Montreal and its surroundings are full of breathtaking natural wonders and around 10 national parks nearby.
You can enjoy the picturesque Saint Lawrence River and the scenic rock hill Mount Royal in the city center. Then a short drive will take you to lush forests and numerous mountains like Mont Tremblant.
Waterfalls are also abundant in this part of Canada, located in many of the regional parks.
They range in size and aesthetics, including vast and mighty falls that rival Niagara and calm, peaceful ones that are ideal for swimming.
So, if you’re looking for fun nature activities out of the city, plan a day trip to the best waterfalls near Montreal. The following waterfalls are between 1 and 3 hours from Montreal city centre.
Regional Park Of Seven Falls, Saint-Zénon
If you’re looking to chase waterfalls near Montreal, Parc Regional des Sept-Chutes is the place. The Quebec park, which means “Regional Park of Seven Falls,” is home to seven impressive waterfalls!
Parc Régional des Sept-Chutes is located in Saint-Zénon, less than a 2-hour drive from Montreal. The park’s many hiking and biking trails will take you to the seven falls.
The 3.9-mile Mount Brassard Loop and the 6.5-mile Seven Waterfalls Loop are two of the best walking routes.
This regional park is even better because it is surprisingly unknown compared to other natural attractions in Quebec. Therefore, you can explore the waterfalls without the crowds and get some beautiful photos.
Our favorite of all seven falls is the 60-meter (200 feet) tall Veil of the Bride waterfall, which sits just above Guy Lake.
Mont-Tremblant National Park, Lac-Supérieur
Mont-Tremblant National Park (Parc national du Mont-Tremblant) is one of the most popular national parks in Quebec and Canada. The park spans 1510 square kilometers and is full of protected lakes, rivers, and forests.
Waterfall enthusiasts flock here as it is home to four magnificent waterfalls; Chute-du-Diable, Chutes-Croches, Chute-aux-Rats, and Chute-aux-Mûres.
Chute-aux-Rats (rats waterfall) is the tallest at 17 meters, whereas Chute-aux-Mûres is the most scenic. You can access them all via hiking trails.
It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Mont-Tremblant from Montreal. However, with 4 waterfalls to explore, numerous hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties, and other activities like canoeing or skiing, you will easily spend the whole day here.
Dorwin Falls Park, Rawdon
Parc des Chutes-Dorwin (Darwin Falls Park) is home to the 60-foot cascading falls hidden in a lush forest. Although it’s not a particularly tall or wide waterfall, its untouched, secluded environment makes it one of the most beautiful waterfalls around Montreal.
The water crashes powerfully against the rocks, creating a loud and magnificent sight.
Aside from the waterfall, you can enjoy various scenic forested walking trails here. There are also picnic areas, so don’t forget to bring a packed lunch.
Dorwin Falls sits along the north shore of the Ouareau River in the municipality of Rawdon. It is about a 1-hour drive from Montreal, so it makes for a leisurely morning waterfall hike when you need a break from the city.
Plaisance Falls, Montebello
Plaisance Falls (Patrimoine et Chutes de Plaisance) is an impressive 63-meter vertical drop waterfall in a gorgeous protected nature park.
What we love about these falls is the various hiking trails leading to different observation points.
The trails are of different lengths and difficulties, making this waterfall accessible to everyone. For example, if you are short on time or want to save your energy, you can opt for the 0.9-mile trail that takes around 30 minutes.
The falls are located in the natural and historic site of Plaisance Falls Park, which was an iconic feature of the 19th-century village of North Nation Mills. The park is approximately a 90-minute drive from Montreal.
Parc Régional Des Chutes-à-Bull
Park of the Chute-a-Bull (Parc Régional Des Chutes-à-Bull) is located in Saint-Côme, about 90 minutes from Montreal.
Here you will find a lovely 18-meter tall cascading waterfall, which is the park’s highlight and known as The Bull Waterfalls.
In the regional park, you’ll also find various hiking trails that lead to other smaller and more peaceful waterfalls, where you can refresh on a hot day.
However, the park will give you a totally different experience if you’re visiting in the winter. So, during the cold months, put on your snowshoes and explore the frozen fall and its thick layer of ice.
Chute A Bull Park is only about a 30-minute drive from Dorwin Falls, so combining the two into a day trip from Montreal is well worth it.
High Falls, Chateaugay, New York
You won’t just find beautiful waterfalls and blissful nature scenery on Canadian Soil. If you cross the border and head stateside, you’ll find the stunning High Falls.
The High Falls is a 35.5-meter tall waterfall in Chateaugay, New York, yet just 60-90 minutes from Montreal. It is one of the best waterfalls around Montreal, as you can get up close by following a wooden trail that takes you straight to the rocks at the base.
Moreover, as these falls never get crowded, you are bound to get undisrupted photos here.
Plus, there is only a small entrance fee to get in, and it is pet-friendly, so you can bring your pup. There are also some splendid campsites nearby if you fancy staying the night.
Montmorency Falls, Quebec City
Montmorency Falls may be a bit further away than the others on this list. However, it is still one of the best waterfalls near Montreal for several reasons. Firstly, at 83-meter-high, this waterfall is 30 meters higher than the famous Niagara Falls and just as dramatic.
Secondly, various viewing platforms allow you to explore the gushing falls from all angles. The most popular place to see the falls is on the impressive suspension bridge directly above.
There’s also a steep staircase leading down to the base and a long boardwalk trail. However, for a unique experience, take a trip in the cable car!
Montmorency Falls is around a 3-hour drive from Montreal. Still, the journey is worth the trip if you appreciate natural sights like waterfalls as much as we do. The falls sit next to the Montmorency River in Quebec City, creating an exceptionally scenic view from above.
Chaudiere Falls, Quebec City
If you’re heading to Quebec City to check out the Montmorency Falls, don’t leave without visiting Chaudiere Falls (Chutes-De-La-Chaudière).
These falls are located on the other side of the river in Chaudière Falls Park (Chutes-De-La-Chaudière), just a few minutes from Quebec City.
Chaudiere Falls is not as tall as Montmorency Falls, but it is much broader, giving a totally different appearance. You can check it out via the hiking and cycling paths in the park.
Be sure to walk along the 113-meter Chaudière River Suspension Bridge too, which gives the most impressive and expansive vistas.
Final Thoughts On The Best Falls Near Montreal
These best waterfalls near Montreal are fabulous to visit all year round. Waterfalls make a much-needed refreshing destination in the summer and a thrilling snow-shoeing adventure in the winter.
So what are you waiting for? Get planning your next nature weekend trip today!
