Boischatel: Waterfall, Caves and Heritage

An 83-metre-high waterfall on the western edge of town, a river that flows underground through a network of caves, and historic houses along Route de la Nouvelle-France give Boischatel a distinctive character. There is also a 55-kilometre cycling route, woodland trails and activities on the Rivière Montmorency. When looking for a vacation rental, it’s worth first considering whether nature, outdoor activities, history or golf will shape your stay most.

Waterfall, Riverbanks and Caves

At 83 metres, Chute Montmorency is a defining landscape feature and forms Boischatel’s western boundary. On the Boischatel side, Parc de la Chute-Montmorency has the P4 parking lot. Registration for the zipline takes place in the Boischatel sector; check-in begins 30 minutes before the departure time. If you plan to try this activity, you can factor this timing into your day.

The area’s waterways also offer different experiences: Parc de l’Anse provides direct access to the riverbank, which has been designated a key biodiversity area. The Rivière Ferrée, meanwhile, flows underground through the cave network of Grotte de Boischatel, forming numerous sinkholes and springs along the way. Its dry riverbed is protected for the plant species found there and its fossil-bearing character, and visitors can walk through it. Trails along the Rivière Montmorency offer more options for walks.

Cycling and Outdoor Activities

The Véloroute Marie-Hélène Prémont starts in Boischatel and heads toward the Réserve nationale de faune du Cap-Tourmente. The 55-kilometre route has been certified as part of Route verte since June 2010 and offers panoramic views of the Côte-de-Beaupré. It follows designated roads with light traffic and a speed limit of 50 km/h. This long loop brings together nature, culture and sport, with a total of eleven rest areas along the way. Espace Roland-Lavoie is a bicycle stop and rest area.

In summer, Domaine du boisé has hiking and Hébertisme trails. Its facilities include exercise equipment for adults and wooden outdoor play equipment for children. The pump track is open daily from May to October, during Domaine du boisé’s opening hours. Sentiers du boisé has 13 kilometres of trails for snowshoeing, Nordic walking, snowmobiling and fat biking. For planning your trip, this means you can choose between the longer cycling route and woodland trails suited to a range of activities.

Historic Houses and Local History

Boischatel’s heritage can be explored through several protected historic houses along Route de la Nouvelle-France, including the Vézina, Jacob and Pageau houses, as well as Manoir de Charleville. Maison Pageau is a French-inspired rural dwelling dating from 1760 to 1800 and is classified as heritage property worthy of protection. Maison Vézina, built during the time of New France, was home to eight generations of the Vézina family.

Another way to learn about local history is the “Sur traces des premiers habitants” historical tour along Avenue Royale. Its 15 genealogical panels honour the first residents of Saints-Anges-Gardiens. In Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, the restored redoubt recalls the presence of General Wolfe’s troops in Boischatel in 1759. Visitors wishing to combine their trip with explorations of cultural history will find several points of interest here: an 18th-century dwelling, a family home from the time of New France and panels on the area’s early history.

Golf and Water Sports

Golf is another way to plan your stay. Club de Golf Royal Québec has been located in Boischatel since 1925. It has two 18-hole courses, is semi-private and is open to members and their guests. Club de golf Le Montmorency has an 18-hole, par-72 course; nine holes are in Boischatel.

At the floating dock in Domaine de la rivière, you can access the Rivière Montmorency for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. You can bring your own equipment or rent it on site. Time slots are reserved for Boischatel residents; each resident may bring one non-resident guest. If water sports are part of your travel plans, this is an important point to consider when choosing activities. You can weigh these different options when deciding whether a vacation rental best suits a stay focused on cycling, nature, culture or golf.

More destinations: Sainte-Anne-De-Beaupré, Beaupré, L'ange-Gardien, Saint-Tite-Des-Caps, Saint-Ferréol-Les-Neiges and Chateau Richer.

For the broader travel overview: La Côte-De-Beaupré.