La Mauricie National Park of Canada

Short and Medium-Length Hiking Trails

An elaborate network of hiking trails interlaces the park and winds its way through the varied landscape. Each summit rewards hikers with a magnificent view, and the descents are often made to the musical accompaniment of cascading waters. Each bend and curve is an adventure for those who keep their eyes open.

Over the last few years, a good deal of work has been done to enlarge, improve and diversify the network of trails. The visitor may chose between a leisurely hour's walk or a day-long excursion. For a more detailed description of the network of trails, you should purchase the brochure Discovering La Mauricie National Park.

Some Suggestions

Les Deux-Criques Trail

Difficult. 17-km loop. Average duration of the hike: 7 hours. Starting point: Rivière-à-la-Pêche Service Centre.

Although the many attractions of this trail will make you want to keep forging ahead without a break, the astoundingly beautiful scenery all along it will persuade you to stop again and again for a better look. Throughout the length of the trail, the forest and underbrush change constantly. While at the northern end of the trail, you will be able to admire the magnificent falls of the ruisseau du Fou. Only hikers in good physical shape should attempt this trail, with its numerous steep climbs.

Lac-Gabet Trail

Medium difficulty. 3-km return, uphill and downhill. Average duration of the hike: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Starting point: Lac-Gabet parking lot.

You will cross a large sugar maple stand. Arriving at Gabet Lake, ford the brook and continue on to the blind. From it, you may observe the behaviour of a number of species of wildlife, including moose.

Les Cascades Trail

Easy. 2.1-km loop. Average duration of the hike: 45 minutes. Starting point: Shewenegan picnic area.

You will be surprised at the sheer diversity of the landscape through which this trail makes its way. Bordered by conifers, it follows a stream here interrupted by cascades just perfect for a cool, refreshing dip! It then crosses, in rapid succession, a marsh, an area devastated by a tornado, and a mature maple forest. The trail is connected to Les Falaises Trail, longer and more difficult, leading to the top of the rocky escarpments of Wapizagonke Lake, where a succession of magnificent panoramas awaits you.

Lac-Étienne Trail

Easy. 1.5-km loop. Average duration of the hike: 30 to 60 minutes. Starting point: On the #9 trail from the Lac-Édouard picnic area.

Let the odour of the fir stand guide you along this universal access interpretive trail. Crossing various aquatic habitats, the trail is dotted with observatories and interpretation panels including three-dimensional tactile exhibitions and braille text. On the shore of Étienne Lake, the adjustable telescope might permit you to catch a glimpse of a great blue heron, a beaver or even a moose. Rest areas are conveniently provided along the way.

What you need to know

• Pets are not allowed on the trails.
• All garbage must be packed out.