Scenic Views · Quebec
Waterfall of the St-Louis River
Two small waterfalls on the St-Louis River in Beauharnois, reached by a short path near the eco-centre and old industrial ruins. Access is confusing, and much of the land around them is private.
What visitors say
The St-Louis River drops over two small falls in the middle of Beauharnois before reaching Lake Saint-Louis. The setting is unusual: wooded banks, old industrial ruins and a railway line. Visitors who find the right path call it a pretty, little-known spot, good for photos and a quick walk with the dog.
Getting there is the challenge. Navigation apps send people to private driveways, and several reviewers gave up or felt they would have to trespass. The route that works, according to visitors, is to park in the free gravel lot along the railway near the eco-centre (off Chemin des Hauts-Fourneaux, near the municipal garage), then follow the wide path down to the river and turn left. The first fall is about five minutes along, and the second, nicer one a few minutes further.
There are no amenities, but the Boisé Robert woods next door offer more walking, and one visitor mentions cross-country skiing there in winter. Reviewers enjoyed it in both summer and snow.
Opinions are split, mostly over access and cleanliness. Some found garbage and murky water, one parent later learned the river was badly polluted after the kids had swum, and Lake Saint-Louis off Beauharnois has recently been in the news for sewage overflows. Don't swim here. Respect the private property signs on the other bank.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 140 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.