794 5th St, PO Box 758, Shawinigan, QC G9N 6V9
Phone: 819-536-2638
Fax: 819-536-3661
Open All Year
Overview. Long since scoured by glaciers, the Laurentian Mountains now roll gently beneath a carpet of evergreen and hardwood forests. Located north of Trois-Rivieres and bounded on the east by the St. Maurice River, this national park encompasses 200 square miles (550 square km) of scattered lakes, myriad streams, and low valleys. Occasionally sheer rock faces break the tree cover. They are stark reminders of the glaciers' ability to shape the landscape. Because water is the main highway in La Mauricie, this park is a favored destination for canoeing enthusiasts.What to see and do. Two visitor centers offer an excellent introduction to the park's opportunities with their selection of pamphlets and maps of hiking and canoe routes. Located at St. Jean-les-Piles and St. Mathieu, the centers are open daily from mid-May until mid-October. Check with wardens for a schedule of guided nature walks. While at the centers, register for backcountry camping if you plan to canoe or hike overnight. Three developed campgrounds offer sites with amenities, while canoe camps are also available. Reservations for the developed sites are recommended and can be made by calling 819-533-7272 (nonrefundable fee charged). Avid canoers ply five well-marked routes through the park. Ranging from 8.5 to 52.5 miles long (14-84 km), these routes appeal to novices and experienced adventurers alike. Fishing is allowed as long as you possess a national park license. Whether hiking or canoeing through the park's interior, keep an eye out for resident moose and beaver. Silent canoers often hear the doleful cry of the common loon. During winter, cross-country skiers enjoy groomed and backcountry trails. Along some ski trails, you find several winter shelters, while Riviere a la-Peche offers winter tent sites. Leashed pets are permitted but not on beaches or trails or in boats and public buildings.
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Beach |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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