About 100 km from Montreal, Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule combines waterfalls, forest, viewpoints and plenty of stairs along the Maskinongé River. We visited in midsummer and share what is genuinely worth seeing, including an important warning about the current swimming ban.
Some summer days in Montreal simply refuse to give you a break. The air feels still and humid, and even a walk through the city seems like more effort than it should be.
On one of those days, we did what any sensible family would do: packed our swimsuits in the car and went looking for water.
We chose Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule, in the Mauricie region, about 100 km from Montreal. Alice, our daughters and I planned to spend a few hours among forest trails and waterfalls. What began as a visit to the falls of the Maskinongé River ended with everyone trying to survive the Quebec heat near the water.
My verdict upfront: it was worth every minute of the drive.
One detail matters before you pack a swimsuit: the current official rules prohibit swimming in the park. Our visit took place in August 2020. Later in this article, I explain where we entered the river and why that memory must not be treated as permission to do the same today.
Alice and I in front of the Sainte-Ursule falls. The view immediately explains the reason for the trip.
Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule at a glance
| Detail | Planning reference |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Sainte-Ursule, Mauricie, Quebec |
| 🚗 From Montreal | about 100 km, or 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 🥾 Experience | trails, waterfalls, viewpoints and nature |
| ⛰️ Difficulty | easy to moderate, with many stairs |
| ⏱️ Recommended time | approximately 3 to 4 hours |
| 💰 2026 admission | $10 for ages 13+; $5 for ages 7 to 12 |
| 🐕 Dogs | allowed on leash |
| ♿ Accessibility | very limited on the stair circuit |
| 💦 Swimming | prohibited under current rules |
We checked the prices, season opening and rules on the official Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule page in August 2026. Confirm them again before travelling because hours and conditions can change.
What is Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule?
The park follows a rugged section of the Maskinongé River, where the water cuts through the forest in falls, rapids and a rocky canyon. The site has roughly 70 metres of vertical drop and becomes especially powerful in spring, when snowmelt increases the river flow.
Following the river is more interesting than counting waterfalls. Walkways, viewpoints and a considerable number of wooden stairs track the terrain. At several points, we stood above the canyon watching the water squeeze between rock walls.
Our daughters at one of the viewpoints. The trail follows the river through the forest.
Our experience: stairs, and then more stairs
We arrived around 10 a.m. convinced that we would be among the first visitors.
Wrong.
There were already quite a few cars, although parking was still easy. We paid at the gate and began the circuit. That was when we discovered Sainte-Ursule’s defining feature after the waterfalls: stairs.
The route climbs and descends along the gorge. Some forest sections are relaxed, but long staircases and walkways also hug the slopes. It is not technically difficult, and no specialized trekking equipment is required.
Repetition is what gets you. Down. Walk. Up. Look at the waterfall. Down again.
At one point, our daughters started counting the steps. I cannot remember how far they got, which probably means they gave up.
The walkways make the terrain manageable, but they also explain why a stroller is a poor choice.
The scenery makes up for the effort. Dense forest gives way to canyon viewpoints and spots closer to the river. Photographers should take their time because the light changes dramatically between the shade and the open water.
Read also: Le P’tit Train du Nord: our favourite bike trail near Montreal
Where the waterfalls meet the Maskinongé River
After the stairs, the reward appears in stages. First come the falls between the trees and rapids wedged into the rocks. Farther downstream, the canyon opens and the river becomes wide, relatively shallow and dotted with exposed stones.
On an extremely hot day, the water looked like a mirage. Families sat on the rocks, people cooled off and even a dog enjoyed the river. Nature changed our plans. We no longer wanted to simply look at the water.
Waterfalls and river swimming: the warning you need to read
I need to separate our memory from 2020 from the rule in effect in 2026.
Swimming is prohibited at Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule. Do not enter the falls, cross barriers or interpret these photos as directions to an authorized swimming spot. Currents, rocks, drops and river conditions all create real risk.
During our visit, after completing the waterfall circuit, we reached an open stretch of the Maskinongé where several families were in the water. That is where we entered. The water was cold, but after hours of walking in the heat, that quickly stopped being a problem.
Alice at the open river section we found in 2020. Follow today’s signs: current park rules prohibit swimming.
Our daughters went in, I stayed near shore for a while and Alice took the idea of “cooling down” more seriously.
She simply lay back in the water. Forest around us, a completely blue sky and a cold river after the walk. That was probably the moment we decided Sainte-Ursule had been worth the trip.
That photograph captures the relief of a hot day better than any description.
Access, currents and rules change. Always follow current signs and instructions. If swimming is your priority, choose an officially authorized and supervised beach instead.
Alice and I at the end of the outing, still debating whether the water was refreshing or simply cold.
How difficult are the trails?
Distance does not tell the full story. Five kilometres on flat ground is one thing. Five kilometres of repeated stairs is another.
I would rate this as easy to moderate for anyone used to walking, but tiring for sedentary visitors or people with knee and mobility issues. Regular closed shoes with good grip are enough. Flip-flops? Leave them in the car.
The park suits children who can already walk a few kilometres independently. Our daughters completed the circuit without difficulty. With a baby, I would use a proper carrier. A stroller will become a headache on the stairs.
How long do you need and what should you bring?
Allow three to four hours to enjoy the park without rushing. You can walk it faster, but stopping at the viewpoints, taking photographs and having a picnic are part of the experience.
Bring closed shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, light clothing and picnic food. About swimsuits, the answer is simple: current rules prohibit swimming. Pack one only if your itinerary includes another officially authorized stop.
Getting there from Montreal
📍 Address: 2575 rang des Chutes, Sainte-Ursule, QC J0K 3M0
The park is approximately 100 km from Montreal, normally 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car. The simplest route follows Autoroute 40 East toward Trois-Rivières before continuing on local roads to Sainte-Ursule.
A car is by far the most practical option for this day trip.
Read also: Half-day adventure near Montreal: hiking and kayaking at Canot Volant
How much does it cost in 2026?
Published 2026 rates are free for children aged 6 and under, $5 for ages 7 to 12, and $10 for ages 13 and older. Groups of at least 15 pay $8 per person. Seasonal passes cost $50 for an individual and $75 for a family, with an additional person priced at $20.
Taxes are included, and the park says it accepts cash and debit. At $10 per adult, I consider the value excellent for several hours in nature. Check the official page before leaving because prices and hours can change.
Is Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule worth it?
For us, yes.
Sainte-Ursule does not have Quebec’s most spectacular waterfall, nor is it a trail worth crossing the entire province for. Its appeal comes from the package: it is relatively close to Montreal, inexpensive, surrounded by nature and filled with attractive views of the Maskinongé.
There is something deeply satisfying about leaving a suffocating Montreal summer day and walking through a forest to the sound of falling water barely 90 minutes later.
Our memory also includes entering the river in 2020. Today, I would plan the visit around the waterfalls, trails and viewpoints while respecting the swimming ban.
⭐ Our verdict
Worth it: yes
Best for: nature, waterfalls and a family day trip
Ideal time: half a day
Value: excellent
Downside: stairs, stairs and more stairs
Would we return? On a hot summer day, without hesitation. This time, however, we would stay out of the water.
Read also: Rafting in Montreal: complete guide to the Lachine Rapids
🌎 Have a great trip, and see you on the next adventure!
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