GETAWAYS & RESORT · REGIONAL EXCURSION
The Côte-de-Beaupré from Quebec City
Falls, vineyards and fishing villages, thirty minutes from Petit-Champlain
Once the Old Quebec tour is done, the Côte-de-Beaupré opens up like a direct route to Quebec's most spectacular landscapes. Wooden villages, a century-old basilica, hilltop vineyards and falls higher than Niagara. One day, a full tank of gas, a perfect starting address.
See the itineraryIn this article
Itinerary
From Quebec City to Sainte-Anne, taking your time
A flexible circuit, to be done by car or bike depending on the season, which always ends too soon.
8:30 AM — Le Petit-Champlain, engine on
Before hitting the road, an espresso at Carrera Café is a must. Settle in for five minutes, unfold the map mentally, and set off with a full tank of caffeine and anticipation. The Côte-de-Beaupré officially begins at the end of Sainte-Anne Boulevard.
9:00 AM — Montmorency Falls
First thrill: Montmorency Falls, 83 meters (272 ft) of free fall, 30 meters (98 ft) higher than Niagara Falls. In winter, the ice cone that forms at the base is a spectacle in itself. The cable car ascends to a dizzying viewpoint.
11:00 AM — Château-Richer and Île d'Orléans in sight
The village of Château-Richer marks the entrance to old Côte-de-Beaupré. From the church overlooking the cliff, the view of the river and Île d'Orléans is one of the most photographed in Quebec. Several artisan shops line the main street.
1:00 PM — Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica impresses even non-believers: neo-Romanesque, floor-to-ceiling stained glass, crutches left by pilgrims for three centuries. The surrounding village is calm, almost timeless.
3:00 PM — Sainte-Anne Canyon or the vineyards
Depending on your mood: Sainte-Anne Canyon for its gorges and suspended bridges, or the vineyards of the Charlevoix Wine Route for a high-altitude tasting with a view of the river. Both are amply justified.
5:30 PM — Return to Quebec City via the river
The return route follows the river. At dusk, the light on the St. Lawrence takes on hues that even the best photographers struggle to capture. A good reason to leave early and return late.
Must-sees
What not to skip
Stops that deserve you to slow down, or stop completely.
Montmorency Falls Cable Car
To see the falls from both above and below, nothing beats the panoramic cabin. Book online in summer to avoid queues.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in North America. The architecture alone justifies the stop, regardless of your relationship with spirituality.
The Côte vineyards
Three or four wineries produce noteworthy local wines on the Côte-de-Beaupré. Ask for the surprising and delicate Nordic grape varieties.
Practical Info
Everything you need to know before you go
Details that make the difference between a good day and a perfect day.
How to get there
By car from Old Quebec: about 30 minutes to the falls, 50 minutes to Sainte-Anne. By bus: Réseau de transport de la Capitale provides regular connections to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. By bike: the bike path runs along the river for several kilometers, a delight in spring and summer.
When to go
Summer for patios and vineyards. Autumn for the colors (late September to mid-October, spectacular). Winter for the ice cone at the falls and the Christmas pilgrimage to Sainte-Anne. Spring for the renewed mildness and the first apple blossoms.
Where to eat along the way
The inns of the Côte offer solid regional cuisine. In season, local markets are full of cheeses, jams, and ciders. For the perfect provisions: aged charcuterie and Quebec cheeses, before you leave.
Before You Go
The perfect pit stop
Every good getaway starts with good coffee. That's the rule.
The fuel for the getaway
A double ristretto espresso for concentration, a latte for sweetness, or a filter coffee for long journeys: Carrera Café prepares your departure with as much care as you put into your itinerary. We also give you the best road trip tips if you ask.
The road-tripper's platter
A platter of organic Charlevoix charcuterie and Quebec cheeses to share on the road, with focaccia from Boulangerie Borderon et Fils. The most elegant picnic departure from Old Quebec.
Ready to hit the road?
Start your day at Carrera Café, in the heart of Petit-Champlain. An espresso, a map, and the Côte-de-Beaupré awaits you.
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