Booking choice: The park entry and cable car ticket (valid for 1 day). Book this Compare the options below
The cable car runs between the lower station at the base of the falls and the top, near the Manoir Montmorency. The staircase climbs the cliff beside the falls, with landings and viewpoints along the way. At the top, a suspension footbridge crosses directly over the crest.
Below: the ride itself, the stairs, which to take, the closure dates for 2026 to 2027, whether the ticket is worth it, bikes and accessibility, and what to expect on the bridge.
The quick answer
Yes, there is a cable car: glassed-in cabins climb about 80 m over a 450 m line in roughly 2 minutes 44 seconds. The ticket is paid, separate from site access, and covers a round trip with unlimited rides the same day. The alternative is the 487-step staircase, which is open in summer and closed in winter because of ice. In 2026 to 2027 the cable car is closed from 2 November to 18 December and from 4 January to 5 February.
Is there a cable car ride to Montmorency Falls?
Yes. Two cabins, each carrying up to 30 people, shuttle between the base of the falls and the top near the Manoir Montmorency.
The current lift was built by Doppelmayr in 1993, during the park's modernisation. It replaced an older lift on a route with a long history: a funicular carried hotel guests up the cliff from 1898. Today the cabins are glassed in with a 360-degree view, so you see the falls, the basin and the St. Lawrence on the way up.
How long is the Montmorency Falls cable car ride?
About 2 minutes 44 seconds, on a 450 m line that rises about 80 m.
The view changes fast: watch the falls on one side and Île d'Orléans and the river on the other. The lower station sits near parking areas P1 and P2 and La Manufacture information centre; the upper one brings you out near the Manoir.
One ticket for access, a round-trip ride and parking at the base, as the listing states.
Book thisHow many stairs are at Montmorency Falls?
The panoramic staircase has 487 wooden steps, with landings and viewpoints on the way; it is a summer feature and closes in winter because of ice.
The landings break the climb into short stretches, and several have viewing platforms looking straight at the falls. Wear proper shoes: the wood can be wet from spray. Going down is a lot easier on the lungs than going up, which is why many visitors ride the cable car up and walk down.
Cable car or stairs: which should you take?
Ride up and walk down if your legs allow; take the cable car both ways in winter, with small children or with limited mobility.
The two side by side, on what matters on the day:
| Cable car | Staircase | |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | None | 487 steps, with landings |
| Time | About 2 minutes 44 seconds | Depends on your pace and stops |
| Season | Most of the year, with closures (see below) | Summer; closed in winter because of ice |
| Ticket | Paid, separate from access | Part of the site visit |
| Views | Glassed-in, 360 degrees | Close-up viewpoints on the landings |
| Best for | Families, winter, limited mobility | Fit walkers, photographers |
When is the Montmorency Falls cable car closed?
In 2026 to 2027 it is closed from 2 November to 18 December and from 4 January to 5 February; the rest of the time it runs daily, except 25 December.
- 1 April to 1 November 2026: daily, with longer summer hours of roughly 9:00 to 18:30 from 20 June to 16 August.
- 2 November to 18 December 2026: closed.
- 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027: open, except 25 December.
- 4 January to 5 February 2027: closed.
- 6 February to 31 March 2027: daily.
So it does run in winter, but on part of it: the holidays and from February on. Hours change between seasons, so check the park's opening hours close to your date.
Visiting in the shuttle season? The shuttle bundle from Old Québec includes access and unlimited cable car rides that day.
Book thisIs the Montmorency Falls cable car worth it?
For most visitors, yes: it saves the 487-step climb, the ride has wide views, and unlimited same-day rides let you go back to the base for a second look.
You might skip it if you are fit, it is summer and you want to walk the staircase both ways, or if you are short on time and only want the bridge from the top entrance. On coach tours the cable car is often extra: the half-day tour lists it as optional at extra cost during a stop of about 45 minutes. The park ticket and the shuttle bundle include it.
Can you take a bike or a wheelchair on the cable car?
Bikes, no: park rules do not allow bicycles on the cable car. For wheelchair users, the park lists partial access, and the park's ticket listing marks the visit as wheelchair accessible.
One visitor guide says the base walkway, the cable car and the top viewpoints are accessible, while the stairs are not. Whether the suspension bridge suits a wheelchair is not confirmed, so ask the park before you plan around it. Cyclists can use the bike racks at the park entrance at the end of the Corridor du Littoral path.
Ride out along the river by e-bike: the tour listing includes a cable car ride to the top.
Book thisWhat is the suspension bridge like?
A footbridge crosses directly over the crest of the falls, with views to the St. Lawrence, Île d'Orléans and Québec City; it can be very windy.
Standing over the crest, you look straight down the 83 m drop. Bring a layer even on a warm day, hold on to hats, and keep phones on a strap. Its exact length and height above the water are not officially published. More on clothing and spray in the visit tips.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Montmorency Falls cable car run in winter?
Partly. In 2026 to 2027 it runs from 19 December to 3 January (except 25 December) and daily from 6 February to 31 March, and is closed from 2 November to 18 December and from 4 January to 5 February.
Is the cable car included in the park entry?
No, it is a separate paid ticket at the park. The park's own ticket on GetYourGuide and the shuttle bundle include it.
Can I ride the cable car more than once?
Yes. The cable car ticket is a round trip with unlimited rides the same day.
Is the staircase open in winter?
No. The 487-step staircase is a summer feature and closes in winter because of ice.
Ready to go
Choose your visit
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most options; each listing has the final terms.
Montmorency Falls Entry with Cable Car Ride
- Regular access fee to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
- Round-trip cable car ticket
- Parking at the cable car terminal, at the base of the falls
Shuttle from Old Québec with Park Access & Cable Car
Transport, entry and cable car, then explore on your own
