12 kms from Quebec City (62 degrees, blue skies)
Two spectacular falls are within driving distance of Quebec City. We were thrilled by our first stop at the Mountmorency Falls. It was much larger than expected and is 98 feet taller than Niagara Falls. The visitor center was very helpful and there is an excellent restaurant too. From the center you walk down a nice boardwalk all the way out to a suspension bridge which goes OVER the falls. Of coarse, Randy and Fran found some cute warblers to show us along the way hiding out in the rugged rocks and trees. Powerful and dramatic are the best adjectives to describe the falls.
Two spectacular falls are within driving distance of Quebec City. We were thrilled by our first stop at the Mountmorency Falls. It was much larger than expected and is 98 feet taller than Niagara Falls. The visitor center was very helpful and there is an excellent restaurant too. From the center you walk down a nice boardwalk all the way out to a suspension bridge which goes OVER the falls. Of coarse, Randy and Fran found some cute warblers to show us along the way hiding out in the rugged rocks and trees. Powerful and dramatic are the best adjectives to describe the falls.
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| Visitor Center and restaurant |
Here is the suspension bridge which goes directly over the falls. It was scary and thrilling all at the same time.
Jimmy even came along to check out some new smells too.
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| Front - Randy and Jann, Back- John, Fran, and Vickie |
On the other side is a dramatic stair case which goes down to the base. It was about 360 steps down. We all decided to pass on that experience and thought it must have been very difficult to build. There is also an aerial tram which would take you up and down.We saw pictures in the gift shop of the falls frozen in the winter with a huge ice dome at the base - highest recorded at 126 feet. Spectacular. Did I mention it gets really cold around here in the winter.
We had lunch at the restaurant in the visitor center. None of the meals came out as we imagined-due to everything being written in French with a translation. However, it was delicious! Everyone is really enjoying being together.
Afterwards, we drove with a slight detour by mistake :) to Canyon Ste-Anne Falls. This is a totally different experience. It's has a raw and less developed natural beauty making it all our favorite. The powerful water has carved its way through the rock. Trails wind you along the side of the falls and there are two suspension bridges at different levels to take in all the beauty.
This is how it quietly starts...
The water gathers speed and plunges over the edge.
WOW!
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| The valley belo |
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| Upper suspension bridge |
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| Lower suspension bridge. Some of the group took the stairs down and went across. |
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| Mist of the falls in the air |
On the way back we made a quick stop at the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beupre. It's the largest church we have ever seen. It was originally built in the 1500's after some sailors prayed to St. Anne for safe passage during a storm. They built the original church in her honor for saving them. It is located in a quaint village and many people come here as a pilgrimage for healing.
Driving through the countryside in this area was so pleasurable. There are many snall village which are very picturesque. It was a great road trip made more special by sharing it with our friends.
Driving through the countryside in this area was so pleasurable. There are many snall village which are very picturesque. It was a great road trip made more special by sharing it with our friends.
Is that the church with all of the crutches and walkers etc in the front? We visited that area several years ago on the way to the St L. River for whale watching. F un. Enjoyed the pictures.
ReplyDeleteAwesome falls!
ReplyDeleteIt is the same one. A young crippled boy who originally helped the sailors build the church over time was able to walk. It was considered a miracle. Many have happened since.
ReplyDelete