Escape to a winter wonderland! Explore La Mauricie National Park’s stunning snowscapes. Get tips for hiking, activities & planning your perfect Quebec winter getaway.
Waking up in that tiny cabin near Shawinigan, Quebec, the landscape blanketed in fresh snow was a stark reminder of winter’s power. The Saint Mauricie River, iced over, the cliffs, a canvas of white – it was a moment of pure, unadulterated Canadian winter. And honestly? I was hooked. As Christina and the boys dragged themselves out of a cozy slumber, lulled by the heat of the wood-burning fireplace at 2800 du Parc, I stretched and stepped out into the snow, breathing in the fresh, cold winter air.
We were on day two of our Quebec winter road trip, exploring the regions of Lanaudiere and Mauricie, just outside of Montreal. We’d enjoyed some of the region’s highlights – flightseeing over Trois-Rivieres, skating those long outdoor trails at Domaine Enchanteur, and dining on some of Quebec’s most delicious food. But La Mauricie National Park? This place felt different.
Six kilometers lay ahead of us on the Lac Solitaire trail. An ‘epic viewpoint’ was what my friend Karine had promised us when we split ways in Trois-Rivieres.’ And we were ready.
With the snow piled high and the temperatures hovering around -20°C (-4°F), most people were staying warm at home. Not us. We were grabbing on to winter with both hands and holding on for the ride. This wasn’t about a perfect photo op, though; it was about experiencing a side of La Mauricie National Park that few people dare to taste. The park’s winter heart.
So, we bundled up, managed the usual family road trip organization, and made the quick 10-minute drive to the La Mauricie National Park Interpretation Centre. Snow pants, toques, mitts, boots, hand and feet warmers, we were as set as we were going to be. La Mauricie wasn’t going to offer an easy stroll, and we were ready for the challenge.
About La Mauricie National Park
La Mauricie National Park is among Quebec’s many natural jewels. This vast outdoor playground is managed by Parks Canada rather than Quebec’s provincial, national park system run by SEPAQ. The park covers an astounding 536 square kilometers (333 square miles) in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains and encompasses rolling hills, dense boreal forests, and more than 150 sparkling lakes.
The park lies smack in the middle of the provincial capital, Quebec City, and Montreal, Quebec’s largest city, just two hours from both of these urban hubs. It’s also under four hours from the Canadian capital of Ottawa. This accessible location makes La Mauricie National Park a year-round natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
La Mauricie National Park is famous for its gorgeous vistas and rich biodiversity and is a destination for hiking, canoeing, camping, and, of course, spotting some of Canada’s most incredible wildlife. It’s during the winter months, though, that La Mauricie unveils its secrets. Under a sparkling bed of snow, these epic wilds become a tranquil retreat, attracting those seeking an escape from the crowds.
Its vast outdoors is accessible year-round, including on-site camping in the Parks Canada oTENTiks, framed, soft-sided glamping setups that I’ve had the pleasure of camping in at Thousand Islands National Park and Point Pelee National Park in Ontario.
Our Winter Visit To La Mauricie National Park
After a day of flightseeing in Trois Rivieres and Skating the ice trails of Domaine Enchanteur, my family was ready to dive deeper into the winter wilderness of La Mauricie National Park. We had a jam, though. We love staying at Parks Canada or oTENTik sites whenever possible, but a Quebec winter road trip with four people left our car pretty crowded. Staying in an oTENTik or ready-to-stay accommodation at most Parks Canada locations means having to haul your own food and bedding along with you, and we just didn’t have the space.
Luckily, there’s an amazing accommodation right next door to La Mauricie National Park that was perfect for our visit.
2800 Du Parc
The snow-dusted cabins of 2800 du Parc huddled along the Saint Maurice River offered a quiet promise of warmth against the biting February cold. This was as close as we could get to La Mauricie without sleeping under its starry, frozen sky. Just a ten-minute drive from the park’s interpretation center and a short hop from the small city of Shawinigan, this property’s tiny waterfront cabins were just right for a family of four exploring Quebec’s winter wonders.
As Cohen shook the snow off his boots and stepped into our tiny cabin, he let out a sigh of contentment; this was the kind of comfort he loves. A crackling fireplace, prepped and ready, bunk beds enough for 4-6 people, a well-equipped kitchen offering a promise of a hot breakfast and, of course, hot chocolate.
Through the wide front sliding-glass doors, towering cliffs lined the opposite bank of the icy Saint Mauricie River. The cliffs are one of the highlights of the Father Jacques-Buteux National Hiking Trail, one of Quebec’s many beautiful trails. On the riverfront, the boys plopped themselves down on bright red Muskoka chairs to drink in the view. Nearby, a communal fire pit waited, though a recent heavy snowfall had transformed them into snow sculptures.
Our visit to La Mauricie National Park fell on Valentine’s Day weekend, so to celebrate, we booked a family dinner at the 2800 du Parc restaurant. The restaurant’s log cabin ambiance and rustic decor were the perfect complement to the outdoor winter focus of our Quebec road trip. Christina and I savored a special three-course menu featuring a charcuterie board and escargot while the boys devoured a mountain of nachos and tacos. It was the perfect ending to a day of winter exploration, a warm and delicious celebration in the heart of Quebec’s wilderness.
Winter Hiking In La Mauricie National Park
The morning in our tiny cabin began with a lazy grace. The only thing causing us to drag our rear-ends out of bed was a promise of adventure hanging in the crisp winter air. The family piled into the car, our sights set on La Mauricie National Park.
Pulling into the park’s main parking lot, we were greeted by a scene that defied winter’s reputation for solitude. Cars overflowed and parked haphazardly along a snow-covered lot. It was a testament to the park’s allure, even in the depths of the winter season.
A steady stream of hikers, skiers, and snowshoers flowed towards the trails, their snowshoes and ski gear contrasting against the pristine white backdrop. We joined the throng, energized by the collective enthusiasm, and stepped into the warm interpretation to gear up for our trek along the Lac Solitaire Trail. Boots, snow pants, gloves, toques, and of course, hand-and-foot warmers.
This 6-kilometer loop, normally a moderate challenge during the warmer months, is transformed into a test of endurance. We climbed up into the Laurentian Mountains, knee-deep snow testing our resolve. The forest of silence that surrounded us was broken with each footstep. A satisfying crunch as we broke through the icy crust and a nagging thought that “maybe we should have worn our snowshoes.”
Above us, a delicate canopy of snow-laden branches occasionally released a miniature avalanche over our shoulders, adding an element of surprise to our journey.
Reaching the summit, we entered a starkly different landscape. Blackened tree trunks stood sentinel over the mountain, a testament to a recent controlled burn. This ancient Indigenous practice, revived by Parks Canada, served as a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and nature’s resilience.
Just steps beyond, a dramatic shift inc scenery. The reward for our snowy climb through La Mauricie National Park. The Lac Solitaire lookout point.
The late-day sun set the sky aglow with that warm glow that only a late winter afternoon can pull off. Below us was a beautiful panorama of the frozen lake and surrounding forests held in the embrace of the Laurentian Mountains. The kind of scene that paints the soul of La Mauricie National Park’s winter magic.
Winter activities in La Mauricie National Park
If you’re looking to get into nature this winter, La Mauricie is just the place to settle in for that cold embrace. The park is huge, with loads of things to do, hills to hike, and groomed trails to ski. Here are a few ways to get out and get the most out of your time visiting La Mauricie National Park during the winter.
Snowshoeing
The park’s beautiful landscapes are perfect to explore by snowshoe. There are eight trails ranging from 3.1 to 17 km for visitors to explore. The La Mauricie National Park trails are well-marked and offer a range of treks through snow-laden forests and alongside frozen lakes.
You can rent snowshoes and trekking poles at the December 10th and March 31st from the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre
Snowtagging
For something truly unique, try your hand at snow tagging. This creative outdoor activity involves creating art in the snow on designated frozen lakes. Pick up a template from the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre, or let your creativity flow through your feet. Use a compass, rope, and snowshoes to bring your creation to life. Remember to dress warmly, as this activity requires time and patience.
To get the best views of the final product, place it further out on Lac Solitaire, and be prepared for a three kilometer hike to get to the viewpoint.
Cross-Country Skiing:
With 80 km of groomed trails, La Mauricie National Park is absolute heaven for cross-country skiers. There are trails for both skate and classic skiing that run along rolling terrain through open woods,and alongside lakes and streams.
There are heated shelters, approximately every five kilometers along most of the trails, that provide a welcome respite from the cold.
Fat Biking
The first time Cohen and I tried fat biking, we were visiting the town of Montebello, Quebec in the winter. We quickly learned that this is an entirely different beast than our beloved mountain biking. In La Mauricie National Park, visitors can experience the thrill for themselves along the parks snow-covered trails. The varied terrain offers a fun challenge for both beginners and experienced riders.
There are fat bikes for rent at the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre. Just make sure to dress in layers to avoid overheating. Fat biking can be a strenuous activity.
Winter Camping In La Mauricie National Park
If you truly want to live the winter experience in La Mauricie National Park, consider staying here for a few days. There are winter camping spots available, but bring your shovel, as the region can see heavy snowfall.
oTENTik Camping
If you’re looking for something a little more comfortable, La Mauricie National Park accommodations range from the rustic to the luxurious. Their Winter oTENTik experience allows guests to enjoy a unique winter camping experience in a heated, soft-sided framed tent. These cozy accommodations combine the best of both a tent and a cabin, providing a comfortable stay even in cold weather.
Each oTENTik features a wood-burning stove, mattresses, dishes, cutlery, and a table and chairs. There is a heated comfort station with flush toilets and hot showers is a short walk away. These can be booked through the Parks Canada website.
La Mauricie National Park Rental Cabins
For a step up in winter living, there are two rental cabins available for rent. The La Mauricie National Park cabins are both accessible for people with reduced mobility and are conveniently located near the Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrance.
The Chalet Wabenaki or La Maison Andrew are former wilderness lodges perched on the edge of Lac a la Peche. These historic buildings hosted illustrious guests, including the Kennedy family. These luxurious cabins have all of the best things to do at La Mauricie National Park right on their doorstep.
Where Is La Mauricie National Park
La Mauricie National Park lies in the heart of Quebec in the region of Mauricie, about 150 kilometers north of Montreal and 250 kilometers southwest of Quebec City. Located within the Laurentian Mountains, along the Saint Mauricie River, it lies within easy reach of major urban centers while still maintaining a sense of wilderness seclusion.
The park’s proximity to the small city of Shawinigan and the tranquil landscapes of the Canadian Shield make it an ideal destination for those seeking a nature escape without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Tips For Visiting La Mauricie National Park in the Winter
Any outdoor destination requires a bit of planning. Exploring the outdoors in the winter puts an added weight on safety and preparedness. Here are a few tips for visitin La Mauricie National Park during the winter to help you make the most of your visit.
- Plan Ahead: Reserve accommodations, obtain park passes, and check trail conditions online before your visit, especially during peak season. You can do most of this through the Parks Canada website.
- Dress in Layers: Temperatures within the park can fluctuate, especially if you are climbing up in the mountains. Layering allows you to adjust to changing conditions. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer.
- Pack Essentials: Bring a map, compass, first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, and plenty of water.
- Choose Appropriate Footwear: Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are crucial for navigating snowy and icy trails. Consider bringing gaiters to prevent snow from entering your boots.
- Be Prepared for Cold: Pack hand and foot warmers, a warm hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter or scarf to protect exposed skin.
- Check Weather Conditions: Winter storms can roll in quickly. Monitor forecasts and be prepared for potential hazards like freezing rain, heavy snowfall, or strong winds.
- Inform Someone of Your Plans: Let a friend or family member or park staff know your hiking route and expected return time. This is crucial in case of an emergency.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a safe distance and avoid feeding them. Store food properly to prevent attracting wildlife to your campsite or cabin.
- Practice Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, minimize your impact on the environment, and stay on designated trails.
- Embrace the Experience: Relax, enjoy the tranquility of the winter landscape, and create lasting memories in the heart of La Mauricie National Park.
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