MAURICIE NATIONAL PARK

It's a 536 km² wilderness of lakes and forests, in the heart of the Laurentian Massif. Hardwoods and softwoods cover rounded hills no more than 350 metres high. Amerindians, coureurs des bois and lumberjacks have always roamed this region, drawn by its natural riches. The 70 km panoramic road, winding through the forest and pink granite rocks of the Laurentian plateau, links the park's two access points. For 16 km, it skirts Lac Wapizagonke, a long, narrow, thread-like body of water, before leading to the Belvedere du Passage and on to Lac Édouard, which offers a delightful sandy beach for swimming and picnicking. Behind the reception area at the park's west entrance, the view of the Saint-Maurice River is magnificent.

Park reception posts: to the east, in Saint-Jean-des-Piles (exit 226 off Highway 55); to the west, in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc (exit 217 off Highway 55). In winter, services are available at the Rivière-à-la-Pêche service pavilion.

Lodging: semi-serviced and backcountry camping, winter camping, oTENTik tents, Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew.

Activities: canoe-camping (rentals on site; it's the park's star activity), water sports, swimming, recreational fishing, short or long hikes, mountain or gravel biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. Discovery activities with naturalists; outdoor packages in collaboration with local companies.