Local Connections: Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Montmorency Falls & Copper House Art Experience

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Montmorency Falls
One hundred feet taller than Niagara Falls, the 272-foot-tall cascades of Montmorency Falls are a wonder to behold. A journey by cable car delivers you to the top, where you are greeted by a series of gardens and walking trails. Stately Manoir Montmorency offers exquisite traditional Quebecois fare at the elegant restaurant and panoramic views from the terrace. For the more adventurous soul, there are three "via ferrata" circuits for exploring the topside cliffs while clipped to a continuous cable, or you can take flight across the falls cove on an exhilarating zipline ride.

Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré
Featuring over 200 stained-glass windows, the current Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré was constructed in 1926 after the original was destroyed by a fire in 1922. The majestic, cross-shaped building is built in Romanesque revival style and features stunning copper doors crafted by Albert Gilles that depict scenes from the life of Christ. Inside, sculptures include those of Mary and Joseph as well as a statue of Saint Anne that was rescued from the original basilica. Over 1.5 million pilgrims make their way to the site, which is considered one of the most important Catholic sites in North America.

Albert Gilles Art Museum and Copper House

The French word "pousser" means "to push forward," and the art of repoussé is derived from this meaning. A design for metal is drawn out on paper, with the outlines of the drawing then traced on a thin sheet of metal and pushed by hand using tools to give it shape. This fine art is dying out, and the museum offers a rare opportunity to see stunning works by master craftsmen, like the 50 hand-hammered silver panels depicting scenes from the life of Christ, which were created over 15 years by seminal artist Albert Gilles. During your visit, samples of copper and tools await you for a repoussé hands-on activity. Learn from Albert Gilles' daughters, who continue in their father's footsteps.

What you will see along the way:

Winding from the edge of Lake Ontario, the mighty St. Lawrence River meets Île d'Orléans at Quebec City and empties into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the largest estuary in the world. A drive from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls hugs the banks of this powerful waterway, taking you through picturesque villages and scenes from pastoral Quebec farmlands.

Special Notes:

Tea and a canelé (cupcake cooked in a copper mold) will be served during your activity at the Albert Gilles museum.