Autumn is when Mauricie looks its very best: the maples catch fire, the lakes go still, and the brewery patios still have a few good days ahead of them. This is the itinerary we suggest to everyone who asks us “where should we start?”. Three days, three areas, and above all plenty of time to stop.
Day 1 — The national park and Shawinigan
Enter La Mauricie National Park through Saint-Jean-des-Piles, early in the morning if you can. The Promenade road runs right through the park: stop at every lookout, and keep a good hour for the Wapizagonke lake viewpoint, the most photographed of all. A short hike is enough to have the forest to yourself; the more energetic can pick a longer trail to a waterfall or a summit.
Late in the afternoon, head to Shawinigan. The Cité de l’énergie and its 115-metre tower give you a bird’s-eye view of the Saint-Maurice River and the colours of the valley. For dinner, the Trou du Diable brewpub is the obvious choice; for a quieter table, Zélé cooks with the region’s wild edibles.
Where to sleep: at the Île Melville inn, five minutes from downtown, or in one of Nature Nature’s mini-cabins overlooking the river.
Day 2 — Route 155 and Mékinac
From Grand-Mère, Route 155 follows the Saint-Maurice north between cliffs and forest. First stop, Grandes-Piles: the Village du bûcheron tells the story of the log-driving days, and the village lookout towers over the river. If you happen to be in Mauricie during the second week of September, the St-Tite Western Festival is a must, but book very far ahead.
In the afternoon, two options depending on your energy: Batiscan River Park in Saint-Narcisse (waterfalls, via ferrata, zip lines) or a gentle drive down to Sainte-Thècle for a round of nature mini-golf at Le Tournesol and a stop at Boulangerie Germain.
Where to sleep: in a cabin at Aire Nature Grandes-Piles with a lake view, or at Lac en Cœur in Lac-aux-Sables for a nature-lodge feel.
Day 3 — Maskinongé, waterfalls and lakes
Finish with the western part of the region. Sainte-Ursule Falls Park lines up seven waterfalls on the Maskinongé River: the trails are short, the viewpoints many, and it is perfect with children. Then Saint-Élie-de-Caxton deserves a slow wander (we devote a whole article to it in the journal).
To end on a high note, drive up to Saint-Alexis-des-Monts. Nouvelle-France brewery serves a good meal, and Hôtel Sacacomie or the Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire deliver what you came for: a lake, the forest, silence.
Practical tips
- Peak colour varies from year to year, usually between late September and mid-October. The north of the region (La Tuque, Mékinac) turns before the south.
- Autumn weekends are busy: book your accommodation, especially around the national park.
- La Mauricie National Park is a Parks Canada park: an entry fee applies.
- Distances are reasonable (under two hours of driving a day on this itinerary), but the back roads are winding: allow extra time.
Every address in this itinerary is in the guide and on the map, with coordinates and websites.
