Lookouts

La Mauricie National Park

There are many lookouts in La Mauricie National Park. They allow you to observe the magnificent landscapes of this protected natural area. Among this variety of viewpoints, some lookouts stand out. They are accessible via the Parkway, the lakes and the trails. Here are our favourite lookouts to discover:

Map of the lookouts.
For a larger version of this map, see printable version. (PDF, 2.8 MB)

Before coming to the park, it is important to check the entrance and parking lots status and the trail conditions.

Lookouts along the Parkway

Le Passage Lookout

A road crosses a forest. In the distance, we can see a lake winding through the hills.
Temporary closure during reconstruction work

The iconic Le Passage Lookout in La Mauricie National Park will be modernized to continue to welcome visitors from around the world. After more than 40 years of existence, the lookout was at the end of its useful life. The lookout will be closed during the 2025 summer season to allow for reconstruction work. It is scheduled to reopen in 2026.

In addition to improving its accessibility and the quality of the view of the majestic Wapizagonke Lake, the new development will allow visitors to learn about the evolution of Parks Canada's system over time. The new lookout will be based on a modern structure, built with sustainable materials and better integrated into the environment. Here is an overview:

An illustration of people on a lookout in the forest. In the distance, we can see a lake winding through the hills.

During the temporary closure, you can discover other breathtaking outlook points of the park by exploring the lookouts proposed on this web page or by following these visit itineraries.

A wooden lookout with a view of a lake and hills.

Île-aux-Pins Lookout

This stunning view of the Laurentian forest and Wapizagonke Lake is the reward after descending the stairs of the 400-metre access trail.
View on a forest and a lake.

Vide-Bouteille Lookout

This lookout point overlooking beautiful Wapizagonke Lake is easily accessible. A huge red chair lets you capture the moment in photos.
A river surrounded by hills.

Saint-Maurice Lookout

The lookout offers a magnificent view of the Saint-Maurice River in all its splendor. Birds can sometimes be seen congregating on the water.

Discover more destinations along the Parkway with the contemplative itinerary.

Lookouts accessible via the lakes and trails

Water cascades down a rock face in the forest.

Les Cascades Lookout

Les Cascades Trail allows you to contemplate the beauty of the Cascades, a must-see destination at the park. Here you can take a relaxing break, eat on the rocks and cool off in the many natural pools of the stream.


How to get there

Choice #1:

  • Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Entrance
  • Shewenegan Parking Lot
  • Les Cascades Trail

Choice #2:

  • Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Entrance
  • Ruisseau Brodeur Parking Lot
  • Les Falaises Trail to Les Cascades Trail
A beautiful view of a forest, a lake and hills.

Les Falaises Lookouts

 The moderate Les Falaises Trail offers several impressive views of the cliffs and surrounding landscapes. The two lookouts at the top of the rock faces allow you to appreciate the landscape of Wapizagonke Lake.


How to get there

Choice #1:

  • Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Entrance
  • Ruisseau Brodeur Parking Lot
  • Les Falaises Trail

Choice #2:

  • Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Entrance
  • Shewenegan Parking Lot
  • Les Cascades Trail to Les Falaises Trail
Water cascades down a rock face in the forest.

Chutes Waber Lookouts

Paddle 4.6 km on Wapizagonke Lake and hike 4 km along a trail to reach the spectacular Waber Falls that are 27 metres high! Along the way, another lookout offers a superb view of Wapizagonke Lake and the surrounding hills.

How to get there
  • Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Entrance
  • Wapizagonke Parking Lot (where there is a boat and equipment rental centre)
  • Paddle 4.6 km on Wapizagonke Lake (around 1 hour and 30 minutes).
  • Hike 4 km along a trail (around 1 hour and 30 minutes).
A wooden lookout with a view of a large lake surrounded by hills.

Anticagamac Lookout

A day excursion on the water and on foot takes you to the Anticagamac Lookout, which is on the way to Waber Falls. The lookout offers a breathtaking view of Anticagamac Lake and a chance to learn more about the prescribed fires carried out in the area.

How to get there
  • Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc or Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance
  • Wapizagonke Parking Lot (where there is a boat and equipment rental centre)
  • Paddle 4.6 km on Wapizagonke Lake (around 1 hour and 30 minutes).
  • Hike 3 km along Lac Anticagamac Portage.
Two hikers are sitting on red chairs in front of a lake and a forest.

Lac-aux-Chevaux Lookout

The lookout is accessible in summer and winter via the moderate Lac-Solitaire (#13) and Ruisseau-Bouchard (#14) trails. Get a bird’s eye view of lac aux Chevaux while seated in the red chairs. Seeing the two sections of the lake from this angle shows its vastness.

How to get there
  • Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance
  • Rivière à la Pêche Parking Lot
  • A choice of two trails:
    • Lac-Solitaire Trail (#13): walk 3.3 km clockwise or 2.2 km counterclockwise
    • Ruisseau-Bouchard Trail (#14)
A wooden bench on a rock is facing a lake surrounded by hills.

Lac-Solitaire Lookout

The Lac-Solitaire (#13), Ruisseau-Bouchard (#14) and Lac-du-Pimbina (#15) trails lead to the lookout that offers a magnificent view of Solitaire Lake and the surrounding hills. Along the trail are interpretive modules and panels about the prescribed fire carried out in the sector.

How to get there
  • Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance
  • Rivière à la Pêche Parking Lot
  • Lac-Solitaire Trail (#13), Ruisseau-Bouchard Trail (#14) or Lac-du-Pimbina (#15) Trail
A hiker takes a picture of a lake and a forest with her cellphone.

Lac-Benoît Lookout

Either with snowshoes in the winter or hiking boots in the summer, hike 4.6 km along the Lac-du-Pimbina Trail (#15) to the Lac-Benoît Lookout. The lookout overlooks a picturesque lake. It is the perfect place for a contemplative pause. That leaves 9.6 km to complete the trail. You can also retrace your steps.

How to get there
  • Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance
  • Rivière à la Pêche Parking Lot
  • Lac-du-Pimbina Trail (#15)
Water cascades down a rock face in the forest.

Ruisseau-Bouchard Lookout

Bouchard Creek has a charming waterfall that serves as an impassable barrier to protect the brook trout population in the Bouchard Lake watershed. The Deux-Criques Trail offers a moderate challenge up to this point. The challenge increases as you continue along the trail.


How to get there
  • Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance
  • Rivière à la Pêche Parking Lot
  • Trail #6 in the direction of the Deux-Criques Trail
A beautiful view of a river and hills.

Lac-Rosoy Lookouts

Accessible in summer and winter, the Deux-Criques Trail offers a beautiful view from the famous red chairs facing the Saint-Maurice River and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 18 km long and has a difficult level of difficulty. It has several viewpoints, including another lookout with a view of Rosoy Lake.

How to get there
  • Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance
  • Rivière à la Pêche Parking Lot
  • Deux-Criques Trail
Water cascades down a rock face in the forest.

Chutes Parker Lookouts

Parker Falls are hidden treasures of the park. They are at their peak in spring. People of all ages can have fun in the cool water that runs down the rocks in the heart of the forest.

How to get there
  • Saint-Gérard Entrance
  • Hike 4.1 km on Trail #3 (moderate level of difficulty)
  • Once at the Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew, follow the signs for Trail #8. The Domaine is a proud witness to the hunting and fishing club era.
Lookout symbol.
You can continue to discover La Mauricie National Park's lookouts by locating this symbol on the hiking trail maps. Happy exploring!

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