Hiking

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.

Due to the scope of construction planned for 2018 and the safety risks to our staff and visitors, the Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector will be closed for the entire 2018 season. Some trails will not be accessible while this time. Click here for details.

Saint-Mathieu sector trails
Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector trails

Saint-Mathieu sector trails

• Easy hiking trails
• Moderate hiking trails
• Difficult hiking trails 

Easy hiking trails

Ruisseau Brodeur

Duration: 30 min.
Distance: 1,4 km
Trailhead: Ruisseau Brodeur

Follow this narrow-sided brook as it cascades gently in the direction of Wapizagonke Lake.

La Tourbière

Duration: 15 min.
Distance: 300 m
Trailhead: Esker

Venture forth on a boardwalk into the middle of a floating green “carpet,” home to some fascinating orchids and carnivorous plants.

Les Cascades map

Duration: 1 hrs.
Distance: 2 km
Trailhead: 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.

Lac Gabet

Duration: 1 ½ hrs.
Distance: 3 km
Trailhead: 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.

Moderate hiking trails

Les Falaises map

Duration: 2 hrs.
Distance: 3,8 km
Trailhead: Ruisseau Brodeur

Hike to the lookouts located atop rock walls and admire the landscape surrounding Wapizagonke Lake.

Waber Falls map

Duration: 6 to 8 hrs
Distance: 9.2 km by canoe (round trip) and 6.9 km (round trip) or 9.3 km (loop)of hiking 
Trailhead: 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.

Difficult hiking trails

Vieux-Brûlis map (accessible from June 21 to October 8 2018)

Duration: 6 hrs.
Distance: 13 km
Trailhead: Le Passage

This trail is marked by a forest fire that occurred in 1923. It offers views out over the surrounding mountains.

Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector trails

• Easy hiking trails
• Moderate hiking trails
• Difficult hiking trails  

Easy hiking trails

Wabenaki (closed for 2018)

Duration: 6 hrs.
Distance: 16,2 km
Trailhead: 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.

Lac Étienne (closed for 2018)

Duration: 1 hrs.
Distance: 1,4 km
Trailhead: Lac Edouard Picnic Area

A trail bringing you in contact with different aquatic habitats. Observation stations, interpretation panels and an adjustable telescope will enhance your walk.

La Cache (closed for 2018)

Duration: 30 min.
Distance: 1 km
Trailhead: Lac du Fou Parking Lot

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.

Moderate hiking trails

Mekinac map  (accessible starting December 8, 2018)

Duration: 5 hrs.
Distance: 11 km
Trailhead: 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.

Difficult hiking trails

Lac Solitaire (#13) map (accessible starting December 8, 2018)

Duration: 3 hrs.
Distance: 5,5 km
Trailhead: Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre

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.

Ruisseau Bouchard (#14) map (accessible starting December 8, 2018)

Duration: 4 hrs.
Distance: 8,3 km
Trailhead: 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.

Lac du Pimbina (#15) map (accessible starting December 8, 2018)

Duration: 5 ½ hrs.
Distance: 13,1 km
Trailhead: Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre

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.

Deux-Criques map (accessible starting December 8, 2018)

Duration: 7 hrs.
Distance: 17 km
Trailhead: 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.