La Mauricie National Park: Complete Guide to Hiking, Camping & Lakes (2 Hours from Montreal)
La Mauricie National Park is a Parks Canada wilderness destination roughly two hours north of Montreal, in the Mauricie region. Covering 536 km² of Canadian Shield forest, glacial lakes, and dramatic granite outcrops, it’s one of the best places near Montreal for a real wilderness day trip or multi-day camping adventure. This is the complete 2026 guide: trails, lakes, drive, fees, and what to combine with the visit.
Why La Mauricie Is Worth the Drive
Unlike day-trip parks closer to Montreal, La Mauricie feels remote. You’ll find moose, black bears, beavers, and over 150 lakes inside the park boundary. The famous Promenade scenic drive crosses the whole park with viewpoints over the lakes, and several short trails connect to longer wilderness routes. Fall colours here are among the most spectacular in eastern Canada.
How to Get There from Montreal
Take Highway 40 East to exit 217, then follow Route 351 North to Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc or Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrances. Drive time is approximately 2 hours from downtown Montreal. There is no direct public transit — a car or rental is essential.
Top Hikes
- Les Cascades (5.4 km loop): Easy family hike past waterfalls. ~2 hours.
- Lac Solitaire (6 km out-and-back): Forest hike to a hidden lake. ~3 hours.
- Le Deux-Criques (14 km loop): Intermediate full-day hike with panoramic viewpoints over the park.
- Laurentian Trail (75 km): Multi-day backpacking route across the park. Requires permits.
Lakes and Paddling
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Lac Wapizagonke and Lac Édouard. Both lakes are stunning — Wapizagonke has the iconic narrow channel framed by granite cliffs that appears on most Mauricie postcards. Paddle for a day or arrange a multi-day canoe-camping trip.
Camping
- Frontcountry campgrounds: Mistagance, Wapizagonke, Rivière-à-la-Pêche
- oTENTik ready-to-camp tents: for families without gear
- Backcountry camping: on the Laurentian Trail and along several lakes
Reserve through the Parks Canada reservation system — campsites fill fast for summer weekends.
Best Season to Visit
- Late May–June: Wildflowers, no mosquitoes yet, fewer crowds.
- July–August: Peak swimming and paddling season. Bring strong bug spray for evenings.
- Late September–mid October: The famous fall colours of the Canadian Shield. Hotels in the area book out — plan ahead.
- Winter: Snowshoeing on groomed trails, ice fishing on Wapizagonke.
Fees and Practical Info
- Daily entry: ~$9.25 CAD adult, free for kids under 17.
- Annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers entry to all Canadian national parks.
- Facilities: Visitor centres at both entrances, washrooms, drinking water, picnic areas, canoe rentals, small cafés.
- Cell service: Patchy throughout the park. Download offline maps before arriving.
What to Combine with Your Visit
- Shawinigan and Cité de l’Énergie: Industrial heritage museum about 30 minutes away.
- Trois-Rivières: Historic city for a stop on the drive back — riverside walks and great food.
- Auberge Le Baluchon in Saint-Paulin: A spa retreat 30 min from the park for a relaxing finish.
FAQ: La Mauricie National Park
Do I need a reservation just to enter?
No, day-use entry doesn’t require reservation. Only camping does.
Is the park dog-friendly?
Yes, on leash. Some trails restrict dogs — check at the visitor centre.
How long should I plan to stay?
Minimum a full day. Two to three days lets you combine paddling, hiking, and one of the longer drives.
Photos of La Mauricie National Park
Canadian Shield landscapes, Wapizagonke channel, glacial lakes and fall colours.
