Mont – Sainte – Anne

Mont-Sainte-Anne rises above the north shore of the Saint Lawrence east of Quebec City, better known as a major alpine ski destination but with a serious paragliding site layered on top. The summit sits at 805 m, giving 625 m of vertical from launch. Six takeoffs cover multiple orientations across the ski trails — NW (experts only), W-NW, W-SW, S, SE and E (the SE and E launches are for wind under 20 km/h only). Access is via a high-speed gondola open ten months of the year, or the paragliding school shuttle during closing times. Multiple controlled airspaces sit close by — check the landing information board.

Launch & conditions

Summit 805 m ASL, 625 m vertical drop. Multiple takeoffs on ski trails covering 6 orientations: NW (experts only), W-NW, W-SW, S, SE and E — the SE and E launches are usable only in wind under 20 km/h.

Getting there & local rules

From Québec City: Highway Dufferin-Montmorency (#440 East) then Route 138 East, following signs for Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and Mont-Sainte-Anne. In Beaupré, Route 360 to Mont-Sainte-Anne. From Sainte-Foy or the Pierre-Laporte Bridge: Highway Henri IV North (#73 N), Highway 40 East, then Route 138 East. From Montréal: Highway 20 East or 40 East, then #73 N and Highway 40 East to Route 138 East. Access to launches via a high-speed gondola (open 10 months per year) or the paragliding school shuttle during gondola closures.

Local rules & hazards

Several controlled airspaces sit in immediate proximity — check the landing information board before flying. For XC, notify local pilots or the paragliding school before you launch. In July and August expect strong breezes starting around 1 pm.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Mont – Sainte – Anne, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Mont – Sainte – Anne with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.