Hiking

In 2019, the Parkway rehabilitation will require the closure of the section between the Esker and the Wapizagonke Picnic Area. As a result, the Lac Gabet Trail will be closed for the season. Lac-Waber and Lac-Reid trails are accessible only through the St-Jean-des-Piles entrance. Click here for details.

Whether you choose a walk of less than an hour or a full day’s hike, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the Laurentian landscape. While moving through the natural setting of this protected area, you’ll take in some breathtaking viewpoints, approach lakes and ponds of singular beauty, and come in contact with flora and fauna in tune with the rhythm of the seasons.

Saint-Mathieu sector trails

Use the trail information below to choose a hike suitable for everyone in your party.

Saint-Mathieu sector hiking trails
Trail

Status

Distance

 Estimated time

Trailhead

 Trail description Level of difficulty
Ruisseau Brodeur Open 1,4 km 30 minutes Ruisseau Brodeur Follow this narrow-sided brook as it cascades gently in the direction of Wapizagonke Lake. Easy
La Tourbière Open 300 m (loop) 15 minutes Esker Venture forth on a boardwalk into the middle of a floating green “carpet,” home to some fascinating orchids and carnivorous plants. Easy
La Terrasse Ouvert 3,8 km (loop) 1,5 hour Wapizagonke Picnic Area This trail is suitable for jogging strollers. Easy
Les Cascades Open 2 km (loop) 1 hour Bridge at Shewenegan Picnic Area Follow a cascading brook and cross over a marsh via a boardwalk. Take advantage of the stream to take a break and cool off. Easy
Lac-Gabet Closed in 2019 3 km (round trip) 1,5 hour Lac Gabet Parking Lot Discover the secrets of a typical Laurentian forest. Take a break at the blind located on the edge of the lake. Easy
Les Falaises  Ouvert 3,8 km (loop) 2 hours Ruisseau Brodeur Hike to the lookouts located atop rock walls and admire the landscape surrounding Wapizagonke Lake. Moderate
Waber Falls (via Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrance only in 2019) Open 9,2 km by canoe (round trip) and 6,9 km (round trip) or 9,3 km (loop) of hiking 6 to 8 hours Wapizagonke Picnic Area Energize yourself with this one-day expedition to the amazing Waber Falls that combines canoeing and hiking. Plan to leave early in the morning and bring a lunch. Moderate
Lac Reid (via Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrance only in 2019) Open 7,9 km (loop) 3 hours Le Passage This trail will take you to the shores of Reid Lake. Difficult

Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector trails

Use the trail information below to choose a hike suitable for everyone in your party.

Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector hiking trails
Trail

Status

Distance

 Estimated time

Trailhead

 Trail description Level of difficulty
Wabenaki Open 16,2 km 6 hours Saint-Jean-des-Piles Visitor Reception and Interpretation Centre Hike along a portion of the Sentier national de la Mauricie (in french only) and immerse yourself in a forest corridor running alongside Lac à la Pêche and Isaïe Lake, as well as the Saint-Maurice River and Rivière à la Pêche. Easy
Lac Étienne Open 1,4 km (loop) 1 hour Lac Edouard Picnic Area This trail is suitable for jogging strollers.
A trail bringing you in contact with different aquatic habitats. Observation stations, interpretation panels and an adjustable telescope will enhance your walk. 		Easy
La Cache Open 3 km (loop) 1 hour Lac du Fou Parking Lot This trail is suitable for jogging strollers.
Watch wildlife through the telescope in the blind set up on the edge of Lac du Fou. Identify animals with the help of interpretation panels. 		Easy
Mekinac Open 11 km (loop) 5 hours Mekinac Parking Lot After a demanding climb, you’ll reach the Lac Rosoy lookout, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view out over the Saint-Maurice River. Moderate
Lac-Solitaire (#13) Open 5,5 km (loop) 3 hours Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service Upon completing a first ascent, you’ll reach the Lac Solitaire lookout. The trail continues with a series of additional ascents and descents around the lake. Difficult
Ruisseau-Bouchard (#14) Open 8,3 km (loop) 4 hours Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre Begin by hiking along a portion of the Lac Solitaire Trail and discover some splendid panoramas. You then continue on your way to the Lac aux Chevaux lookout, and end your outing along a stretch running next to Bouchard Creek. Difficult
Lac-du-Pimbina (#15) Open 13,1 km (loop) 5,5 hours Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service You’ll be hiking through mountainous terrain, with stops at the lookouts at Lac Solitaire, Lac aux Chevaux and Lac du Pimbina. On the way back, you’ll travel alongside Bouchard Creek. Difficult
Deux-Criques Open 17 km (loop) 7 hours Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre Hike one of the park’s most beautiful and demanding trails. Get to see the Ruisseau du Fou falls. And, once you reach one of the lookouts, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking views. Difficult

Cartes

Click here to see the maps of the trails.