La Mauricie National Park

During the last ice age, glaciers scored the land and left rolling hills. Terraces along the St. Maurice River once formed the beaches of the postglacial Champlain Sea. Two main valleys are marked by chains of narrow lakes.

Of the more than 193 bird species that have been observed, 116 nest in the park. Mammals include moose, black bears, wolves and red foxes. Picnicking, camping, canoeing, swimming and fishing are popular pastimes in summer; winter brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping.

Note: The Park is either accessible via the Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance, Hwy. 55 exit 226 or via the Saint-Mathieu entrance, Hwy. 55 exit 217 but part of the Parkway is closed for construction, so it is impossible to pass through the park from side to side.

Park open mid-May to mid-Oct. and late Dec.-Mar. 31. Hours vary; phone ahead. For more information phone (819) 538-3232 or (888) 773-8888, or (877) 737-3783 for camping reservations.