Did we fly 7 hours to hike to a frozen waterfall? Yes, yes we did. When I first saw photos and videos of these incredible frozen waterfalls near Quebec City, I knew I had to experience them in person. They were even more impressive than I had imagined! In this guide, I am breaking down everything you need to know to visit the best frozen waterfall hikes in Quebec!
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The Best Frozen Waterfall Hikes in Quebec
Table of Contents
Sainte-Anne River Gorge Trail
The Sainte-Anne River Gorge Trail is located in Portneuf Natural Regional Park, about 1 hour from Quebec City. In the winter, this waterfall along the trail is transformed into a life-sized ice castle!
There is a minimal parking fee (around $10 CAD at the time of our visit), which can be paid at the visitor center. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a trail map before heading out.
The trail is 3.3 miles out-and-back and is rated easy. It is a fairly flat trail with only about 300 feet of elevation gain.
The trail follows along the dramatic river gorge, offering stunning views the entire way.
The frozen waterfall is located just about 0.5 miles down the trail. After crossing the bridge, look for a side trail on your right that leads down to the waterfall and ice cave.
This natural phenomenon is absolutely incredible. You can actually walk behind the sheets of frozen water, which is such a unique and unforgettable experience.
It is extremely icy and slippery by the waterfall, so I highly recommend wearing crampons. Also, use caution when walking under icicles, as they can fall.
One of our favorite and unexpected features was the natural ice slides at the base of the waterfall. They were so fun to slide down!
After spending time at the frozen waterfall, I recommend continuing along the full trail. You’ll see countless ice formations hanging from the cliffs of the steep gorge. It truly is a remarkable winter wonderland!
The best time to see the frozen waterfall is from December through February. However, the trail is open year-round and is beautiful in every season.
Chutes Jean-Larose Falls
The Chutes Jean-Larose Falls is another equally impressive frozen waterfall located about 30 minutes from Quebec City.
The full trail is a 3.2-mile loop that starts at the Mont Sainte-Anne ski resort parking lot. If you want to take a shortcut to the falls, hike the trail in reverse. We were short on daylight, so this is what we did.
We parked along the road just inside the ski resort entrance off Highway 360, crossed the highway, and climbed down into the ravine to connect to the trail. It seemed odd, but this is where the AllTrails map directed us.
Once we connected to the trail, it was a short 10-minute walk to the wooden staircase leading down to the base of the waterfall.
The staircase is sometimes closed in winter due to ice. If it’s closed, you’ll need to complete the loop from the opposite direction. Even if it is open, ice crampons are highly recommended.
The descent includes roughly 400 steep steps with scenic lookout points along the way. We stopped to watch the ice climbers scaling the waterfall. It was so cool to watch!
Once we reached the bottom, we were blown away by this 224-foot-tall waterfall. We visited in February, and while it was mostly frozen, we could still see water flowing behind layers of ice.
The waterfall was covered by the most incredible and delicate ice formations, and it was a true work of art!
This trail is beautiful anytime of year, but the best time to see the frozen waterfall is between December and February. Conditions vary from completely frozen solid to partially frozen with water flowing through the ice. It is spectacular in any form!
Once you finish admiring the view, prepare for the climb back up the staircase. It’s a workout, but completely worth it. Alternatively, completing the full loop trail allows you to avoid the steep stair climb, although it adds mileage.
Final Thoughts:
These frozen waterfalls are some of the most magical winter hikes near Quebec City. If you’re planning a winter getaway, I highly recommend adding both to your itinerary.
For another unique winter experience, book a night or take a tour of Hôtel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America. It’s the perfect way to complete a true Canadian winter adventure!
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