{"id":11757,"date":"2024-06-08T17:46:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-08T17:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hclq.firmecreative.com\/?p=11757"},"modified":"2025-10-16T21:52:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T21:52:34","slug":"7-amazing-facts-about-montmorency-falls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotelchateaulaurier.com\/en\/7-amazing-facts-about-montmorency-falls\/","title":{"rendered":"7 amazing facts about Montmorency Falls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Montmorency Falls is without a doubt one of the most striking natural wonders in the Qu\u00e9bec City area. Stretching upwards a spectacular 83 meters\u201430 meters higher than Niagara Falls\u2014it attracts thousands of visitors each year. We\u2019ve compiled a list of seven reasons why you might want to take a closer look at this stunning attraction during your stay at H\u00f4tel Ch\u00e2teau Laurier Qu\u00e9bec!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Its ancient geological strucutre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Several hundred million years ago, during the Paleozoic<\/strong> era, the entire Qu\u00e9bec City area was located on a continental margin. The waterfall is a remnant of this ancient period<\/strong>\u2014a fault over which the Montmorency River rushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although it would be nice to imagine a family of diplodocuses taking a dip at the foot of the waterfall, we know that the area was actually frequented by large fish and giant squid!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Ghosts of the past<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The indigenous people who populated the area had long known about the waterfall, but it was Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s founder, Samuel de Champlain<\/strong>, who dubbed it Montmorency falls. He chose the name in honor of the Duke of Damville, Charles de Montmorency-Damville, Admiral of France and Brittany. But the Duke never saw the falls that still bear his name; he died in 1612 never having set foot in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over 150 years later, under the leadership of General James Wolfe, the British built land fortifications near the falls in preparation for battle. The site was chosen because it gave the British a good view of the defenses installed by the Marquis de Montcalm and the French army from the other side of the river all the way to Qu\u00e9bec City. Remnants of these military installations dating from 1759<\/strong> have survived and are located in the eastern section of Montmorency Falls Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The war also spawned the legend of the White Lady<\/strong>. Two young lovers, Mathilde and Louis, were set to be married in July 1759. A few days before the wedding, the British launched an attack near the falls. As a member of the colonial militia, Louis joined the battle and was killed. Overcome with sadness, Mathilde returned home, put on her wedding gown, and threw herself over the falls. Even today, some say they can see a white figure throwing herself into the churning waters below.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n“Lady in white”, “Haunted Canada” series, issued by Canada Post in 2016.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
3. More than one waterfall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We usually think of it as a single waterfall, but Montmorency Falls is actually made up of three separate waterfalls<\/strong>. Montmorency Falls Park is built around the Grand Sault, the largest and most impressive of the three waterfalls. The two others are much smaller and rarely appear in pictures. One is natural and the other was formed by the old hydroelectric power station, the remains of which are still visible.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nMontmorency Falls, view from the stairs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
4. Thrills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If peaceful nature walks aren\u2019t your cup of tea, Montmorency Falls is also a great spot for a healthy dose of adrenaline. From the terminal at the foot of the waterfall, you can hitch a ride to the top on a cable car<\/strong>. From there, you can walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge<\/strong>, with the water roaring just below your feet. If fear of heights isn\u2019t a problem, you can take the 487-step panoramic staircase<\/strong> back down along the cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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