Mauricie Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mauricie, Quebec with our comprehensive tour guide that includes lists of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, and tips for food, accommodation, and transportation.


Introduction to Mauricie

Mauricie is a beautiful region in Central Quebec, Canada and it’s home to abundant natural resources, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. This area is the perfect destination for those looking to explore nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and learn about Quebec’s history and heritage. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Mauricie and make the most of your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Mauricie

Mauricie has plenty of attractions to explore, from picturesque towns to natural wonders. Here are some top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Cité de l’énergie is a science and technology museum located in Shawinigan, which offers fun and interactive exhibits that demonstrate the importance of energy and renewable resources.
  • The Old Prison of Trois-Rivières is a unique museum that was once an active jailhouse and has since been transformed into a historic site, showcasing the lives of prisoners and the role of law enforcement in Quebec throughout history.
  • The Ursulines Museum in Trois-Rivières gives visitors a chance to learn about the life and legacy of the Ursuline nuns, who arrived in Quebec in 1639 and played a crucial role in the education and healthcare of French Canadian communities.

Natural Attractions of Mauricie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mauricie National Park is a 536 km² protected area, which features scenic trails through forests and mountains, rocky gorges, and crystal-clear waterfalls and lakes, and plenty of wildlife.
  • Le Rocher de Grand-Mère is a popular lookout point that offers spectacular views of the St. Maurice River and the surrounding forests, located in Shawinigan.
  • La Rivière Saint-Maurice offers visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting, kayaking, and fishing, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mauricie

Mauricie is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with scenic routes winding through national parks, forests, and alongside beautiful waterways. Here are some of the best trails:

  • Le Sentier National is a trail of over 900 km long, which starts in the northern part of Quebec and runs southward through Mauricie, making it one of the longest trails in the province.
  • Le Sentier de l’Énergie is a 5 km trail that runs along the Saint-Maurice River and offers scenic views of the city of Shawinigan.
  • Le Parc national de la Mauricie offers over 150 km of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks, which allow hikers to explore the vast wilderness of the park.

Best Things to Do in Mauricie: Activities and Tours

Beyond hiking and biking, there is no shortage of things to do in Mauricie. Here are some of the best activities and tours:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing is a popular way to explore the lakes and rivers in the region, with rental shops located throughout the area.
  • Wildlife Watching is another highlight of the area, with plenty of opportunities to see black bears, moose, beavers, and more.
  • Le Baluchon Eco-Resort is a popular destination that offers various activities, including horseback riding and sleigh rides in the winter, as well as a spa and a restaurant that serves locally sourced cuisine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mauricie

Here is a sample 7-day itinerary to help you plan your visit to Mauricie:

Day Activity
1 Visit La Cité de l’énergie and explore Shawinigan
2 Hike in Le Parc national de la Mauricie and spend the night camping
3 Canoe or kayak down La Rivière Saint-Maurice
4 Visit Les Forges du Saint-Maurice and explore the iron industry museum
5 Explore Old-Trois-Rivières and visit The Old Prison of Trois-Rivières
6 Take a guided tour of an authentic sugar shack and learn about traditional Quebec cuisine
7 Relax at Le Baluchon Eco-Resort and enjoy horseback riding or spa treatments

Food and Drink Scene of Mauricie

Mauricie has a rich culinary tradition, with plenty of local specialties that you need to try on your trip.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine is a classic Quebec dish made with crispy French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. You can find numerous versions of it all over the region, including vegan and gourmet variations.
  • Tourtière is a traditional meat pie, typically made with ground pork and spices and served during the holiday season.
  • Maple Syrup is a ubiquitous ingredient in Quebec cuisine, and you can taste it in everything from pancakes to sauces to cocktails.

Local Beverages

  • Beer is a popular beverage in the region, and you can find numerous local microbreweries that offer a range of unique and delicious brews.
  • Ice Cider is a unique and sweet alcoholic beverage made from frozen apples, which are pressed and fermented to create a rich and flavorful drink. You can find this local delicacy in numerous distilleries and cideries throughout the Mauricie region.

Where to Stay in Mauricie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mauricie has a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are some top choices:

  • Le Baluchon Eco-Resort is a luxury resort that offers comfortable rooms, suites, and cabins, as well as an on-site restaurant, spa, and various activities.
  • Auberge Godefroy is a 4-star hotel located in Bécancour that offers modern facilities, spacious rooms, and excellent dining options, as well as an indoor pool and a spa.
  • Hostelling International Trois-Rivières is a budget-friendly hostel that offers single and dormitory-style rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a common lounge area.

What to Buy in Mauricie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup Products are a popular souvenir of the region, and you can find everything from maple candies to maple butter to maple sugar throughout the area.
  • Handmade Crafts are another great souvenir option, with local artisans offering everything from pottery to woven baskets to handmade soaps.

Local Culture and Customs of Mauricie

Quebec has a unique culture and customs that date back to its French colonial roots. Visitors to Mauricie can expect to encounter influences from French, English, and Indigenous cultures, with a strong emphasis on community and family values.

Best Time to Visit Mauricie

The best time to visit Mauricie depends on your preference for outdoor activities or cultural events. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular, and offer great opportunities for hiking, biking, and paddling. The fall months (September-November) offer stunning foliage and harvest festivals, while the winter months (December-February) offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mauricie

Here are some tips to help you navigate Mauricie’s customs and culture:

Do:

  • Bring warm clothing, especially if you’re traveling in the fall or winter months.
  • Respect the local language and customs, and try to speak a few words of French to show your appreciation.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks, as they offer a unique taste of the region.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment, as Mauricie is full of delicate ecosystems and landscapes.
  • Don’t forget to tip at restaurants, as it’s customary in Quebec.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions if you need it, as locals are generally friendly and helpful.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mauricie

Mauricie is a safe destination, with low crime rates and a peaceful local population. However, visitors should take standard precautions such as locking their cars and keeping valuable items secure. Wildlife such as bears and moose are common in the region, so be aware of your surroundings when hiking or camping.

Health in Mauricie

Healthcare in Quebec is universal and of high quality, and visitors from other provinces or countries can access medical care if necessary. It’s recommended that you have travel insurance, which covers medical emergencies and accidents during your trip to Mauricie.

Getting to Mauricie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mauricie is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Mauricie

  • Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is approximately 160 km southeast of Mauricie and is the largest airport in Quebec.
  • Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is approximately 175 km east of Mauricie and offers numerous domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Mauricie

  • Gare du Palais in Quebec City serves as a hub for intercity buses, including routes to and from Shawinigan.
  • Station Trois-Rivières is a major intercity bus station that offers connections to numerous destinations in Quebec and other provinces.

Other Options

  • Car Rental is a popular option for those who want to explore the region at their own pace. Rental agencies are located in major cities and airports.
  • Train Service is provided by VIA Rail, which offers connections throughout Quebec and Canada.

How to Get Around in Mauricie

Mauricie is easily navigable by car, with good highway access between major cities and attractions. Local buses and taxis are also available but may have limited schedules. Bike rentals are an excellent option for those looking to explore the area’s trails and scenic routes.

Where to Go Next from Mauricie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mauricie is an excellent base for exploring other regions of Quebec and Canada. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Quebec City is the capital of Quebec and is famous for its historic charm, unique French architecture, and rich culture and arts scene, located approximately 144 km east of Mauricie.
  • Mont Tremblant is a popular ski resort town in Quebec and offers excellent skiing and an arts and music festival, located approximately 156 km northeast of Mauricie.

Conclusion

Mauricie is a hidden gem in Quebec, full of natural beauty, unique history, culture, and friendly people. We hope that this comprehensive guide has inspired you to plan your visit to this charming region, which has something for everyone.

Trail of the Falaises in La Mauricie National Trail of the Falaises in La Mauricie National The observation tower and the main museum building The observation tower and the main museum building Sanctuary of Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary of Notre-Dame-du-Cap


    La Tuque Region
    Les Chenaux
    Marie-Jean-Eudes Ecological Reserve
    Maskinongé Region
    Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve
    Mékinac
    Saint-Maurice Wildlife Reserve
    Shawinigan