Heading east on Route 20 for Ste Foy on the outskirts of Quebec City, we crossed the bridge Pont Pierre Laporte just west of the Pont de Quebec and checked in to the Holiday Inn about 3:30pm where we had reservations. Quickly getting settled in and checking the map, we then left for Montmorency Falls, just a few miles east of Quebec City and near the bridge to Isle d'Orleans. I thought it would be good to get that in before sunset. Spotted a KFC restaurant on the way and being familiar with a good-ole American name decided to stop in and eat a bit. 

        Now with a full stomach and still some energy left after the long ride from Connecticut we headed over to the falls. There was a parking area near the highway and the rest of the viewing was on foot. In this picture above, you can see the falls and the walkway along the river to the right. You will also notice the stairway with circular rest areas which is the climb to the top, about 300 feet. My leg muscles were sore for days after this climb, of course later we had to walk back down to return to our starting point. This then leads to a small bridge to the right, then the path curves left to the suspension bridge over the falls. A spectacular view of the falls with the thundering, fast flowing waters of the Montmorency River crashing on the rocks 272 feet below is almost overwhelming. The walk over the river on the footbridge enhanced this feeling while watching the river fall beneath your feet. A large ice cone is formed by accumulation of the spray of the falls in the winter which makes the falls  popular year round. A cable car also runs from the parking area to a gourmet restaurant, Manoir Montmorency just to the left of the falls.

        From the top of the stairway on the return trip, the splendid view includes  quite a panorama of Quebec City in the distance. It provided us with a reenergized outlook for tomorrow's sightseeing in Quebec city. We left here at 8:30 and returned to the Holiday Inn, went swimming for a while at 9:30pm in a small swimming pool then hit the sack for a full day in Quebec City tomorrow.