Only 30 mins north from Quebec City, Canyon Sainte-Anne is a beautiful gorge, carved by the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River with a drop of 75 meters waterfall. With three suspension footbridges and many overlooks, you will not miss a drop. The hike is circular, from the main entrance, along bridges, walking on both sides of the gorge, first downhill until reaching the bottom of the canyon and then climbing uphill. Other activities are available in the park, Air Canyon, a high-speed short and zipline experience, 90 meters above the gorge and also rock climbing – via Ferrata.
Does it fit everyone?
The park is well maintained and is considered an accessible site. This walk is feasible for young kids, take into consideration that there are many stairs to reach the third bridge, then a climb uphill to reach the main entrance. I will not recommend a baby stroller but we saw families hiking with it.
How to get there?
Address: 206, Route 138 Est, Beaupré, G0A 1E0, QC
Region: Capitale Nationale
Drive: about 30 minutes from Quebec City and 3h15 drive north-east from downtown Montreal.
Opening time: Mid May to mid-October, check exact dates and hours online (for each activity).
Entry Fees: Adult $12.18, youth 13-17 years $9.57, children 6-13 years $9.57, kids under 5 $6.96.
Option for a combo ticket (entry and Air canyon experience) – Must be 107cm/42in. or taller: adult $22.62, youth 13-17 years $20.44, children 6-13 years $20.44.
Picnic tables available
Small shop for drink and snacks available on site
Free parking
Entrance to the site:
A map of the hike with the viewpoints and the bridges. The trail is anti-clockwise and as you can see, in order to reach the third bridge (at the bottom of the map), there are many stairs.
The playground is at the entrance and nearby the Air Canyon Experience.
The park is offering a free app to download and play once on the trail.
The Canyon Air Experience was fun. It is about a minute long zipline ride, watching the canyon from above. It carries only two people at a time. The view of the waterfall from above was impressive and the speed added to the fun.
Tip: if you are with a young child (107cm and above), place your arm above their shoulders (like a hug) to protect their head as the breaking can be strong.
First bridge view. There are signs along the trail explaining the history of the place and the canyon creation.
Second bridge:
The sign before descending to the third bridge, 187 steps to go each way.
The view from the bottom of the canyon, from the third bridge:
The climb uphill to complete the trail and to reach the main entrance.
Quebec Family Hikes 