Boreal · Québec
La Mauricie National Park
150 lakes in the Laurentian foothills — a paddler's paradise.
Province
Québec
Established
1970
Size
536 km²
Coordinates
46.78°, -72.92°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About La Mauricie National Park
Less than two hours from Montréal or Québec City, La Mauricie offers classic Canadian Shield canoe routes, glassy lakes, family-friendly campgrounds and deeply forested hiking — all wrapped in distinctly Québécois hospitality.
Why visit
- Multi-day canoe-camping circuits
- Wapizagonke Lake and its waterfalls
- Family-friendly campgrounds at Mistagance and Wapizagonke
- Stunning fall colour mid-September to early October
Things to do
Plan your days.
Wapizagonke canoe day trip
kayaking
Mistagance Campground
camping
Multi-day canoe-camping loop
kayaking
Lac-aux-Cèdres lookout hike
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Mistagance — popular, services
- Wapizagonke — lakeside
- Backcountry: 60+ canoe-camping sites
Best time to visit
- Spring
- May–June: green-up, paddling begins.
- Summer
- July–August: warm lakes, peak family season.
- Fall
- Mid-Sept to early Oct: extraordinary colour.
- Winter
- December–March: fat biking and snowshoeing.
- Peak
- July through August.
- Shoulder
- Late September for colour.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Quiet shorelines at dawn; loons everywhere.
Common species
Moose · Beaver · Common loon · Black bear
Signature species
Moose · Pileated woodpecker · River otter
Wildlife safety
Black bear country — proper food storage.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Shawinigan
- Trois-Rivières
- Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc
Nearby attractions
- Cité de l'Énergie
- Réserve faunique Mastigouche
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
Wapizagonke weekend
Two nights at the lake, day paddle, fall colour drive.
camping
Multi-day canoe loop
Three nights, two portages — classic Laurentian.
Frequently asked
Common questions about La Mauricie National Park.
Can I camp in La Mauricie National Park?+
Yes. La Mauricie National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit La Mauricie National Park?+
Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends; a portion of sites may remain first-come, first-served.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is La Mauricie National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 9/10. Excellent for families — wide trails, interpretive programs and accessible viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit La Mauricie National Park?+
Late June through mid-September; late September for colour. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include moose, beavers, loons and black bears. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Two days for a road weekend; four to five for a paddle loop.
Nearby parks
