Mauricie NP

The Roots of the Indigenous PeoplesBefore 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 EraWith 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 ParkThe 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.

Transportation in and around Parc national de la Mauricie is designed for an immersive nature experience; consequently, urban transport methods like subways, buses, or trams do not operate within the park. Ideally, you should arrive and explore with your **own vehicle** to flexibly access the various sectors, hiking trails, and viewpoints; ample parking is provided. Taxi services can be used for travel to the park entrances, but they do not provide transportation within the expansive natural area itself. Within the park itself, visitors primarily get around **on foot** along the excellently maintained hiking trails or **by bicycle** on designated routes; e-scooters are generally not allowed here. The extensive network of pedestrian-friendly paths makes exploring the landscape the core of the experience. Plan your tours carefully and download maps, as mobile phone coverage within the park can be limited.