Point of Interest

Mauricie NP

Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Mauricie National Park, a breathtaking natural paradise in the heart of…

Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Mauricie National Park, a breathtaking natural paradise in the heart of Quebec. Here, rolling hills, dense forests, glistening lakes, and rushing rivers invite you to unforgettable adventures. This national park is the ideal place to escape the everyday and experience the impressive Canadian nature up close.

Sights

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Waber Falls

The Waber Falls (Cascades de la Waber) are an absolute highlight in Mauricie National Park and a true delight for all nature lovers. You can best reach these impressive waterfalls via a combination of canoeing and hiking, leading you deep into the pristine wilderness. The effort of the journey is richly rewarded when you hear the roar of the water and see the cascading streams making their way through the rocks. It's an idyllic spot for a picnic or simply to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of nature and escape the daily grind. The picturesque surroundings and refreshing spray make this a truly unforgettable experience.

Cascades Trail (Hiking Trail)

The Cascades Trail (Sentier des Cascades) is a must for hiking enthusiasts in Mauricie National Park. This moderately challenging loop trail takes you through dense forests, over small streams, and to several picturesque waterfalls that give the path its name. You'll be delighted by the diverse flora and fauna and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The well-marked trail is ideal for exploring the beauty of the Canadian Shield landscape and enjoying the fresh air. Allow ample time to fully experience nature and perhaps even enjoy a picnic on the bank of one of the streams.

Parkway (Scenic Drive)

The Parkway (Route Promenade) is the main artery of Mauricie National Park and a spectacular scenic drive that winds 63 kilometers through the park. It connects the two main entrances of the park and constantly offers breathtaking views of the lakes, forests, and hills. Along the road, you'll find numerous viewpoints, picnic areas, and access points to hiking trails that invite further exploration. It's the perfect way to comfortably experience the vastness and beauty of the park by car, without missing the opportunity to stop at the most beautiful spots and enjoy nature up close. Especially in autumn, the landscape transforms into a colorful spectacle.

Restaurants & Cafés

Culture & History

The Roots of the Indigenous Peoples

Before Europeans arrived in the area of what is now Parc national de la Mauricie, it was for millennia the traditional territory of the Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok. These Indigenous peoples used the abundant forests, rivers, and lakes for hunting, fishing, and trapping. Their deep connection to the land manifested in a sustainable way of life and the use of natural resources, such as birch bark for canoes and shelters. Even today, traces of their presence and culture can be found in the park area, testifying to the long and rich history of these first inhabitants.

The Logging Era

With the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century, a new phase of land use began. The Saint-Maurice River, in particular, became a lifeline for Canada's timber industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The region became a hub for logging, with immense quantities of logs floated down the river to the sawmills in Trois-Rivières – a process known as "la drave". This era profoundly shaped the landscape and economic development of the entire Mauricie region. Today, you can still find scattered remnants from this period, such as old dams or sawmills, bearing witness to the former industrial activity.

From Economic Hub to National Park

The intensive use of forests and rivers by the timber industry led to a growing awareness of nature conservation during the 20th century. In 1970, the area was finally designated as Parc national de la Mauricie. The goal was to preserve a representative section of the southern Laurentian Mountains while also making it accessible to the public. The transformation from a former economic hub into a sanctuary for flora and fauna reflects the changing approach to nature. Today, the park offers you the opportunity to experience both pristine nature and the traces of human history in harmony, and to understand how the landscape has evolved over the centuries.