Visitor guidelines

Commercial activities, special events and non-traditional activities require a permit. See Permits and licences.

Area closures and restrictions are sometimes needed to protect natural or cultural resources or for visitor safety reasons. Closures are enforceable by law. Closure notices will be posted at the trailheads, access points and information centres.

Information regarding closures is also available on our Important bulletins page.

Use of gas motors or electric motors is not allowed on any waterbody in the park.

All types of craft (e.g., paddle board, inflatable boats or else) are considered boats when used for navigation. A life jacket for each occupant of the boat and safety equipment must be easily accessible. Drinking and boating is illegal, similar to drinking and driving.

When you travel on the lakes and in order to protect these fragile environments, it is forbidden to access or move around the islands, including their shores.

It's important to clean, drain and dry your boat and equipment before entering the water to reduce the spread of invasive alien species.

Consult the following pages for the specific regulations.

• Semi-serviced campgrounds
• Backcountry camping
• oTENTik
• Group camping
• Cabins

To obtain the authorization to film or photograph at a Parks Canada location, you must submit your request for a minimum of twenty (20) business days prior to the first proposed day of the video or photo shoot.

To fill out an application for a video shooting permit or a photography session permit, click here.

The recreational use of unmanned air vehicles (UAV) – also known as drones – is prohibited in all Parks Canada places.

If you witness the use of a drone (UAV) in La Mauricie National Park, please report the incident to a Parks Canada employee or contact the emergency service at 819-536-3180.

Some drone flights for non-recreational purposes, such as scientific research, and public safety, are sometimes authorized under strict conditions.

For non-recreational drone usage, you will need:

• Permission from La Mauricie National Park by submitting a permit application.
• Confirmation that you meets Transport Canada’s requirements..

Check the Use of drones at Parks Canada places page for more information.

More information: Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations that govern the use of UAV systems in Canada.

Fires are only allowed in designated fire boxes. Random fires are not allowed in National Parks. Please keep your campfire safe for you and the environment by following these rules:

• Check the fire index as soon as you arrive at the park.
• Keep campfires small – To reduce their impact on the environment, fires must be contained within the designated metal fire boxes provided and be kept to a reasonable size.
• Use firewood purchased at the park only – Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive insects and disease. It is forbidden to burn garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning. More details here.
• Never leave a fire unattended – Fires must be attended at all times.
• BBQs – Charcoal barbeques are permitted. Please dump cold ashes into a fire pit. Only charcoal briquettes are allowed as fuel in the hibachis available on the park's picnic areas. Never leave a barbeque unattended.

Backcountry camping – Fires are allowed in areas with designated metal fireboxes only.

Use of, selling, or purchasing fireworks, or any other type of explosive or pyrotechnic devices, is not permitted within the La Mauricie National Park.

Please dispose of your waste in the garbage cans provided, to keep the national parks clean and to avoid attracting wildlife.

Never litter.

• Never store or consume items that may attract wildlife in your tent. It is illegal to leave food and garbage unattended and accessible to wildlife on your campsite.
• Store your food in the trunk of your vehicle (or in specially designed food racks where available). When backcountry camping: Hang your food and garbage on the racks provided at each campsite. Don't forget your rope.
• Wash yourself and your dishes more than 60 m from lakes and waterways and use a minimum quantity of biodegradable soap. Before spilling dishwater, filter food debris through a sieve and place it in the trash for disposal. You can safely dispose of soapy water free of food residues in the toilet blocks, 60 metres from water sources and your campsite.
• Wild animals that have associated food with humans may develop health problems, either through a change in their diet or through ingestion of packaging or container debris. They can become dependent on human food and likely to die out in its absence, become a public health issue, cause road accidents, become aggressive and pose a threat to people and property, which unfortunately often results in their elimination.

In the backcountry, all food and garbage must be packed out.

Consult the National Parks of Canada Garbage Regulations (SORS/80-217).

• Hunting is prohibited in La Mauricie National Park.
• Consult the Recreational fishing page for the specific regulations.

Vehicles must remain on hardened surfaces, paved and gravel roads. The use of ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, or other off-road vehicles is not allowed. Scooters are considered motor vehicles for these purposes and are not allowed on trails or areas closed to motor vehicle traffic.

Please park only in designated areas and areas where you do not pose a risk to others. If a parking lot is full, find the next closest lot and walk to your destination. Overnight parking is prohibited in the park, except for occupants of on-site campsites.

Safety on the road To ensure harmonious coexistence between car drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, people making portage, hikers and the wildlife that use this road, here are a few tips to keep in mind at all times:

• Reduce your speed when approaching sharp curves.
• Always follow road safety rules (speed limits, double lines, single file for cyclists, etc.). Note that the Highway Safety Code applies inside La Mauricie National Park.
• Road conditions can vary from one area to another, especially with seasonal changes. Pay attention to the road surface.
• Be courteous, nothing is urgent enough to put your life or others' lives in danger.

Note that the Highway Safety Code applies inside La Mauricie National Park.

• Pets are not allowed in most areas of the park. More details here.
• Service animals clearly identified and kept on a leash or wearing a harness are permitted everywhere in La Mauricie National Park.

Consult the National Historic Parks Wildlife and Domestic Animals Regulations (SOR/81-613).

Scuba diving is permitted in the Wapizagonke, du Caribou and Edouard lakes. However, it is mandatory to stop at a Visitor Reception Centre on arrival to obtain the scuba diving permit (free of charge). Holders of this permit are required to stop on the way back to confirm departure.

Swimming is unsupervised at all park locations. You are responsible for your own safety.

• It is forbidden to attract, disturb, touch, harass, capture or feed wild animals.
• Stay on the trails to preserve the surrounding flora. It is not permitted to pick or trample flowers, plants or vegetation growing on the site. Stay on the trails to preserve the surrounding flora.

E-bikes (exception of pedal assist electric bicycles) are prohibited on the following trails: 3, 5, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 9, 11 and Vallerand.

Read more on the Parks Canada guidelines on pedal assist e-bikes page.