Located just 2 hours of drive from both Montréal and Québec City, La Mauricie National Park buzzes with activities in summer, fall and winter as eager tourists create fond memories in various parts of the park. Hikers converge at Solitaire Lake Trail, as a group of friends takes amazing photos at Le Passage Lookout. The Laurentian Mountains and the lakes that dot their valleys are the pride and joy of the park! Don’t miss a thing, let this bucket list guide you to where the fun never ends.
1. Les Cascades trail
Imagine a sandy beach, a picnic area, a snack bar, a beautiful waterfall and an easy hiking trail all within walking distance of each other. It sounds too good to be true! But it is real; it is Les Cascades trail where everyone has an amazing time.
2. Édouard Lake
You can’t end your tour of the park without spending an afternoon on Édouard Lake. The water is beckoning you for a swim and the lovely sand will make you want to stay here forever. You can also hike or cycle in nearby trails.
3. Waber Falls
Do you enjoy hiking and canoeing? You can do both if you embark on a day-long expedition to Waber Falls. You will get a feel of what awaits you in La Mauricie’s backcountry.
4. Caribou Lake
Once you get a taste of the backcountry you will be left longing for more. Caribou Lake will quench your thirst for quiet adventure. You will explore remote lakes and camp in the backcountry for as long as you wish.
5. Le Passage and Île-aux-Pins Lookouts
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Parkway. It will lead you to these two lookouts (Saint-Jean-des-Piles Area and Saint-Mathieu Area) where the colours of the park come alive in the fall enticing you to take spectacular photos and make your friends envious.
6. Solitaire Lake Trail
This picturesque trail will take you around Solitaire Lake. As you walk, you will have an opportunity to view the surrounding areas from above at the Solitaire Lake Lookout. It is a sight to remember!
7. Lac Gabet Trail
Speaking of memorable sights, the Laurentian forest is exquisite in the fall with foliage covering its floor and magical colours trying to outshine each other. You can experience it all as you hike Lac Gabet Trail.
8. Bouchard Lake
Picnicking has never been as thrilling as it is at Bouchard Lake Picnic Area. Apart from the fresh air and the sounds of the wild, this area also has a pergola from which you can marvel at the tranquility of the lake.
9. The Du Camping Trail
Good things should always be shared. This is why the entire family is invited to ski on the Du Camping Trail. The slope is gentle enough for beginners to gain confidence and there is a heated shelter where everyone can catch their breath.
10. #5 Cross-Country Ski Trail
This one is for the professional skiers who have no fear of twists and turns. If you are one of them, you can look forward to skiing through amazing landscapes that include mature forests.
My wife and I live on the outskirts of Washington, DC and have been vacationing in Canada, since 2004. We have visited British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec;: now, we are researching Manitoba, hoping to explore your setting.