Quebec City Bus Tour: Countryside & Montmorency Falls
If you’re visiting Quebec City and want to explore beyond Old Quebec without renting a car, a countryside bus tour is the easiest, most scenic way to do it. We booked a 4.5‑hour Quebec City countryside tour and loved every minute — from chocolate tasting on Île d’Orléans to the breathtaking Montmorency Falls.
This guide breaks down each stop, what to expect, what to bring, and how to book the exact tour we took.
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⭐ Book the Exact Tour We Took
Quebec City Countryside + Montmorency Falls Bus Tour
Stops include: Île d’Orléans chocolate shop, Albert Gilles Copper Museum, Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Beaupré Basilica, and Montmorency Falls
🚌 Why We Chose a Countryside Bus Tour
We wanted to see more of Quebec than Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets — but didn’t want to deal with parking, tolls, or navigating rural roads. This tour checked every box:
Four unique cultural + scenic stops
Comfortable full‑size bus
Bilingual guide with 35 years of experience
Zero logistics to manage
Perfect for families, couples, and first‑timers
Our guide was both the driver and storyteller, switching seamlessly between English and French. His humor and deep knowledge of the region made the entire afternoon feel effortless.
Tour Stop Breakdown
🍫 Stop 1: Île d’Orléans Chocolate Shop
This charming island is known for its wineries, strawberry fields, cheese shops, and farm stands. The chocolate shop itself is small and busy, but the real magic is the drive around the island afterward — rolling farmland, river views, and postcard‑perfect scenery.
If you have extra time in Quebec City, consider returning for a full food + wine tour. 👉 Browse Île d’Orléans wine tours
🛠️ Stop 2: Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum
This stop was the biggest surprise. The Gilles family still runs the museum, and we were guided by Albert Gilles’ daughter, Palmyre. She explained the repoussée technique and shared stories about her father’s work — including the massive copper doors at the basilica we’d see next.
It’s a quick stop, but incredibly memorable.
⛪ Stop 3: Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Beaupré Basilica
Even if you’re not religious, this basilica is stunning. The copper doors, mosaics, and vaulted ceilings are breathtaking. Don’t miss:
The lower level — many visitors skip it
The replica of La Pietà (back left of the lower floor)
The copper doors created by Albert Gilles
An English‑speaking mass was happening during our visit, so we quietly explored both levels and took photos.
💦 Stop 4: Montmorency Falls
This was the perfect finale. You’ll have about 45 minutes — enough time to choose one of these:
Take the cable car to the top
Walk across the pedestrian bridge
Climb the 487 steps (if you’re feeling ambitious!)
It was a hot day, so the mist felt amazing. My son and I loved this stop.
👉 Browse Montmorency Falls tours
🎒 What to Bring
These items made our day much more comfortable:
Comfortable walking shoes — 👉 Reef
Portable charger — 👉 Amazon
Crossbody bag — 👉 Away
Light jacket or sweater — 👉 Athleta
Travel insurance for Canada — 👉 Faye Travel Insurance
eSIM for Canada — 👉 EtravelSIM
Budget-friendly rental car (if you want to return to Île d’Orléans later) — 👉 Budget Car Rental
⭐ Final Thoughts
This countryside bus tour is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the areas surrounding Quebec City. It’s scenic, educational, and perfect for travelers who want a low‑stress half‑day adventure.
If you’re visiting Quebec City for a few days, this tour is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. We both loved it.
👉 Book the Quebec City Countryside + Montmorency Falls Tour
📌 Helpful Quebec City Resources
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