Trail description

La Mauricie National Park gives you access to a vast network of marked trails. Whether you hike or ride a gravel bike in the summer, or cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter, you are sure to find a trail that matches your ability and leads you to breathtaking lookout points.

Please note: The approximate times are for hiking and snowshoeing only. There are no approximate times given for the gravel bike and cross-country ski trails.

The multipurpose trails are shared by bikes and pedestrians in summer, cross-country skiers in winter and park service vehicles. Dogs are prohibited on all park trails at all times. Service animals are permitted everywhere in La Mauricie National Park.

Easy: 

Intermediate: 

Difficult: 

Summer season

 Hiking trail

 Biking trail

 Paddle sports itinerary

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	Level of difficulty	Distance	Estimated time	Trailhead	Offer
Multipurpose trail (#3)		15 km	-----	Saint-Gérard Entrance
This trail links the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre and St-Gérard entrance. Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre and Isaïe Shelter: 5 km Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre and La Pêche Shelter: 9.5 km Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre and Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew: 12 km
Trail #5		3.7 km	-----	-----
This trail starts at trail #6 near the Du Pimbina shelter and goes to the Isaïe shelter stop on multipurpose trail (#3).
Trail #6		12 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
From the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to the Pimbina Shelter (5.5 km), the trail is easy and overlooks Pimbina Lake. The section between the Pimbina and Marie shelters (6.5 km) is intermediate.
Trail #6A		2.5 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
This trail starts at trail #6 and leads to Bouchard Lake.
Trail #7		3.5 km	-----	-----
This trail for gravel bike enthusiasts takes you from the Marie Shelter, to the junction of #6 and #9, to the La Pêche Shelter on #3, on the shore of lac à la Pêche.
Trail #9		8 km	-----	-----
Accessible by gravel bike, this trail starts at Édouard Lake and leads to the Marie Shelter along the lakes of the same name.
Familiale trail (#11)		4.2 km (loop)	1.5 h	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
An ideal trail for young families and to learn about hiking and gravel bike.
Lac-Solitaire (#13)		6.1 km (loop) Elevation gain: 443 m	3 h	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Walk through a forest which is regenerating after a prescribed fire. Signs on the trail explain how prescribed fires improve forest health. Reading the signs will also give you a chance to catch your breath on the hill! The trail continues with a series of additional ascents and descents around the lake.
Ruisseau-Bouchard (#14)		9.1 km (loop) Elevation gain: 658 m	4 h	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Follow this trail to discover some splendid panoramas. Continue on to the Lac aux Chevaux lookout, and end your outing along a stretch running next to Bouchard Creek.
Lac-du-Pimbina (#15)		14.2 km (loop) Elevation gain: 968 m	5.5 h	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
You’ll be hiking through mountainous terrain, with stops at the lookouts at Solitaire Lake, lac aux Chevaux, lac du Pimbina and Benoît Lake. On the way back, you’ll travel alongside Bouchard Creek.
Deux-Criques		18 km (loop) Elevation gain: 946 m	7.5 h	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Hike one of the park’s most beautiful and demanding trails. Reach lookouts offering breathtaking views.
Lac-Étienne		1.4 km (loop) Elevation gain: 36 m	30 minutes	Lac-Édouard Picnic Area
This trail is suitable for jogging strollers. A trail bringing you in contact with different aquatic habitats. Viewpoints and an adjustable telescope will enhance your walk.
La Cache		3.1 km (loop) Elevation gain: 215 m	1 h	Lac-du-Fou parking lot
This trail is suitable for jogging strollers. Watch nature through the telescope in the blind set up on the edge of Lac du Fou. It's an easy trail for the whole family.
Mekinac		11.5 km (loop) Elevation gain: 601 m	4.5 h	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre Mekinac parking
Temporary closure: a portion of Mekinac Trail is closed for safety reasons. Take a challenging climb to the Lake Rosoy lookout and head to the red chairs for a breathtaking view of the Saint-Maurice River.

Accessible via Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Entrance

This sector is accessible during the Summer season only.

Trail	Level of difficulty	Distance	Estimated time	Trailhead	Offer
Ruisseau Brodeur		1.4 km (round trip)	30 minutes	Ruisseau Brodeur
Temporary closure: The Ruisseau Brodeur Trail is closed for safety reasons. Follow this narrow-sided brook as it cascades gently in the direction of Wapizagonke Lake.
La Tourbière		300 m (loop)	15 minutes	Esker Picnic Area
Venture forth on a boardwalk into the middle of a floating green “carpet,” home to some fascinating orchids and carnivorous plants.
Vallerand		3 km (round trip)	1.5 h	Esker Picnic Area
Along this trail, which links the Esker and Shewenegan picnic areas, you will come across the Vallerand Residence, a cottage once used by hunting and fishing clubs.
La Terrasse		3.8 km (loop) Elevation gain: 144 m	1.5 h	Wapizagonke Picnic Area
This trail forms a loop linking the Wapizagonke Campground and the Wapizagonke Picnic Area.
Les Cascades		2.4 km (loop) Elevation gain: 77 m	1 h	Shewenegan Picnic Area
Walk along this woodland trail that leads to a cascading stream. Take advantage of the stream and its many natural pools to pause and refresh yourself. This trail is suitable for jogging strollers.
Lac-Gabet		3 km (round trip) Elevation gain: 117 m	1.5 h	Lac-Gabet Parking lot
Discover the secrets of a typical Laurentian forest. Take a break on the lakeside bench.
Les Falaises		4 km( loop) Elevation gain: 230 m	2 h	Ruisseau-Brodeur
Hike to the lookouts located atop rock walls and admire the landscape surrounding Wapizagonke Lake.
Les Chutes Waber		9.2 km by boat / 7.2 km of hiking (loop) Elevation gain: 213 m	6 to 8 h	Wapizagonke Picnic Area
Energize yourself with this one-day expedition to the amazing Waber Falls that combines paddle sport and hiking. Plan to leave early in the morning and bring a lunch.
Lac-Reid		8.1 km (loop) Elevation gain: 384 m	3.5 h	Le Passage
This trail will take you to the shores of Reid Lake.

Accessible via Saint-Gérard Entrance

Off season, the Saint-Gérard sector parking lots, trails and pit toilets remain available. Note that emergency services could be unavailable or considerably delayed.

Trail	Level of difficulty	Distance	Estimated time	Trailhead	Offer
Multipurpose trail (#3)		15 km	-----	Saint-Gérard Entrance
This trail links St-Gérard entrance and Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre. Saint-Gérard entrance to Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew: 3.5 km Saint-Gérard entrance to La Pêche Shelter: 6 km Saint-Gérard entrance to Isaïe Shelter: 10.5 km
Trail #8		4 km (loop)	-----	Saint-Gérard Entrance
This trail connects trails #3 and #7 and leads to the edge of Lake Parker.
Lac Parker (#4)		8.4 km (round trip) Elevation gain: 263 m	3 h	Saint-Gérard Entrance
Discover the Parker falls, one of the hidden treasures of the park.

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

Winter season

 Hiking or snowshoeing trail

 Classic cross-country skiing trail

 Skate cross-country skiing trail

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	Level of difficulty	Distance	Estimated time	Trailhead	Offer
Du Camping (#1)		3.1 and 4.5 km (loop)	2 h 30	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Designed for beginners and families, this trail begins at the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre. It circles round the campground and you can choose between two different return routes. The first route goes directly back to the point of departure, while the second extends the outing by 1.4 kilometres, offering pleasant views out over the Saint-Maurice River.
Trail #2		13.2 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Experienced cross-country skiers will be delighted to discover the majestic winter scenery offered by the Bérubé and Français lakes.
Trail #3 - North		11.5 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
This trail links Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre and the Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew. Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to Isaïe Shelter: 5 km Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to La Pêche Shelter: 9.5 km Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew: 11.5 km
Trail #5		3.5 km	-----	-----
This trail starts at trail #6 near the Pimbina Shelter and goes to the Isaïe Shelter on trail #3.
Trail #6		8.6 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
From the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to the Pimbina Shelter (5.5 km), the trail is easy and overlooks Pimbina Lake. The section between the Pimbina and Marie shelters (6.5 km) is intermediate.
Trail #6A		2.5 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Free style is forbidden on #6A trail. This one-way trail starts at trail #6 and leads to Bouchard Lake.
Trail #7		3.5 km	-----	-----
This classic cross-country ski trail leads from the Marie Shelter, to the junction of #6 and #9, to the La Pêche Shelter on #3, on the shore of lac à la Pêche.
Trail #9		8 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
This cross-country ski trail, located between trail #10 and the junction of trails #6 and #7, is open to both classic and free styles. This trail runs along Lake Edward and Lake Marie.
Trail #10		11.5 km	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
This portion of the Parkway is reserved for fans of classic or free-style cross-country skiing.
Trail #11 (La Familiale)		4 km (loop)	-----	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
An ideal trail for young families and to learn about cross country skiing.
Lac-Solitaire (#13)		6.1 km (loop) Elevation gain: 443 m	3 h	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. Take a break in the red chairs at the Lac aux Chevaux lookout.
Ruisseau-Bouchard (#14)		9.1 km (loop) Elevation gain: 658 m	4 h	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)		14.2 km (loop) Elevation gain: 968 m	5 h	Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
You’ll be hiking through mountainous terrain, with stops at the lookouts at Solitaire Lake, Lac aux Chevaux, Benoît Lake and Lac du Pimbina. On the way back, you’ll travel alongside Bouchard Creek.
Deux-Criques		18 km (loop) Elevation gain: 946 m	7 h	Rivière à la Pêche parking
Hike one of the park's most beautiful and quiet trails, but also one of its most challenging. Reach lookouts offering breathtaking views.
Mekinac		11.5 km (loop) Elevation gain: 610 m	4 h	Rivière à la Pêche parking Mekinac parking
Temporary closure: a portion of Mekinac Trail is closed for safety reasons. Take a challenging climb to the Lake Rosoy lookout and head to the red chairs for a breathtaking view of the Saint-Maurice River. On your way back, take a break at the Familiale Shelter located near the Rivière à la Pêche parking lot.

Accessible via the Saint-Gérard Entrance

Off season, the Saint-Gérard sector parking lots, trails and pit toilets remain available. Note that emergency services could be unavailable or considerably delayed.

Trail	Level of difficulty	Distance	Estimated time	Trailhead	Offer
Multipurpose Trail #3 - South		3.5 km	-----	Saint-Gérard Entrance
The pilot project for multipropose Trail #3 - South will continue with the grooming of a single-sided classic cross-country ski trail. This multipropose trail links the Saint-Gérard entrance to the starting point of the cross-country ski trail network. To reconcile all uses of this trail, visitors are asked to avoid walking on the cross-country ski trail. Trail quality may vary according to traffic and weather conditions.
Lac-Parker (#4)		1.1 km (round trip)	1 h	Saint-Gérard Entrance
From Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew to Parker Lake, snowshoers will discover spectacular views of Parker Falls. To reach the Lac-Parker trail #4, you must take Trail #3 - South.
Lac à la Pêche Trail (#4A)		6.5 km	3 h	Saint-Gérard Entrance
This trail follows the Rivière à la Pêche and its rapids, leading to a spectacular panorama. The hike is punctuated by several ascents and descents, and offers different views of Lac à la Pêche.
Trail #8		4 km (loop)	-----	Saint-Gérard Entrance
This classic cross-country ski trail links trails #3 - South and #7 and leads to the edge of Lake Parker.