Located at the foot of Mont-Sainte-Anne, Jean-Larose Falls is one of the best-kept secrets on the Côte-de-Beaupré! And the best part? It’s easy to access — and completely free!
It’s a local favorite for a picnic in the fresh air, a short family hike, or even a quick cardio workout.
Just 7 metres shorter than the iconic Montmorency Falls, Jean-Larose is sure to leave you in awe.
Free access from May 15 to November 30
After passing the traffic light at Mont-Sainte-Anne on Route 360, park in the parking lot on your right, just after the bridge. The Jean-Larose loop trail, of easy to intermediate difficulty, leads to a staircase of about 350 steps that borders the fall and provides access to spectacular viewpoints. The tiers are interspersed with rest stops to catch your breath on the way back up. You can also return via a fairly wide trail that climbs gently, making for a total loop of 4 km.
Photo: Québec Méga Trail
Looking for more of a challenge? From the base of Jean-Larose Falls, you can connect to the renowned Mestachibo Trail. This intermediate-to-difficult route is recommended for experienced hikers and stretches 13.8 km one way, linking the falls to the church in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges.
Important: You’ll need to plan a shuttle or park a second car at the end if you don’t want to hike all the way back. But trust us — the effort is worth it!
Following the course of the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River for much of the way, the trail winds through rugged terrain, crosses suspension bridges, and offers dramatic viewpoints from rocky ridges.
Once you’ve checked off Jean-Larose Falls, why not keep the momentum going and explore more trails nearby?
Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix, accessible from Saint-Tite-des-Caps (just next door!), offers several hiking options — from short excursions to overnight adventures in rustic shelters. With breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the quiet of the boreal forest, it’s the perfect spot for a deep nature escape. Open from June 7.
Mont-Sainte-Anne is a must-climb in the area! Several loops are available depending on your level, and the panoramic view from the summit is well worth the effort.
The QMT 25 Permanent Trail is a great choice for trail running enthusiasts. This 25 km route — marked year-round in the Mont-Sainte-Anne trail network — is the same used in the iconic Québec Mega Trail race. Expect varied terrain through forests, rivers, and sustained climbs — a real playground for seasoned runners.
Because let’s face it — the post-hike reward is almost as important as the hike itself! Treat yourself to a well-deserved break along the Côte-de-Beaupré Circuit Gourmand.
Whether it’s a local craft beer, a decadent grilled cheese, a cozy café stop, or regional products to take home, this tasty itinerary leads you from one delicious discovery to the next — showcasing local artisans, producers, and favourite eateries along the way.
