Mauricie National Park

Lac La Mauricie National Park occupies a privileged position at the heart of the Canadian Shield, just two hours' drive from both Montreal and Quebec City, making it one of the most accessible wilderness destinations for residents of Quebec's two major metropolises. The territory is best explored via the Promenade Road, a winding horseshoe-shaped route connecting the park's two main entrances—Saint-Mathieu to the south and Saint-Jean-des-Piles to the north—spanning 64 km within the park or 41 km via an outer loop. This scenic drive, punctuated by numerous viewpoints, is a rewarding experience in itself: the Passage viewpoint, halfway between the two entrances, and the Pine Island viewpoint, accessible after a short 400-meter walk, rank among the most spectacular vistas, particularly cherished in autumn when vibrant fall foliage transforms the landscape. Rich with countless crystal-clear lakes, the park is wonderfully suited for hiking on trails of all difficulty levels, canoeing and kayaking, as well as swimming, notably at Lake Édouard beach accessible from both entrances. The territory also preserves traces of ancient human occupation, with Indigenous peoples having exploited these forests and waterways long before the log drivers and loggers arrived to shape the region's economy during the 19th and 20th centuries.