Complete Guide To Visiting Les Chutes De Plaisance Falls

Les Chutes de Plaisance is a historical national site part of the Plaisance National Park in Québec. 

FYI… Chutes means waterfalls in french, so it’s the Plaisance falls. And yes, you’re going to see some beautiful waterfalls here!

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Where Is Plaisance Québec

Plaisance Québec is about an hour and a half drive from Montreal, but only 45 minutes from Ottawa and Mont Tremblant, and only 20 minutes Montebello. It’s a very small municipality in Québec so there isn’t too much to do in the area but continue reading for some suggestions.

Parc National De Plaisance (Plaisance National Park)

The Chutes de Plaisance is recently been acquired by Plaisance National Park in an effort to expand the park grounds. The Plaisance falls is about a 10 minute drive away from the main area of the Plaisance National Park. Plus so far, a ticket to the National park does not include a ticket to the waterfalls… a bit annoying…

I think the two only recently combined, so I’m hoping the admission ticket is going to change.

History Of The Plaisance Falls: North Nation Mills

The Chutes de Plaisance is a protected national historical site. A town and sawmill business was set up by the falls in the 1850s, it was known as North Nation Mills. When you visit the Plaisance falls, you’ll also be able to learn about this historical site.

Although there isn’t much to see here anymore, there are signs set up with descriptions and photographic representations. There’s a “map” of the old town you could download and follow. Some of the key areas on the map are at the Chutes de Plaisance, while others are in the town of North Nation Mills.

We didn’t visit North Nation Mills because we had no idea it existed at the time, but there might be a bit more to see there.

Two Areas To Les Chutes de Plaisance Park

When you visit the Chutes de Plaisance, there are two separate areas that you can actually visit; the Plaisance falls and historical sites, and the extension of the Plaisance National Park (which is actually free now!). 

The waterfall is what you’re interested in seeing here, and you have to pay to see it. But on the opposite side of the parking lot are some free trails that are part of the National Park.

The Plaisance Waterfalls Near Montreal

The paid area follows a walking path along the river which leads to the waterfall. This is one of the largest waterfalls near Montreal. It’s a 63 metre drop! The the next largest waterfall near Montreal is Montmorrency falls near Québec City. That one’s an 83 metre drop!

There’s a short walking path in this area and a lot of picnic tables set up so make sure to bring a lunch!

Expansion Of The National Park

When you arrive at the Plaisance falls, you’ll notice there’s a bridge going across the river. On the left side of the bridge is the paid area with the falls but on the right side is the expansion of the National Park of Plaisance. You don’t need to buy an entrance ticket to the Chutes de Plaisance, or the national park to walk around this area. This is a totally free area to visit. 

It’s acts as a nice addition after you’ve seen the waterfall because there are more walking trails along the river and a lot less people here! 

Although, I must warn you, the free part isn’t the best kept (and probably why it’s free). If it has recently rained, there might be large puddles you’ll have to avoid on the path. It’s also quite a strange hiking trail because you’re mainly walking on sand. If you are interested in going, don’t forget your bug spray for this area. We got eaten alive here!

The best part about this trail, because it’s a bit less kept and rugged, is the wildlife that you may see while you’re there. We spotted all different kinds of butterflies and we even saw a few frogs cross our path!

This is a great area to come if you want to set up a picnic in a bit more of a private space. There are a few “beach” locations off the trail where you can relax by the water with a lot less people than in the park.

In this section you’re even allowed to swim in the river (although I’d still be careful, you know that there is a waterfall not far downstream…).

Amenities At The Falls

There’s a small museum as part of your admission ticket at the Plaisance falls. You’ll find a replica of the North Nation Mills town here.

In the paid area, there are outhouses along the trail, but there isn’t a full bathroom (and there’s nothing on the free side of the park). The website says also says there’s an area to refill your water bottle, although I didn’t see it.

My dad was also happy to hear that it is dog friendly, and we saw many happy pups while walking around.

How Long Can You Spend Here?

The paid part of the park isn’t that big at all, it’s a 1 km trail. We spent about 45 minutes inside the paid section. We walked along the path, stopped at each viewpoint to see the waterfall (and took a lot of pictures!), and read all the info signs. If you’re just walk along the path, it would probably only take you about 15 minutes.

You can obviously spend longer here if you packed a picnic lunch. There are TONS of picnic tables to set up at (although not too many with a view of the waterfall, so get there early!).

I also recommend also spending some time exploring the other side of the free national park for a bit. We walked on a bit of the trail, but there was so much more you could have walked on.

In total, we spent about an hour and a half at the park.

Is the Cost Worth It?

Entry to see the waterfall is 7$ per adult (they do offer discounts for students and children, see updated prices ). We paid the discounted student price so it felt worth it for $3. But I definitely feel like $7 is a bit steep to spend if you’re only going to spend 30 minutes here (which is all you really need…it’s quite small).

That’s why I’d recommend that if you’re planning on going, make sure to pack some food and spend some time enjoying the waterfall for a bit longer. It really is magnificent to look at!

What’s In The Area?

Visiting the Chutes de Plaisance is not a full day’s worth of activities. If you’re driving an hour and a half from Montreal, you especially want to make it more worth your while. There isn’t too much in the area, but there are a few places you can go.

As I said, you can drive 10 minutes and you’ll find yourself in the National Park de Plaisance.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you might be able to go Strawberry or Blueberry picking. There’s a family run farm not too far from the falls where you can bring home your own hand picked blueberries!

A bit further, but on your way back to Montreal, you can also check out Park Omega. It’s a drive through animal park where you can see moose, deer, even wolves and if you’re lucky the bears will be out! Heads up, if you’re planning on visiting, bring some large carrots to feed to the deer and elk! They do sell them at the park, but you’ll definitely pay a bit extra for them.

A 20 minute drive from the falls is actually Montebello, a small town and with the Château Montebello. 

I highly recommend booking at least one night at the Fairmont Château Montebello. It’s like a giant large cabin. There are more hiking trails here, you can rent bikes, relax by the water, or go to the spa! Read my full review for the hotel here.

My Amazon Quebec Day Trips Must Haves

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Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API