Climbing the Frozen Montmorency Falls in Quebec 2025

Tough, cold, and exhausting but well worth the effort

Best time: January–mid-March

Montmorency Falls can be visited in every season, but during the winter, it can offer some activities for any adrenaline seekers. Every winter, the roaring cascades freeze over, making it possible for the bravest visitors to climb the falls and enjoy the view from the peak.

Best Season for Ice Climbing

If temperatures drop below zero for a prolonged period of time, the waterfalls start freezing over, giving expert ice climbers a chance to experience a climb of a lifetime. The cascades never completely freeze, with climbers being able to climb along the frozen wall on the west side of this natural wonder. Enough ice is usually formed in January and February, but ice climbing experience is offered by local companies through mid-March.

Schedule & Cost of Ice Climbing

If you're new to ice climbing, local adventure tourism operator Aventurex offers ice climbing sessions at the falls every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from January 4th until March 17th, 2025. The entire experience lasts around 5 hours, from 10 am until 3 pm, and is only available to individuals over 14 years old. While you can rent ice climbing equipment, it's important to layer up and bring sunglasses or ski goggles. The experience costs $154 per person, which covers the cost of guide and instructor supervision, basic equipment, and expert training on ice climbing.

If you're already familiar with ice climbing and would like to conquer the Montmorency Falls on your own, beware that the falls are an important landmark in the region and attract numerous tourists and climbers. This means that you might have to wait a while for your turn. You need to fill the registration form before climbing the falls. Early morning is the best time to avoid the crowds. To get to the falls, you need to drive along Highway 440 East from Quebec City, turn to l'Ile d'Orleans, and then continue to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency.

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Hours & Tickets

The park is open year-round, but some facilities are closed during the wintertime. Admission costs are slightly lower from early November through late March. Regular tickets to the park cost $8.78 for adults and $7.90 for seniors 65 years and older. Special pricing applies to residents of the province of Quebec, with tickets costing $4.39 for adults and $3.95 for seniors. Children under 17 years old can enter for free.

Necessary Equipment

To climb the waterfall, you need two axes, special gear, helmet, ropes and carabiners, a harness, and a little bit of courage not to look down before you get to the top. Unlike rock climbing, where using one's fingers has an important role, ice climbing is all about placing the axe in the right spot and relying on the icy surface. That is what makes this activity so incomparable and memorable. This not-for-everyone outdoor adventure rewards with its view from above—tiny people and frozen waves of the majestic waterfall.

Other Winter Activities in Quebec

Quebec offers a winter wonderland of activities for visitors to enjoy, starting with the lively Quebec Winter Carnival. Adventure seekers can dive into thrilling experiences like dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing or marvel at the breathtaking Northern Lights. After a day in the snow, cozy up in one of Quebec’s many charming restaurants, where you can savor hearty dishes, sip on the region’s famous wines, and soak in the ambiance of live music performances.