Trail description

La Mauricie National Park

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.

Easy: 

Intermediate: 

Difficult: 

Summer season
Two women cross-skiing in La Mauricie Park

icone de marcheur Hiking trail

icone de vélo Biking trail

icone de canoteur Trail requiring canoeing

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) easy trail iconmoderate trail icon 15 km ----- Saint-Gérard Entrance walker iconbicycle icon

This trail links St-Gérard and Rivière-à-la-Pêche.
Rivière-à-la-Pêche to Isaïe shelter: 5 km
Rivière-à-la-Pêche to La Pêche shelter: 9.5 km
Rivière-à-la-Pêche Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew: 12 km
Trail #5 difficult level trail icon 3.5 km ----- ----- walker iconbicycle icon

This oneway trail links the trails #6 (Pimbina shelter) and #3 (Isaïe shelter).
Trail #6 easy trail icon moderate trail icon 12 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker iconbicycle icon

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 moderate trail icon 2.5 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker iconbicycle icon

This trail runs along the Parkway to Lake Bouchard.
Trail #7 moderate trail icon 3.5 km ----- ----- walker iconbicycle icon

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 easy trail icon 8 km ----- ----- walker iconbicycle icon

Suitable for gravel biking, this trail runs along Lake Edward and Lake Marie.
Familiale trail (#11) easy trail icon 4 km (loop) 1.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker iconbicycle icon

An ideal trail for young families and to learn about hiking and gravel bike.
Lac-Solitaire (#13) moderate trail icon 6.1 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 443 m
3 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

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) moderate trail icon 9.1 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 658 m
4 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

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) difficult level trail icon 14.2 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 968 m
5.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

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 difficult level trail icon 18 km (loop) 7.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

Hike one of the park’s most beautiful and demanding trails. Reach lookouts offering breathtaking views.
Lac-Étienne easy trail icon 1.4 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 36 m
30 minutes Lac-Édouard Picnic Area walker icon

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 easy trail icon 3.1 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 215 m
1 h Lac-du-Fou parking lot walker icon

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 moderate trail icon 11.5 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 601 m
4.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Mekinac parking
walker icon

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 easy trail icon 1.4 km (round trip) 30 minutes Ruisseau-Brodeur walker icon

Follow this narrow-sided brook as it cascades gently in the direction of Wapizagonke Lake.
La Tourbière easy trail icon 300 m (loop) 15 minutes Esker Picnic Area walker icon

Venture forth on a boardwalk into the middle of a floating green “carpet,” home to some fascinating orchids and carnivorous plants.
Vallerand easy trail icon 3 km (round trip) 1.5 h Esker Picnic Area walker iconbicycle icon

This trail is suitable for jogging strollers.
As you walk along this trail, which passes under the Parkway and connects the Esker and Shewenegan picnic areas, you will come across the Vallerand, a cottage used in the past by hunting and fishing clubs.
La Terrasse easy trail icon 3.8 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 144 m
1.5 h Wapizagonke Picnic Area walker icon

This trail is suitable for jogging strollers.
Les Cascades easy trail icon 2.4 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 77 m
1 h Shewenegan Picnic Area walker icon

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.
Lac-Gabet easy trail icon 3 km (round trip)
Elevation gain: 117 m
1.5 h Lac-Gabet Parking lot walker icon

Discover the secrets of a typical Laurentian forest. Take a break on the lakeside bench.
Les Falaises moderate trail icon 4 km( loop)
Elevation gain: 230 m
2 h Ruisseau-Brodeur walker icon

Hike to the lookouts located atop rock walls and admire the landscape surrounding Wapizagonke Lake.
Les Chutes Waber moderate trail icon 9.2 km by boat /
7.2 km of hiking (loop)
Elevation gain: 213 m
6 to 8 h Wapizagonke Picnic Area hiker iconcanoer icon

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 moderate trail icon 8.1 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 384 m
3.5 h Le Passage hiker icon

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) easy trail iconmoderate trail icon 15 km ----- Saint-Gérard Entrance hiker iconbicycle icon

This trail links St-Gérard and Rivière-à-la-Pêche.
Saint-Gérard to Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew: 3.5 km
Saint-Gérard to La Pêche shelter: 6 km
Saint-Gérard to Isaïe shelter: 10.5 km
Trail #8 moderate trail icon 4 km (loop) ----- Saint-Gérard Entrance hiker iconbicycle icon

This bike trail connects trails #3 and #7 and leads to the edge of Lake Parker.
Chute Parker moderate trail icon 8.4 km (round trip)
Elevation gain: 263 m
3 h Saint-Gérard Entrance hiker iconbicycle icon

Discover the Chute Parker, 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
Crosscountry skiiers in a snowy trail

snowshoer icon Hiking or snowshoeing trail

classic crosscountry skier icon Classic cross-country skiing trail

Free style crosscountry (skate) skier icon Freestyle 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) easy trail icon 3.1 and 4.5 km (loop) 2 h 30 Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre snowshoer icon

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 difficult level trail icon 12 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier icon

Experienced cross-country skiers will be delighted to discover the majestic winter scenery offered by the Bérubé and Français lakes.
Multipurpose trail (#3 - North) easy trail iconmoderate trail icon 11.5 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre snowshoer iconclassic crosscountry skier icon

This trail links Rivière-à-la-Pêche Service Centre and the Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew.
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 Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew: 11.5 km
Trail #5 difficult level trail icon 3.5 km ----- ----- classic crosscountry skier icon

This oneway trail links the trails #6 (Pimbina shelter) and #3 (Isaïe shelter).
Trail #6 easy trail icon moderate trail icon 12 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier iconFree style crosscountry (skate) skier icon

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 moderate trail icon 2.5 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier icon

Free style is forbidden on #6A trail. One-way trail.
Trail #7 moderate trail icon 3.5 km ----- ----- classic crosscountry skier icon

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 easy trail icon 8 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier icon Free style crosscountry (skate) skier icon

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 easy trail icon 11.5 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier icon Free style crosscountry (skate) skier icon

This portion of the Parkway is reserved for fans of classic or free-style cross-country skiing.
Trail #11 (La Familiale) easy trail icon 4 km (loop) ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier icon Free style crosscountry (skate) skier icon

An ideal trail for young families and to learn about cross country skiing.
Lac-Solitaire (#13) difficult level trail icon 5.5 km (loop) 3 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre snowshoer icon

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) difficult level trail icon 8.3 km (loop) 4 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre snowshoer icon

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) difficult level trail icon 13.1 km (loop) 5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre snowshoer icon

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 difficult level trail icon 17 km (loop) 7 h Rivière à la Pêche parking snowshoer icon

Hike one of the park's most beautiful and quiet trails, but also one of its most challenging. Reach lookouts offering breathtaking views.
Mekinac moderate trail icon 11 km (loop) 4 h Rivière à la Pêche parking
Mekinac parking
snowshoer icon

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 - North) easy trail iconmoderate trail icon 3.5 km ----- Saint-Gérard Entrance snowshoer iconclassic crosscountry skier icon Free style crosscountry (skate) skier icon

This groomed trail links the Saint-Gérard entrance and the Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew. The section is tracked on weekends only. To get to Trails 4 and 4A, and the Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew, you must take the Trail 3 – South.
Saint-Gérard to Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew: 3.5 km
Lac-Parker (#4) moderate trail icon 2.1 km (round trip) 1 h Saint-Gérard Entrance snowshoer icon

From Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew to Parker Lake, snowshoers will discover spectacular viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains and they will be able to access the National Trail and the Parker Falls. To get to Trail #4, you must take Multipurpose trail #3 - South.
Lac à la Pêche Trail (#4A) moderate trail icon difficult level trail icon 6.3 km 3 h Saint-Gérard Entrance snowshoer icon

This trail travels along the rivière à la Pêche and the falls along this river, leading to a spectacular panorama. Next is a series of climbs and descents offering a variety of perspectives out over lac à la Pêche. Only the segment leading to the lac à la Pêche backcountry camping site no. 1 qualifies as difficult.
Trail #8 moderate trail icon 4 km (loop) ----- Saint-Gérard Entrance classic cross-country skier icon

This classic cross-country ski trail links trails #3 - South and #7 and leads to the edge of Lake Parker.

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