionalism of guides and the well-planned schedule, which reduce stress and make the day flow smoothly.

Travelers often highlight how much they learn from the guides, with some mentioning how helpful and friendly guides like Angela and Yang made the experience even better. The included stops are thoughtfully chosen to give a broad yet manageable taste of Quebec’s highlights.

The long drive may be a downside for some, but the comfort of the bus and the scenic views along the way compensate for that. The optional activities, like the cruise, provide additional value but are not necessary to enjoy the core experience.

Who Will Love This Tour

This trip is ideal for first-timers wanting to see Quebec City’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning. It’s also suited for history buffs, nature lovers, and those interested in scenic cruises or visiting seasonal attractions like the ice hotel.

If you’re comfortable with a long day on a bus and enjoy guided tours with free time to explore, you’ll find this to be a rewarding experience. Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and well-organized itineraries report high satisfaction.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or prefer to explore at your own speed, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you’re not keen on long drives, it’s worth considering how you’ll handle the hours in transit.

FAQs

How long does the trip last?
The entire tour is approximately 13 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and free time in Quebec City.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the bus is described as comfortable, with reserved seats and a bathroom on board, which is helpful given the length of the trip.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers roundtrip transportation from Montreal, Montmorency Falls entry, and a one-hour guided walking tour of Old Quebec.

Are there optional extras?
Yes, activities like a river cruise (May to October), ice hotel visits (January to March), and museum entries are extra. These are seasonal and not part of the base package.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour is fixed, but guides provide suggestions during free time, allowing you to make the most of your short stay.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, some snacks, and possibly a jacket depending on the weather. Remember, food and drinks aren’t included.

Is this suitable for children?
The reviews don’t specify age restrictions, but given the long hours and walking involved, it’s best suited for older children or teens comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This full-day trip from Montreal to Quebec City and Montmorency Falls offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and scenic relaxation. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer guided experiences that cover a lot without the stress of planning.

The positive reviews underscore the quality of guides and the breathtaking sights, making it clear that most people find this trip to be a worthwhile investment. Although the long drive can be tiring, the well-organized schedule, comfortable bus, and diverse sights make it a compelling way to see Quebec in a single day.

If you’re after a hassle-free, informative, and scenic adventure, this tour could be just what you need — especially if you’re eager to tick off Quebec’s top attractions without dedicating multiple days to the task.

Enjoy your trip planning — Quebec is a city worth exploring, and this tour makes it pretty easy to do so in a day.