Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Travel Guide

Welcome to Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, a small town in Quebec, Canada. This comprehensive travel guide offers a complete picture of what to see, do, eat, and explore in this charming destination.


Introduction to Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc is a small town in the Maskinongé Region in Mauricie, Quebec, Canada. It is situated in the heart of the Canadian countryside, surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills and numerous lakes, including the popular Lake Saint-Pierre. The town is known for its tranquil setting, natural beauty, and abundance of outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Louis-Philippe-Phaneuf Regional Museum: This museum showcases the history of the region with exhibits of local art, objects, and displays of traditional activities.
  • Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Church: It is one of the oldest buildings in the town and the perfect example of Quebec’s rural religious architecture.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • National Park of Mauricie: It is a vast parkland that boasts of over 100km of hiking trails, several waterfalls, and lakes that offers perfect canoeing and fishing opportunities.
  • Tobo-Ski: This ski resort has over 12 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, five slopes for alpine skiing, and a tube sliding area for kids.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

  • Le Baluchon Trail: This seven-kilometer trail covers wetlands, forests, and rivers. It is perfect for hiking and snowshoeing in the winter season.
  • Le Ruisseau Trail: This eight-kilometer trail located in the National Park of Mauricie covers beautiful landscapes, including a visit to the thrilling waterfall called “Le Trou du Diable.”

Best Things to Do in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc: Activities and Tours

  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Explore the beautiful lake system of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc and its surrounding during the summer season.
  • Snowmobiling: The town has a vast network of snowmobiling trails that provide access to over 7,000 kilometers of marked trails through the province of Quebec.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

Day Activities
1 Hiking at the National Park of Mauricie
2 Snowshoeing at Le Baluchon Trail
3 Visit to the Louis-Philippe-Phaneuf Regional Museum
4 Cross-country skiing at Tobo-Ski Resort
5 Canoeing or kayaking at Lac-Saint-Mathieu
6 Snowmobiling trails around the town
7 Visit Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc Church and the nearby farms

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tourtière: This traditional savory meat pie is a must-have dish from Quebec and can be found in all the dining establishments in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc.
  • Poutine: Fries covered in cheese curds and gravy is a signature dish from Quebec and extremely popular among tourists and locals alike.

Local Beverages

  • Beer from Le Trou du Diable: It is a popular brewery in Shawinigan, Quebec, that produces award-winning craft beer.
  • Ice Cider from Cidrerie du Minot: This winery specializes in producing artisanal ice cider.

Where to Stay in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Auberge Le Baluchon: This hotel is located in a 24 km² protected parkland and offers amenities like a spa, restaurant, and indoor pool.
  • Camping Appalaches: A rustic campground located 15 minutes away from the town.

What to Buy in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup and its products: Quebec is renowned for its high-quality maple syrup, and it is one of the most popular souvenirs to bring home from Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc.
  • Blueberry Products: Blueberry jam, spreads, and wine are other excellent products to purchase and try in the town.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

The town follows the traditional customs of Quebec. You will notice that many of the people in the town converse in French, which is the native language. The town is proud of its rich history, and you can see it in its museums, monuments, and architecture.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

The best time to visit is during the summer season, from June to August, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the activities like canoeing and hiking are open. Autumn is another great season to visit when the colors of the trees change. Winter season from December to February is perfect for snow lovers where you can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

Do:

  • Explore the local cuisine and try the regional specialty dishes.
  • Bring comfortable shoes to explore the hiking trails and different outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the parks and lakes.
  • Smoke in non-smoking areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

The town is safe and has low crime rates. Take necessary precautions while exploring the outdoors, and ensure to wear the appropriate clothing and outdoor gears.

Health in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

The medical facilities in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc are limited. Ensure to bring your medicines and essentials while traveling.

Getting to Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

The closest airport is the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, which is approximately two hours away by car.

Bus Stations Near Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc is easily accessible from various bus stations located in Montreal, Quebec City, and Shawinigan.

Other Options

You can rent a car from Montreal or Quebec City and drive to Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc. It is approximately two hours away from either of the two cities.

How to Get Around in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

The town is small and walkable, or you can rent bicycles to explore. A car rental service is also available.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shawinigan: A bustling city located just 30 minutes away from Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc where you can explore its museums, parks, and many eateries.
  • Mauricie National Park: A vast parkland that offers an excellent opportunity for canoeing, hiking, and camping.

Conclusion

Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc is a beautiful destination that offers an abundance of outdoor activities and rich cultural experiences. From hiking to canoeing, local cuisine and beverages, anyone visiting the town will have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Ensure you plan your itinerary well and bring the appropriate clothing and gears to get the most out of your visit.