parc national du canada de la mauricie

Canucksontheloose

We drove through the park from the Shawinigan entrance to the St.-Jean-des-Piles exit/entrance, which runs under an hour, viewing quiet, forest-filled landscapes of lakes and valleys. We regret not going to Le Passage viewpoint because you are very high up and we drove by vistas of majestic nature. We did stop and hike Les Cascades trail, which is easy and allows you to have a quick dip into the shallow lake/waterfalls at the Shewenegan stopover. My kids loved the break and the frogs that were hiding out in the area! The Parc family pass for the day costs under $20.

remylarocque1

We camped for three nights at Wapizagonke campground with our 5 kids. I highly recommend this park. There is two park entrances with visitors centre but the one near St-Jean-des-Piles has some exhibitions which the kids enjoyed and you can also watch a 3D movie about the park. You can also pick up the Xplorer booklet for the kids. It is the same principle as the Junior ranger program in the US where kids do some activities and fill out the booklet. When completed, they get a medal. The Wapizagonke lake was nice for swimming so was lake Edouard. We did a few hikes. The trails were well marked and beautiful. Also, the viewpoint Le passage is a must see.

joaoc71

Our 3 day stay in Parc de La Mauricie were one of the highlights of our trip to Canada. We stayed inside the park, in one of the OTentTik bungalows (it was not cheap, but very comfortable, quiet and worthwhile, with everything we needed). The park itself was very beautiful and peaceful. The trails were marked and not crowded and wildlife was all around us. A true holiday :) Hope to return soon.

419KenL

We stopped in Trois Rivieres for two days especially to come up to La Mauricie to go canoeing. We also wanted to see the park and the surrounding area and both were beautiful. We went to Wapizagonke (too bad it wasn't also the name of a major city or sports team - then maybe I could pronounce it). At Wapizagonke, we rented a canoe for a reasonable $40 for the day and less money for a shorter period if you want. We canoed up to the hiking trail to Chutes Waber. This was fun - the lake was beautiful, the hike to the falls was nice, the falls were nice and we went swimming in the lake which was really warm on the way back. It really was worth the time to come up here and being from the West Coast, it was really exciting for us to be in the wilds of Quebec.

JudyandDave

One of the best parks in the system and often ignored by many people. Beautiful lakes and super services. To get the most out of it visit the official website. Also open in the winter.

Rita566666

Drove from Trois Rivieres to the park . Travelled through traditional small quebecois villages, beautiful and very hospitable people. At the end we got to the park and were astonished with the beauty and abundance of the natural resources.We didn t camp and used a day pass. We spent 8 hours to go through the scenic paths and walks . it is absolutely a unique experience of beauty, peace and magnificent serenity

gengisOR

Still great after so many years. Must be my 40th time there. Awesome campsites shady and calm, specially at Wapizagonke area. Great hike paths, fantastic views and superb landscapes. Ideal for family, but also for couples. Chute Waber is a must ( have to do 1 h of canoeing + 1 h walk to get there but it's worth the ride ). Great little beaches around Wapizagonke and Edouard Lakes. Cascades at Shewenegan near Mistagance Campsites is also a beautiful spot. It is the perfect Park to do canoe-camping. Colors in fall are fantastic. You won't be disappointed.

rocky0424

The roads in this park are well-maintained. We enjoyed great scenery and tried to imagine how all of the various shades of green would look in the fall (Guess we'll have to come back and find out). A young lady at the Info Center was very helpful. The parkway is 62 km and can easily be done in about 3 hours if you just want to soak in the scenery and have a picnic lunch.

sr_voyager

An absolute must if you're in the Montreal/Quebec area. It's about equidistant from each and so beautiful you won't want to leave. Beautiful walks, breathtaking views and areas to take a swim in the lake. There are many picnic areas, also. I will go back anytime I'm in Canada.

EllaElla79

I go to this Park at least 3 times a year. Twice in summer and once in fall. I have seen the area around Lac Gabet and the areas closest to the park's entrances. I have also seen the magnifcent view of Iles Aux Pins. I don't go deep inside the park because I do not like canoeing. There is something for everyone is this park: the diehard outdoor person, the amateur, the nature lover, families, or a person who just wants to breathe pure air and get out of the city for awhile. No one is disappointed. I keep going back and I am not the diehard outdoor person. I would want to camp next time. Even if you are reluctant to stay in a tent, there are cabins that you can rent by the Lac des Peches. It is worth it. All your stress will go away even if you only stay 4 hours in this park.

sugale

One of the nicest surprises of our trip to Quebec was Mauricie National Park and the vistas of fall colors which turned early this year (2013). Approximately 15 minutes from Shawinigan, we drove in and around the loop, stopping at several hiking areas and overlooks. An easy yet lovely hike is the Cascades, taking you very close to running streams and waterfalls. Plan for a full day if you take it slow with time to appreciate the natural wonders. Tip: 3rd week in September mid- week had the park almost to ourselves with just a handful of fellow tourists.

HM892

Spent a wonderful afternoon at the Cascades (falls). These weren't waterfalls as you would see, say at Niagara. The flow of water (in July) was gentle enough in some areas for little kids to play in yet strong enough in other areas that a man could be knocked off his feet. The water flowed such that it formed small, shallow pools for one to sit in and cool off. Careful, some of the rocks are slippery. Bring insect repellant for the mosquitoes and horseflies. Also watch out for leeches. Bring water and something to eat or you'll have to return to the snack bar near the parking lot.

Seat11A

I've made a number of trips to this national park and each time I come away with great memories, particularly on the incredibly friendly and helpful staff. I recently traveled to Mauricie for a cross-country ski race (Le Yeti) with my kids and left one pair of skis behind. The Parc Canada employee took the time to find my phone number from the race registration list and offered to package and ship them back to me by bus -- on his day off! Certainly not the often typical not-my-job attitude I've faced at some of the provincial parks. And make sure to stop in Shawinigan for some finger-lickin' good french fries on the main strip -- calorie-watchers and cardiac patients should abstain.

WendyvD

The parkoffers possibilities for everyone: long or short hikes, canoeing, ... We especially liked the hike to Chute Waber: first canoeing, then walking to the waterfalls, then returning by canoe.The people in the visitor centre are extremely gentlly and helpful.

daveleni

If you have the time and enjoy camping and canoeing you could not ask for a better place. We drove through the park and enjoyed the views but if we had more time we would have rented canoes. We were Bed and Breakfast guest with a couple from France who were doing a 4 hour canoe trip that day after doing one the day before. Kayaking is also popular here.