In short
- The wooden staircase contains exactly 487 steps.
- Rest platforms are built into the route for breaks.
- Take the cable car up and walk down to save energy.
In this article
Many visitors want to know if they can handle the cliffside stairs at Montmorency Falls. The climb takes 30 to 45 minutes. It gives you close views of the 83-meter (272.3-foot) drop. You can adjust the difficulty by choosing how you use the stairs and the cable car.
How many steps are at Montmorency Falls?
There are 487 wooden steps on the panoramic staircase.
The staircase scales the side of the cliff. It connects the lower park to the upper park. You start near the Promenade de la Chute at the base and finish near the suspension bridge.
How hard is the climb?
Climbing all 487 steps takes 30 to 45 minutes and requires moderate physical effort.
The route includes several small platforms. These rest areas allow you to pace yourself. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the ascent. Sunscreen is useful for the exposed upper sections.
How can I avoid climbing the stairs?
Buy a one-way cable car ticket to the top and walk down the stairs.
This strategy saves your energy. The cable car boarding point is at the Lower Station. After reaching the upper park, you can walk down the 487 steps to return to the base.
Are the stairs open in winter?
No, the panoramic staircase closes in winter due to ice and safety hazards.
During the winter season, freezing spray coats the cliffside. Park operator Sépaq closes the stairs and lower paths. Visitors must use the cable car to travel between the upper and lower areas.
What should I wear on the stairs?
Wear sturdy, non-slip walking shoes and a waterproof jacket.
The spray from the waterfall drifts onto the lower sections of the stairs. The wooden steps can get wet and slippery in the summer. A rain poncho helps keep you dry near the base.
Do you have to pay to walk up the stairs?
Yes, you must pay the park admission fee to access the stairs.
Sépaq charges a fee for adult daily access. Visitors aged 17 and under enter for free. This general admission ticket covers the stairs, suspension bridge, and walking paths.
Questions travellers ask
Can you walk around Montmorency Falls?
Yes, you can walk around the falls using the lower Promenade de la Chute, the 487-step staircase, and the upper suspension bridge.
How long does it take to climb the stairs?
It generally takes 30 to 45 minutes to climb the 487 steps. This depends on how often you stop at the rest platforms.
Do you need to buy Montmorency Falls tickets in advance?
Purchasing online tickets in advance helps you skip queues during the peak summer season from May to October.
