Mauricie
What to do in Mauricie
Between the Saint Lawrence and the boreal forest, Mauricie is lived on the water, on the trail and under the snow. Discover the region season by season — and the cottage to make your base.
Mauricie, the country of the Saint-Maurice River
Nestled along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, halfway between Montréal and Québec City, Mauricie captivates visitors with its vast forests, thousands of lakes, and spectacular landscapes. With the Saint-Maurice and Batiscan rivers flowing through the region, it's a true playground for nature lovers, home to expansive wildlife reserves and a renowned national park.
Mauricie beautifully combines lively cities with unspoiled wilderness. From the historic district of Trois-Rivières to Shawinigan, and the charming village of Grandes-Piles nestled along the Saint-Maurice River, each destination has its own unique character. Farther north, La Tuque and Haute-Mauricie open the door to wide-open spaces and unforgettable outdoor adventures. It's an ideal destination for a cottage getaway, whether in summer or winter.
Among the region's natural treasures, Lake Missionnaire stands out for its enchanting setting, surrounded by lush forests and impressive rocky cliffs. Located in the heart of the Mékinac area, this beautiful lake invites visitors to enjoy the pleasures of summer, whether swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery of Mauricie.
COTTAGES TO RENT IN MAURICIE
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Cottages in Mauricie: explore by experience
HOLIDAYS IN MAURICIE
Who is Mauricie for, and when should you go?
An easy-going destination that suits families and outdoor lovers alike. The right time depends mostly on what you are after.
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With family
A family holiday in Mauricie: an easy-going national park, La Cité de l'énergie, beaches and farms to visit.
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As a couple
A waterfront cottage, a private hot tub, forest and deep quiet.
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Outdoors & fishing
Mauricie for the outdoors: wildlife reserves, outfitters, canoe camping and ice fishing.
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With friends
Large cottages, snowmobile trails and winter outings.
When to visit Mauricie
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Spring
The forest waking up, and maple sugar season.
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Summer
Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, hiking and evenings at the cottage.
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Fall
Colour across the hills — the finest season for photographs.
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Winter
Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
WHAT TO DO IN MAURICIE
What to do in Mauricie: activities by season
Things to do in Mauricie with family, in summer as in winter. Pick a theme to see the matching activities — every place named here is real.
With family
- La Mauricie National Park Easy trails, swimming and picnics in the forest (Parks Canada).
- La Cité de l'énergie — Shawinigan A museum, an observation tower and a historic hydroelectric station.
- Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine — Trois-Rivières A great basilica and quiet grounds by the river.
- Old Trois-Rivières Historic streets and a riverfront, in one of Québec's oldest cities.
- Farm visits in Les Chenaux & Maskinongé Farms, local produce and country landscapes.
- Beaches and lakes Swimming and splashing about in summer, minutes from the cottages.
In summer
- Canoeing & kayaking on the Saint-Maurice River The river that defines the region, at every skill level.
- Hiking in La Mauricie National Park More than 110 km of trails through lakes and hills.
- Canoe camping — Mastigouche & Saint-Maurice wildlife reserves Backcountry trips across networks of lakes (Sépaq).
- Fishing Wildlife reserves and outfitters known for lake and river fishing.
- Cycling & wildlife watching Gravel biking, birdlife and star-filled skies in the national park.
- Swimming & beaches Lakes and streams to cool off in, close to the cottage.
In winter
- Snowmobiling One of Québec's great snowmobiling destinations, with trails reachable from the cottage.
- Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing — La Mauricie National Park A network of groomed trails deep in the forest (Parks Canada).
- Tommy cod ice fishing Villages of ice huts at Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade — a tradition all its own.
- Winter hiking & Nordic walking Trails open all winter across several areas.
- Downhill skiing — Vallée du Parc A well-regarded ski hill near Shawinigan and Grandes-Piles.
- A cosy cottage stay A fireplace, a hot tub and room to breathe — winter in Mauricie at its best.
COTTAGE RENTALS IN MAURICIE
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Our cottages to rent in Mauricie
On a lake or along the Saint-Maurice River, with a private hot tub and room to breathe. Details come straight from our listings — click through for availability and rates.
- FALL PROMOTION
Lac-aux-Sables, Mauricie
Le Missionnaire - Hot tub and Foosball
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 8 guests
from 225 $/night
- FALL PROMOTION
Saint-Adelphe, Mauricie
Batiscan - Hot tub and Sauna, Waterfront
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- 6 guests
from 250 $/night
- FALL PROMOTION
Lac-aux-Sables, Mauricie
Luft Skift - Hot tub and Dock, Waterfront
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 7 guests
from 225 $/night
- FALL PROMOTION
Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, Mauricie
Le Repère - Hot tub, Ski and Dock
- 5 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- 14 guests
from 315 $/night
- NEW COTTAGES
Grandes-Piles, Mauricie
Le Petit Manoir - Pets, Sauna, Spa, River view
- 3 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- 14 guests
- Pets allowed
from 325 $/night
- FALL PROMOTION
Grandes-Piles, Mauricie
Au bord du St-Maurice - Hot tub, Ski and Dock
- 4 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 12 guests
from 250 $/night
- FALL PROMOTION
Grandes-Piles, Mauricie
Grandes-Piles - Hot tub, Ski and Dock
- 5 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 10 guests
from 310 $/night
Grandes-Piles, Mauricie
L'Évasion - Hot tub and Fireplace
- 4 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- 16 guests
from 445 $/night
ITINERARY
A weekend in Mauricie: our itinerary
A suggested three-day route starting from your cottage. The links lead to official sources.
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Day 1 — Trois-Rivières & the river
Wander through Old Trois-Rivières, follow the Saint Lawrence, then take a quiet moment at the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine.
Tourisme Trois-Rivières ↗ -
Day 2 — La Mauricie National Park
Head for the wild: hiking or canoeing in summer, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter. Set aside the whole day.
Official activities ↗ -
Day 3 — Shawinigan
Finish with La Cité de l'énergie and its observation tower, before one last sunset at the cottage.
Tourisme Shawinigan ↗
WHAT TO SEE IN MAURICIE
The essential sights of Mauricie
Places we have checked, and that keep their appeal year after year. Each card links to the official source so you can plan your visit.
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SHAWINIGAN · ST-MATHIEU-DU-PARC
La Mauricie National Park
parcs.canada.caThe region's natural jewel: lakes, forests and more than 110 km of trails. Canoeing and hiking in summer, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
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SHAWINIGAN
La Cité de l'énergie
citedelenergie.comA historical and science site built around Shawinigan's hydroelectric adventure, with its panoramic observation tower.
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TROIS-RIVIÈRES
Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine
sanctuaire-ndc.caOne of Canada's great pilgrimage sites: a commanding basilica and wide gardens on the riverbank.
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SÉPAQ
Saint-Maurice Wildlife Reserve
sepaq.comA vast expanse of lakes and forest, known for fishing, canoe camping and stays deep in the wild.
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SAINTE-ANNE-DE-LA-PÉRADE
Tommy cod ice fishing
tourismemauricie.comEvery winter, villages of brightly painted huts take over the ice — a Québec tradition found nowhere else.
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THROUGHOUT THE REGION
The Saint-Maurice River
tourismemauricie.comThe thread running through Mauricie, from the Saint Lawrence up to the Haute-Mauricie. Canoeing, kayaking and long views the whole way.
The 6 areas of Mauricie
The region divides into six areas, from the river up to the great northern forests. Each has its own character — pick the one that matches the mood you are after.
Trois-Rivières — the city, the river, history and festivals.
Shawinigan — town and nature together, gateway to the national park.
Des Chenaux — countryside, river and farm visits.
Maskinongé — rural landscapes and local flavours.
Mékinac — wilderness and forest.
La Tuque & Haute-Mauricie — the wide open north.
FAQ
Holidays in Mauricie: common questions
Where is Mauricie?
Mauricie is Québec's administrative region 04, on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence, halfway between Montréal and Québec City. The Saint-Maurice River runs through it; its main towns are Trois-Rivières, Shawinigan and La Tuque.
When should you visit Mauricie?
All year round. Summer for canoeing, hiking and swimming; fall for the colours; winter for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing; spring for maple sugar season.
What is there to do in Mauricie in winter?
Snowmobiling — the region is a major trail hub — along with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in La Mauricie National Park, winter hiking, and the celebrated tommy cod ice fishing at Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade.
What is there to do in Mauricie with family?
La Mauricie National Park, La Cité de l'énergie in Shawinigan, the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine, Old Trois-Rivières, and the beaches and farm visits of Les Chenaux and Maskinongé.
Can you rent a cottage in Mauricie with Chalets Confort?
Yes. Chalets Confort has several cottages to rent in Mauricie — Le Missionnaire, Chalet du Barrage and Le Repère among them — many on the water and with a private hot tub. See available cottages →
Ready to explore Mauricie?
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