The history of Montmorency Falls:

Montmorency Falls, located near Quebec City, Canada, is one of the region's most spectacular natural attractions. At 83 meters high, they are 30 meters taller than the famous Niagara Falls. Their rich history dates back to the time of New France.

The name of the falls comes from Charles de Montmorency, admiral of France in the early 17th century. Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec in 1608, gave them this name in homage to this influential figure of the French court.

During the colonial period, the falls played a strategic role. In 1759, during the Seven Years' War between France and England, the area was the scene of fighting between British and French troops. The nearby Battle of Beauport saw French forces repel a British attack before the latter succeeded in capturing Quebec City after the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

In the 19th century, Montmorency Falls became a popular tourist attraction. Lord Dalhousie, Governor of Canada, had the first trail built to allow visitors to admire the falls. Industrialization also brought changes: a hydroelectric power plant was built to harness the power of the waters.

Today, the site is a major tourist park, offering hiking trails, a zip line that crosses the falls, a panoramic staircase allowing visitors to admire the falls, a suspension bridge offering impressive views of the falls, and a cable car allowing visitors to discover the site from a different perspective. In winter, the frozen splashes form the famous "sugar loaf," a mass of ice that attracts ice climbers.

Thus, the Montmorency Falls are not only a striking natural spectacle, but also an important witness to the history of Quebec.

The industrial beginnings around Montmorency Falls

In the early 19th century, the region around Montmorency Falls played an important role in the industrialization of Quebec. Taking advantage of the waterfall's hydraulic power, several companies established themselves there. Among the most notable:

Flour mills and sawmills :

As early as the 18th century , flour mills used the power of the waterfall to grind grain. Later, sawmills were added, taking advantage of the power of the water to power their operations.

The first hydroelectric power station :

In 1885 , one of the first hydroelectric power stations in Quebec was built there to supply electricity to Quebec City, marking an important turning point in the exploitation of hydraulic energy.

Industrialization of the paper and textile sector :

During the 19th and 20th centuries , various paper and textile companies used the energy provided by the chute to power their factories.

Today, Montmorency Falls are above all a tourist site, managed by Sépaq , which highlights their history and natural beauty while preserving the environment.

📍 Book your trip now for an unforgettable experience to Île d'Orléans.