Easy, moderate or difficult, La Mauricie has a trail that’s right for you!
Hiking
ATTENTION: Parks Canada is following the advice and guidance of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Consult the measures in place.
The forest welcomes you
Get to know the Laurentian forest with over 110 km of hiking trails. Visit the lookout points for majestic views, stand in awe of how the sun reflects on the lakes, listen to the sound of the wind moving through the leaves...
Hiking is the perfect way to enjoy nature, no matter what your ability level; you just have to choose the right trail!
Respect and courtesy
Even outdoors, respect and courtesy are essential to an enjoyable experience.
- Animals need shelter and food, and hikers need natural landscapes. Don't pick up or gather anything along your way.
- You are not the only one on the trails. Make your presence known, let faster groups pass and keep distance between you and the others.
- To avoid damaging the vegetation, stay on the designated trails at all times.
- Pit toilets are located at various points along the trails. Please make use of them..
- Do not leave behind any trace of your visit; bring back all of your waste with you.
- Pets are not allowed on the trails.
Wildlife and you
At La Mauricie National Park, the wildlife is at home and you are the visitor. Although wild animals tend to keep their distance from humans, an encounter cannot be ruled out.
- La Mauricie National Park is home to many species of animals and if you are lucky enough to observe one, stay away and do not attempt to approach it. Then report your observation to a Parks Canada staff member or by email at lamauricie@pc.gc.ca.
- Be considerate and do not try to attract animals with food or noises.
- Read about the appropriate behaviour to ensure your safety and that of the animal in the event of an encounter with a black bear.
Safety first
Safety is a shared responsibility. Although the trails have been carefully developed and pose little risk, there are always dangers associated with outdoor activities.
- Consult the trail map to choose a route that suits your abilities. Do not hesitate to ask our staff for advice.
- Note that there is not cellular telephone service throughout the entire park.
- Volunteers from the Canadian Ski Patrol are out on the trails. Do not hesitate to approach them in case of a problem.
- More tips on how to stay safe
Trail descriptions
Accessible via Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance
Off season, the Rivière à la Pêche sector parking lots, trails and pit toilets remain available. Note that emergency services could be unavailable or considerably delayed.
| Trail | Distance | Estimated time | Trailhead | Trail description | Level of difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lac-Étienne | 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 | 3 km (en boucle) | 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 | 11 km (loop) | 4 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 |
| Familial (#11) | 4 km (loop) | 1.5 hour | Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre | With your family, take on the challenges of the fun In Search of Morix! trail. Discover a fabulous and forgotten world. | Easy |
| Lac-Solitaire (#13) | 5.5 km (loop) | 3 hours | 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. | Difficult |
| Ruisseau-Bouchard (#14) | 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) | 13.1 km (loop) | 5 hours | 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. | Difficult |
| Deux-Criques | 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 |
| Multipurpose trail (#3) | 15.5 km * (round trip) | 5 hours | Behind the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre | This trail links St-Gérard and Rivière-à-la-Pêche. | Easy |
Here are some additional landmarks:
- Rivière-à-la-Pêche to Isaïe shelter: 5 km
- Rivière-à-la-Pêche to La Pêche shelter: 9.5 km
- Rivière-à-la-Pêche to Place-de-la-Grande-Maison: 12 km
Accessible via Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Entrance
This sector is accessible during the Summer season only.
| Trail | Distance | Estimated time | Trailhead | Trail description | Level of difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruisseau-Brodeur | 1.4 km (round trip) | 30 minutes | Ruisseau-Brodeur | Follow this narrow-sided brook as it cascades gently in the direction of Wapizagonke Lake. | Easy |
| La Tourbière | 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 | 3.8 km (loop) | 1.5 hour | Wapizagonke Picnic Area | This trail is suitable for jogging strollers. | Easy |
| Les Cascades | 2 km (loop) | 1 hour | Bridge at Shewenegan Picnic Area | Suivez un ruisseau en cascade et traversez un marais sur un trottoir en bois. Profitez du cours d'eau pour faire une pause et vous rafraîchir. | Facile |
| Lac-Gabet | 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 | 3.8 km (round trip) | 2 hours | Ruisseau-Brodeur | Hike to the lookouts located atop rock walls and admire the landscape surrounding Wapizagonke Lake. | Moderate |
| Waber Falls | 9.2 km by canoe and 7,9 km 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 | 7.9 km (loop) | 3 hours | Le Passage | This trail will take you to the shores of Reid Lake. | Moderate |
Accessible via Saint-Gérard Entrance
Off season, the Saint-Gérard sector parking lot, trails and pit toilets remain available. Note that emergency services could be unavailable or considerably delayed.
| Trail | Distance | Estimated time | Trailhead | Trail description | Level of difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chutes Parker | 8.2 km (round trip) | 3 hours | Saint-Gérard Entrance | Discover the Chute Parker, one of the hidden treasures of the park. | Moderate |
| Multipurpose trail (#3) | 15.5 km* (round trip) | 5 hours | Saint-Gérard Entrance | This trail links St-Gérard and Rivière-à-la-Pêche. | Easy |
Here are some additional landmarks:
- Saint-Gérard to Place-de-la-Grande-Maison: 3.5 km
- Saint-Gérard to La Pêche shelter: 6 km
- Saint-Gérard to Isaïe shelter: 10.5 km