About Neuvième Chute
Neuvième Chute (Ninth Falls) is a waterfall on the Mistassini River north of Albanel, at the boundary with Saint-Eugène-d'Argentenay in the MRC de Maria-Chapdelaine, Lac-Saint-Jean region. The MRC lists the site as part of its regional park project on public land, with hiking trails and a chalet already in place. Regional tourism information says the falls can be reached by the Au fil des rivières bike trail or by the route du Premier Rang.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Neuvième Chute flows over hard crystalline rock laid down over 1.4-1.8 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Regional tourism information says visitors reach the falls by the Au fil des rivières trail, a 45 km crushed-stone bike loop linking Albanel and Girardville, or by the route du Premier Rang. On the Albanel side the site is served by hiking, ski and snowshoe trails run by the Club des sportifs d'Albanel, and the Saint-Eugène-d'Argentenay side has hiking trails and a chalet. Published sources do not give a walking distance from parking to the falls.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Neuvième Chute?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Au fil des rivières trail, according to Bonjour Québec.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Neuvième Chute?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (during snowmelt/after thaw) for highest flow and dramatic scenery. Early fall for colorful foliage and generally stable weather. Summer for easier road access but potentially lower flow. Winter offers icefall views but requires winter experience, proper footwear/traction and awareness of shorter daylight hours.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Rocks near the river can be slippery and the current at the falls is strong and cold, especially during spring runoff. Stay back from edges, supervise children and do not swim near the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge MISTASSINI (RIVIERE) EN AMONT DE LA RIVIERE MISTASSIBI (16 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
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Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on the Mistassini River north of Albanel, near the Saint-Eugène-d'Argentenay boundary (coordinates 48.9991, -72.3922). Reach the site from Albanel by the Au fil des rivières bike trail or by the route du Premier Rang, as regional tourism information describes.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Bonjour Québec lists free parking for the Au fil des rivières trail. No specific parking lot at the falls is documented in official sources.
Elevation
151 metres above sea level
Coordinates
48.999075° N, -72.392161° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
The Au fil des rivières loop is listed as easy to ride and open year round, so a bike is a practical way to reach the falls. Check current conditions with the Municipality of Girardville (trail operator) or Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean before a winter visit.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Camping municipal Albanel
13.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The 45 km Au fil des rivières bike loop between Albanel and Girardville, the Albanel cross-country ski and snowshoe centre run by the Association des sportifs d'Albanel, and Dolbeau-Mistassini at the confluence of the Mistassini and Mistassibi rivers.
Wildlife
Typical boreal/mixed-forest wildlife: white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, foxes, small mammals, and a variety of birds. Be prepared for insects (mosquitoes, black flies) in spring and summer.
Cities near Neuvième Chute
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