Deemed as the birthplace of French Canadian heritage, the idyllic countryside of Île d'Orléans is set on the St. Lawrence River. While cosmopolitan gems like Quebec City and Montreal form the heart of the province, the island goes down in history as one of the first parts to be colonized by the French, and stands steeped in a rich heritage. The picturesque hamlet of Sainte-Pétronille occupies the tip of the island, offering spectacular views of the Montmorency Falls cascade, the St. Lawrence River, and Beauport Bay. In the equally quaint parishes of Saint-Laurent and Saint-Jean, age-old shipyards recall the region's seafaring history, alongside fragrant strawberry fields and traces of New France manor architecture. Bounded by the Canadian Shield to the north and the mystical Appalachian Mountains to the south, this island is reminiscent of a lovely French pastoral village.
Montmorency Falls is a part of the Montmorency River and is nestled within the Montmorency Falls Park. This scenic waterfall is even taller than the Niagara Falls and has had its share of fame; it appeared in the film Whispering City and also features in a verse of John Keat's poem, Sleep and Poetry. One can access the staircases around the waterfall to gain a panoramic view of the thundering rapids.
The Chutes de la Chaudière is a 115 feet (35 meters) tall scenic waterfall in Lévis. It offers tourists a mesmerizing experience of outdoor fun including hiking, biking and picnic areas. It is also used to generate hydroelectric power for the city. One can walk across the footbridge to get a panoramic view of the falls.