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. 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
Two women cross-skiing in La Mauricie Park

icone de marcheur Hiking trail

icone de vélo Biking trail

icone de canoteur Paddle sports itinerary

Accessible via Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrance

During the off-season, the parkings, trails and dry toilets in the Rivière à la Pêche sector remain available. Note that emergency services could be unavailable or considerably delayed.

Trail Level of difficulty Distance Estimated time Trailhead Offer
Trail #2 difficult level trail icon 11.2 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre icone de marcheuricone de vélo

Departing near the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre, this challenging course will appeal to the most experienced cyclists, alongside Multipurpose Trail (#3).

Multipurpose trail (#3) easy trail iconmoderate trail icon 15 km ----- Saint-Gérard entrance walker iconbicycle icon

This trail links the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre and Saint-Gérard entrance.

From Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to Isaïe Shelter: 5 km

From Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to La Pêche Shelter: 9.5 km

From Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to W8banaki and Andrew lodges: 12 km

Trail #5 difficult level trail icon 3.7 km ----- ----- walker iconbicycle icon

This trail starts at Trail #6 near the Du Pimbina Shelter and goes to the Isaïe Shelter on the Multipurpose Trail (#3).

Trail #6 easy trail icon moderate trail icon 12 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

From the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to the Du Pimbina Shelter (5.5 km), the trail is easy and overlooks lac Du Pimbina.

The section between the Du 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 starts at Trail #6 and leads to Bouchard Lake.

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 4 km ----- W8banaki and Andrew lodges walker iconbicycle icon

Accessible by gravel bike, this trail starts at Édouard Lake and leads to the Marie Shelter.

Familiale Trail (#11) easy trail icon 4.2 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: 396 m
2.5 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: 528 m
3.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

Follow this trail to discover some splendid panoramas towards 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: 636 m
5.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

You’ll be hiking through mountainous terrain, with shelters at the lookouts of 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)
Elevation gain: 726 m
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, such as the Lac-Rosoy Lookouts.

Lac-Étienne easy trail icon 1.7 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 33 m
35 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: 103 m
75 minutes 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.

National Trail moderate trail icon 11.5 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre walker icon

Section of National Trail closed.

The section between the Saint-Jean-des-Piles Parking Lot and the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre is closed for the summer season. Those wishing to use the National Trail can do so from the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre.

Mekinac

Ongoing revision

The section of the Mekinac Trail along the Saint-Maurice River between the Mekinac Parking Lot and the Deux-Criques Trail junction is now permanently closed due to landslides and unstable grounds.

The section of the Mekinac Trail between the Mekinac Parking Lot and the Familiale Trail remains open.

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)
Elevation gain: 55 m
20 minutes Ruisseau Brodeur walker icon

Follow Brodeur Creek, a small stream cascading, to its mouth in basin 1 of Wapizagonke Lake.

Follow this narrow-sided creek as it cascades gently in the direction of Wapizagonke Lake.

La Tourbière easy trail icon 300 m (loop)
Elevation gain: 11 m
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 2.4 km (round trip) 1.5 h Shewenegan Picnic Area walker iconbicycle icon

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 easy trail icon 3.8 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 137 m
1.5 h Wapizagonke Picnic Area walker icon

This trail forms a loop linking the Wapizagonke Campground and the Wapizagonke Picnic Area.

Les Cascades easy trail icon 2.4 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 103 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. This trail is suitable for jogging strollers.

Lac-Gabet easy trail icon 3 km (round trip)
Elevation gain: 141 m
75 minutes 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: 268 m
1.5 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: 349 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. Plans to leave early in the morning and bring lunch.

Please note that the section of trail connecting the Chutes-Waber trailhead to the Anticagamac Lake Portage is closed to traffic for safety reasons.

The impressive Anticagamac Lookout remains accessible on a round-trip basis. Simply follow the Chutes-Waber Trail to the lookout, then retrace your steps for the return trip.

Anticagamac Lake is accessible via the portage as usual.

Lac-Reid moderate trail icon ----- ----- Le Passage hiker icon

The Lac-Reid Trail will not be accessible throughout the 2025 summer season to allow for work on the Passage Lookout.

Accessible via Saint-Gérard entrance

During the off-season, the parkings, trails and dry toilets in the Saint-Gérard sector 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 Saint-Gérard entrance and Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre.

From Saint-Gérard entrance to W8banaki and Andrew lodges: 3.5 km

From Saint-Gérard entrance to La Pêche Shelter: 6 km

From Saint-Gérard entrance to Isaïe Shelter: 10.5 km

Trail #8 moderate trail icon 4 km ----- W8banaki and Andrew lodges hiker iconbicycle icon

Accessible by gravel bike, this trail begins at the W8banaki and Andrew lodges and joins Trail #7 along Parker Lake.

Lac-Parker (#4) moderate trail icon 2.2 km (round trip) 3 h W8banaki and Andrew lodges hiker iconbicycle icon

Discover the Parker Falls, one of the hidden treasures of the park.

Here are some additional landmarks:

  • From Rivière à la Pêche to Isaïe Shelter: 5 km
  • From Rivière à la Pêche to La Pêche Shelter: 9.5 km
  • From 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 Skate cross-country skiing trail

Accessible via Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrance

During the off-season, the parkings, trails and dry toilets in the Rivière à la Pêche sector 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 2.7 and 3.8 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 117 m
2 h 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 1.1 kilometres, offering pleasant views out over the Saint-Maurice River.

Trail #2 difficult level trail icon Ongoing revision

Trail #2 is closed for the 2025-2026 winter season due to the presence of dangerous trees. Several beech trees along the trail are severely affected by beech bark disease and pose a risk of falling and a safety hazard to skiers.

Trail #3 - North easy trail iconmoderate trail icon 11.5 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier icon

This trail links Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre and the W8banaki and Andrew lodges.

From Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to Isaïe Shelter: 5 km

From Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to La Pêche Shelter: 9.5 km

From Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre to W8banaki and Andrew lodges: 11.5 km

Trail #5 difficult level trail icon 3.7 km ----- ----- classic crosscountry skier icon

This one way trail starts at Trail #6 near the Du Pimbina Shelter and goes to the Isaïe Shelter on Trail #3.

Trail #6 easy trail icon moderate trail icon 11.5 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 Du Pimbina Shelter (5.2 km), the trail is easy and overlooks lac du Pimbina. The section between the Du Pimbina and Marie Shelters (6.3 km) has considerable ascents and descents. It is intermediate level.

Trail #6A moderate trail icon 2.7 km ----- Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre classic crosscountry skier icon

Free style is forbidden on Trail #6A. This one-way trail starts at trail #6 and leads to Bouchard Lake through the forest, sheltered from the wind.

Trail #7 moderate trail icon 3.6 km ----- ----- classic crosscountry skier icon

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 easy trail icon 7.1 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 Édouard Lake and Marie Lake.

Trail #10 easy trail icon 10.9 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 (Familiale) easy trail icon 3.2 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) moderate trail icon 6.1 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 390 m
2.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre snowshoer icon

Upon completing a first challenging ascent, you’ll reach the Solitaire Lake 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 or in the heated shelter on the shore of Solitaire Lake.

Ruisseau-Bouchard (#14) moderate trail icon 9.1 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 567 m
3.5 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 14.2 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 804 m
5.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre snowshoer icon

You’ll be hiking through mountainous terrain, with shelters at the lookouts of 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 18 km (loop)
Elevation gain: 904 m
7.5 h Rivière à la Pêche Parking Lot snowshoer icon

Hike one of the park’s most beautiful and demanding trails. Reach lookouts offering breathtaking views, such as the Lac-Rosoy Lookouts.

Mekinac

Ongoing revision

The section of the Mekinac Trail along the Saint-Maurice River between the Mekinac Parking Lot and the Deux-Criques Trail junction is now permanently closed due to landslides and unstable grounds.

The section of the Mekinac Trail between the Mekinac Parking Lot and the Familiale Trail remains open.

Accessible via the Saint-Gérard entrance

During the off-season, the parkings, trails and dry toilets in the Saint-Gérard sector 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 moderate trail icon 3.6 km
Elevation gain: 215 m
1.5 h (hiker) Saint-Gérard entrance classic crosscountry skier iconfreestyle crosscountry skiier icon
snowshoer iconhiker icon

This multipropose trail links the Saint-Gérard entrance to the starting point of the cross-country ski trail network. A classic cross-country ski trail is groomed on one side only.

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.

Chutes Parker (#4) moderate trail icon 1.1 km (round trip)
Elevation gain: 168 m
30 min Saint-Gérard entrance snowshoer icon

From W8banaki and Andrew lodges 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) moderate trail icon difficult level trail icon 6.4 km
Elevation gain: 514 m
3 h Saint-Gérard entrance snowshoer icon

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 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 Parker Lake.

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