Mont Sainte Anne in Beaupre Quebec
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, please see our Terms & Conditions page.
Mont Sainte Anne is a year round resort located 30 minutes outside of Quebec City, Canada. A short drive from the city, the Beaupre Quebec resort is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, the mountain’s snow-covered peaks are full of skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers. In the summer months, the resort’s trails stay busy with mountain bikers, hikers, and rock climbers.
The Mont Sainte Anne resort can be a great base for traveling to Quebec’s Cote de Beaupre region. Within a half-hour of the resort, travelers will find the Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre, Montmorency Falls, and Ile d’Orleans (Orleans Island) as well as the stunning landscapes of the St. Lawrence River and Beaupre Quebec countryside.
Using Mont Sainte Anne as a starting point, our 7 day itinerary explores the many things to do in Beaupre Quebec. Note, that with the exception of Montmorency Falls and Canyon Sainte Anne (that are closed in the winter), this itinerary works equally well in winter as summer.
WHERE IS MONT SAINT ANNE
Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont Sainte Anne lies about 25-miles (40 km) outside of Quebec City in the town of Beaupre Quebec. The town is part of the La Cote-de-Beaupre region noted for its many waterfalls, cliffs, rocky gorges, and agricultural landscapes. The area is rural and best suited to be explored by car.
Click here for information and rates on car rentals in Quebec City, Canada.
MONT SAINTE ANNE WEATHER & BEST TIME TO GO
Mont Sainte Anne and Beaupre Quebec are great locations to visit in summer, autumn, and winter. Summers are hot and humid with forests that turn into a blaze of color in the cooler autumn. Winters are snowy and cold. In spring, mud season brings rain, muck, and black flies.
To hike, bike, and sightsee; the summer and fall seasons are the best time to visit. If you love to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile; winter is the best time to visit. In the spring, many outdoor sites are closed and/or businesses are refurbishing.
MONT SAINTE ANNE HOTELS
This list of Mont Sainte Anne hotels includes accommodations at the Mont Sainte Anne resort as well as lodging in the Beaupre Quebec region.
BEAUPRE QUEBEC TOURS
There are many things to do in the Mont Sainte Anne and Beaupre Quebec area. Tours are also a popular way to see the region, especially if you are staying in nearby Quebec City or don’t have access to a car. Please see the list below for well-reviewed tours in the Mont Sainte Anne and Beaupre Quebec region.
ONE WEEK BEAUPRE QUEBEC ITINERARY
This itinerary is especially well suited to active families. Most of the suggested activities are suited for 4-6 hour outings, with short drive times (half hour or less) from anywhere in the Beaupre Quebec area..
Day 1: Explore the Outdoors at Mont Sainte Anne
Begin your week by exploring Mont Sainte Anne. At the summit lodge you can find information on the many activities offered at the mountain such as mountain biking, golf, hiking, disc golf, canyoning, downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and ice canyoning.
Sporting equipment can be rented, or purchased in resort shops. For golfers, the Le Grand Vallon 4 star course sits at the bottom of the mountain.
In the summer, it’s fun to watch the mountain bikers speeding down the ski slopes or on the practice course. After you have walked around the lodge area, take a gondola to the top of the mountain. Climb the tower for views of the Laurentian mountains and St. Lawrence River. Hike around the summit trails. When it’s time to descend, take the gondola or trek on foot.
In the winter, try one of the snow and ice sports available at the resort. Or, simply sit in the lodge, sip a cocoa, and watch the skiers shoot down the mountain.
Day 2: Discover St Anne de Beaupre
The beautiful and historic Shrine of St Anne de Beaupre is a Canadian cultural treasure that should not be missed. The shrine is centered around the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupre. St Anne was a Catholic healer and the grandmother of Jesus. Located on the banks of the St Lawrence River, the shrine welcomes over a million visitors a year.
The Basilica consists of the main church and several smaller chapels on the lower level of the building. All of the chapels are decorated with intricate mosaics, sculptures, and gorgeous stained-glass windows. Other things to see include the Way of the Cross, Scala Santa, and Memorial Chapel. There is also a large religious gift shop.
Day 3: Hike Montmorency Falls
As you approach Montmorency Falls (Parc de la Chute – Montmorency) from Route 138, you catch a glimpse of the powerful waterfall. At the park, visitors can get up close to the 272-foot cascade (its 100-feet higher than Niagara Falls). To see the falls, the park maintains a system of hiking trails, stairways, and suspension bridges that take visitors over and next-to the rushing water.
In addition, you can ride a cable car over the falls, go zip lining, or rock climbing. The mobility-impaired can enjoy the park’s many boardwalks and ramps. There are also picnic grounds, a playground, and visitor center onsite (with gift shop and café). Many tour companies bundle a trip to Montmorency Falls with other sites:
Day 4: Visit Historic Old Quebec City
A day trip to historic Old Quebec City will be a highlight of your week. You can drive into the city, or park in the lot across from the Shrine of St Anne de Beaupre and take the Crosieres AML Ferry into the city (docks at the Port of Quebec Harbor). The ride along the St Lawrence River is relaxing and gorgeous.
Once in the city, head straight to Old Quebec’s historic district. Visit the star-shaped Citadelle British fortress to see the changing of the guard. In Upper Town, visit the Basilique Cathedrale Notre-Dame before having lunch at the castle-like Hotel Frontenac. Later, stroll the Dufferin Terrace and descend the Break Neck Stairs into Lower Town.
Experience the romance of Lower Town with a walk through the area’s cobblestone pedestrian lanes. Discover the artisan shops that line Rue de Petit Champagne. Visit Place Royale and see the Notre-Dame des Victories Church – one of the oldest in North America. End your exploration at one of the many pubs in Old Port.
Day 5: Trek the Canyon Sainte Anne
Deep in the forest of Beaupre Quebec, Canyon Sainte Anne is a long rocky gorge that is filled with a series of waterfalls. To view the gorge, visitors can trek across a series of trails, suspension bridges, and viewing platforms. There is also an attraction called the “Air Canyon” that brings riders out over the falls. Park guests can make use of the hiking trails, picnic grounds, a playground, and restaurant that are onsite.
Day 6: Scenic Drive Around Ile d’Orleans
Ile d’Orleans is an island that sits in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. A 40-mile road encircles the farming and fishing community. The island is made up 6 towns, each with its own vibe. Along the coastal route, there are vegetable stands, antique shops, craft barns, churches, wineries, and orchards to explore. The landscapes are gorgeous, and there are many guided tours to this region.
Day 7: Down Day at Mont Sainte Anne
Rest, relax, and pack to go home!
Goodbye from beautiful Beaupre and Mont Sainte Anne, Laura and Randy
For more information on Quebec travel read our travel blog posts on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
Comments