A big waterfall day, minus the hassle. I like the hotel pickup and private vehicle that make the whole outing feel efficient, and I love that your guide will answer questions as you go. The main thing to watch for is tight communication details like your group size and pickup time, because small admin mistakes can wreck a day.

This is also a smart way to see more than just one stop. You get built-in time at Montmorency Falls, plus a visit to two cultural/religious sites and a scenic island viewpoint—so the drive has a clear purpose, not just time on the road.

Plan for a short day that’s rich in stops. You won’t have food included, so bring snacks or plan to eat after, and wear shoes that work for park paths and viewpoint areas.

Key things to know before you go

• Private pickup and drop-off in central Quebec City saves you from extra transit wrangling.
• Montmorency Falls admission is included, so you don’t spend your time on tickets at the park.
• Three main stops in about five hours keeps the pacing brisk but focused.
• Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré draws nearly a million visitors a year, so expect it to feel important and busy (in a good, pilgrimage way).
• Sainte-Pétronille on Île d’Orléans offers wide views back toward Old Québec and Beauport Bay.
• Only your group rides, which is great for flexibility and questions with your licensed guide.

Getting from Quebec City to three highlights without the stress

The best part of a private day trip from Québec City is how quickly you get traction. With pickup directly from your hotel (or a place of your choice inside Québec), you skip the “figure out the bus, then wait, then reroute” energy that can eat up a half-day.

You also have your own vehicle for the duration, which matters here. This isn’t a single-stop visit; it’s Montmorency Falls, then Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, then Sainte-Pétronille on Île d’Orléans. Having a driver who’s handling the timing lets your guide focus on the story and the practical bits—where to look, what to notice, and how to plan photos.

One practical consideration: because the schedule is tight, you’ll want to be ready on time at pickup. I’d treat the day like a “catch the train” mindset: confirm your pickup details, keep your confirmation handy, and be clear about your exact passenger count.

Montmorency Falls: 83 meters of serious drama

Your first real star stop is Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. This is not a small waterfall. It’s listed at 83 m (about 272 ft) high, and the park info also notes it’s 30 m (about 98 ft) taller than Niagara Falls—a handy fact when you’re setting expectations for scale.

You’ll have about 50 minutes here, with the entrance fee included. That time is perfect if you want a few good photo angles, a walk around the main areas, and time to just watch the water do its thing in different weather. In winter or summer, the falls are still the main event, and you’ll see why Quebecers treat them like a must-see.

What you should consider before you go: Montmorency is a park setting with paths and viewpoints, so plan for a short burst of walking. Also, weather at the falls can feel sharper than in the city—bring a layer even if Québec City seems mild.

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: a pilgrimage site with 350+ years of pull

Next up is Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, roughly 20 minutes from Québec City. This stop runs about 30 minutes, and admission is free.

The shrine is famous for one simple reason: it has been welcoming people for over 350 years. The guide context here is key—Saint Anne is described as the grandmother of Jesus, and the site draws almost a million visitors annually. Even if you’re not coming for religious reasons, you can still feel why the place matters: people return, generations keep the tradition, and the atmosphere is purpose-driven.

Drawback? Thirty minutes is short. If you want deeper time—longer quiet moments, additional areas to explore, or just to sit and absorb—you may feel a little rushed. That said, for most visitors it hits the sweet spot: you learn what makes it significant, see the main highlights, and move on without draining the whole day.

Sainte-Pétronille on Île d’Orléans: views you’ll want to linger on

The final scenic stop is Sainte-Pétronille, on the western tip of Île d’Orléans. You’ll have about 50 minutes, with admission also listed as free.

This is the kind of place where the value is in the perspective. The description points to impressive views: the river, Old Québec, Montmorency Falls, and Beauport Bay. In other words, you’re not just visiting a village stop—you’re getting a geographic postcard from a different angle than you get anywhere else in Québec City.

I like this stop because it gives your eyes a break from the waterfall intensity and the shrine’s gravity. You can slow down, take photos in a wider frame, and enjoy the “we came out here on purpose” feeling.

One small travel tip: island viewpoints can be breezy. Pack for wind and bring water or a snack since food isn’t included on the tour.

How the timing works (and where it can feel tight)

Overall, you’re looking at about five hours. The schedule is compact by design, with:

• Pickup in Québec City (quick start)
• Montmorency Falls (about 50 minutes)
• Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (about 30 minutes)
• Sainte-Pétronille (about 50 minutes)
• Drop-off back in Québec

That sequencing is smart. Montmorency is visually dominant, so you visit it while you’re fresh. The shrine is next—short enough to stay efficient, but long enough to understand why people make the trip. Then the island viewpoint rounds it out with a more relaxed, scenic final stretch.

Where it can feel less ideal: if you love to linger, 50-minute windows can be tight. I’d recommend booking this if you’re happy with a “see the core, get great photos, learn a lot” day rather than a “take your time everywhere” day.

Private guide + private vehicle: what you really pay for

The price is $1,177.89 per person, which is high enough that you should do the math on value. With private tours, the question isn’t just “do I want a guide,” it’s “am I saving time, stress, and decision-making?”

Here, you’re paying for:

• A licensed private guide for the full session
• A private vehicle disposition for about five hours
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Québec (inside Québec)
• Montmorency Falls entrance fee included

Food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll budget for at least one snack or meal during or after.

So when does this feel like a good deal? If you’re traveling as a group and you want a car ready to go, plus a guide who can shape the day around your interests in real time, this kind of setup can cost less than you’d expect compared to piecing together taxis, ticket lines, and separate attractions.

One real caution from experience with private operators: make sure your booking details match reality. In particular, double-check your pickup location and your passenger count. Small miscommunication between the operator and the local driver/guide can lead to avoidable chaos.

What I’d bring, plan, and ask your guide

Because this is a guide-led day, your success depends on preparation—light, but intentional.

Bring:

• A layer for the falls and shoreline breezes
• Water or a snack (since meals aren’t included)
• A charged phone/camera for panoramic views at Sainte-Pétronille

Plan:

• Be ready at pickup time
• If you’re photo-focused, decide which stop you want to spend extra time framing (usually Montmorency or the Sainte-Pétronille viewpoints)

Ask your guide:

• What to notice at Montmorency during different seasons
• How to understand the shrine’s draw beyond the architecture
• Which sightlines at Sainte-Pétronille are best for your preferred photos

I especially like this format because the guide is there for questions, not just a scripted narration. That kind of back-and-forth is where private tours often beat standard bus days.

Who this tour suits best

This fits well if you:

• Want a private day with your own vehicle and pickup
• Are short on time in Québec City and want three major stops without logistics headaches
• Prefer a guided explanation at Montmorency Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
• Like scenic viewpoints and wider “see the bigger picture” photos at Île d’Orléans

It might not be ideal if you want a slow, wandering day with long stops. This itinerary is efficient, with 30–50 minute windows.

Should you book this private Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans tour?

If your goal is a high-impact Québec day—waterfall spectacle, a major shrine with centuries of meaning, and panoramic views from Île d’Orléans—this tour makes a lot of sense. The hotel pickup, private vehicle, and included Montmorency admission remove the friction that usually turns a good idea into a stressful afternoon.

I’d book it if you value:

• Convenience (pickup/drop-off in Québec City)
• Learning with a live guide who can answer questions
• A focused schedule that fits five hours

Hold off or at least message the operator before you go if you:

• Have a complex pickup situation
• Want a very long stop at any one place
• Are worried about last-minute admin errors—then confirm your passenger count and pickup details early

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as about 5 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or a place of choice inside Québec.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

What stops are included during the tour?

The main stops are Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and Sainte-Pétronille, plus pickup and drop-off in Québec City.

Is admission to Montmorency Falls included?

Yes. Entrance fee to Montmorency Falls is included.

Are tickets required for the other stops?

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and Sainte-Pétronille are listed as free admission.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What language is the tour in?

It’s offered in English.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, a mobile ticket is included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

The information says most travelers can participate, but it’s still a walking/park-day style outing.

You Might Also Enjoy

Family-Friendly Cheakamus SplashWhistler Guided Day HikingToronto: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Niagara City CruiseLuxury Niagara Falls Day Trip from Toronto with Cruise and Lunch