Only a few minutes’ drive from Quebec City, we stopped to admire Montmorency Falls. Across the St. Lawrence River we found an idyllic autumnal paradise on Île d’Orléans, offering a cozy yet posh countryside setting.

Since we had our canine travel companions with us, we didn’t get to ride the cable car to the top of the mountain and view Montmorency Falls in all their splendor. However, we got a good glimpse of the spectacular falls that top Niagara Falls by 30 meters (approx. 98 feet)! Legend has it that in the 1700s, two young lovers were set to be married. Tragically, the young man died in a battle before the wedding, leading his lover to throw herself over the falls; to this day, some swear they can see the young lady’s face appearing in the water. Montmorency Falls have been around since the Paleozoic times and offer visitors a wide range of entertainment opportunities. One can opt for a leisurely walk up the 487 steps of the panoramic staircase up the mountain or for a quick trip in the cable car. Adventurous tourists can zip line or hike the challenging Via Ferrata, a combination of hiking and rock climbing course sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Both options reward the visitors with sweeping panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding area.

We drove across the St. Lawrence River and entered an enchanted fall countryside: Île d’Orléans. Nicknamed “Garden of Quebec,” the island is a little piece of paradise, no matter the season. Its 6 villages each offer unique culinary delights, including wine, crème de cassis, cheese, foie gras, and fresh fruit and vegetables. The views are spectacular and the surroundings are simply idyllic. This is definitely on the list of places to revisit and stay a while!