GETAWAYS & RESORTS · REGIONAL EXCURSION
Côte-de-Beaupré from Quebec
Falls, vineyards, and fishing villages, thirty minutes from Petit-Champlain
When the Old Quebec circuit is finished, Côte-de-Beaupré opens up like a straight line to Quebec’s most spectacular landscapes. Wooden villages, a century-old basilica, vineyards on the heights, and falls taller than Niagara. One day, a full tank, a perfect starting point.
See the itineraryIn this article
Itinerary
From Quebec to Sainte-Anne, taking your time
A flexible route, to be done by car or bike depending on the season, that always ends too soon.
8:30 AM — Petit-Champlain, engine on
Before hitting the road, an espresso at Carrera Café is a must. Sit down for five minutes, mentally unfold the map, and set off with a tank full of caffeine and anticipation. Côte-de-Beaupré officially begins at the end of Sainte-Anne Boulevard.
9:00 AM — Montmorency Falls
First thrill: Montmorency Falls, 83 meters of free fall, 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. In winter, the ice cone that forms at the base is a spectacle in itself. The cable car rises to a dizzying lookout.
11:00 AM — Château-Richer with a view of Île d'Orléans
The village of Château-Richer marks the entrance to the 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. A few 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 style, stained glass from floor to ceiling, 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: the Sainte-Anne Canyon for its gorges and suspension bridges, or the vineyards of the Charlevoix Wine Route for a tasting with a view over the river. Both are well worth it.
5:30 PM — Return to Quebec along the river
The return route runs along the river. At dusk, the light on the Saint 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 miss
Stops worth slowing down for, or stopping completely.
The Montmorency Falls cable car
To see the falls from above and below, nothing beats the panoramic cable car. Book online in summer to avoid lines.
The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in North America. The architecture alone justifies the stop, whatever your relationship to spirituality.
The Coast vineyards
Three or four wineries produce local wines worth noting on the Côte-de-Beaupré. Ask for the northern grape varieties, surprising and delicate.
Practical
Everything you need to know before leaving
Details that make the difference between a nice 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 offers 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 terraces and vineyards. Autumn for the colors (late September to mid-October, spectacular). Winter for the ice cream cone at the falls and the Christmas pilgrimage to Sainte-Anne. Spring for the regained sweetness and the first apple blossoms.
Where to eat on the road
The inns of the Coast 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 leaving
The perfect pit stop
Every good getaway starts with a good coffee. That's the rule.
The fuel for the getaway
A double ristretto espresso for focus, a latte for sweetness, or a drip coffee for long drives: Carrera Café prepares your start with as much care as you put into your itinerary. We also give you the best road tips if you ask.
The road-tripper's board
A board of organic Charlevoix charcuterie and Quebec cheeses to share on the way, with focaccia from Boulangerie Borderon et Fils. The most elegant departure picnic in Old Quebec.
Ready to hit the road?
Start your day at Carrera Café, in the heart of Petit-Champlain. An espresso, a plan, and the Côte-de-Beaupré await you.
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