La Mauricie National Park: planning guide
Laurentian lakes and hills north of Shawinigan. Canoe routes, forests, and wood turtle habitat.
La Mauricie National Park is in QC, Canada. The nearest town is Shawinigan — roughly 30.9 km (19.2 mi) out, about 45 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: May through October. Shoulder season: April and early November.
Winter brings cold, shorter days, and reduced services, though lower-elevation trails often stay walkable.
Peak summer weekends and autumn colour weekends fill parking lots early — arrive before mid-morning.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Shawinigan | 30.9 km (19.2 mi) | 45 min |
| Sainte-Thècle | 35.9 km (22.3 mi) | 50 min |
| Saint-Ubalde | 53.9 km (33.5 mi) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Mandeville | 56.2 km (34.9 mi) | 1 hr 12 min |
| Trois-Rivières | 60 km (37.3 mi) | 1 hr 16 min |
| Louiseville | 60.5 km (37.6 mi) | 1 hr 17 min |
| Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade | 63.5 km (39.5 mi) | 1 hr 20 min |
| Saint-Gabriel | 63.9 km (39.7 mi) | 1 hr 20 min |
Where La Mauricie National Park sits
Official La Mauricie National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from La Mauricie National Park
La Mauricie National Park sits close enough to Thousand Islands National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Thousand Islands National Park | 358 km (222 mi) | 5 hr 43 min |
Parks close by
- Thousand Islands National Park
Scattered St. Lawrence islands and mainland parcels east of Kingston. Oldest park east of the Prairies.
- Acadia National Park
Rocky Atlantic coast and forested hills on Mount Desert Island. Granite shoreline, carriage roads, and a few busy overlooks.
- Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Small islands in Georgian Bay, with Beausoleil as the main hub. Boat access, Precambrian rock, and forest.
- Rouge National Park
Canada’s national urban park along Toronto’s Rouge River — wetlands, farmland remnants, and city access.
Common questions
Where is La Mauricie National Park?
La Mauricie National Park sits in QC, Canada. Shawinigan, about 30.9 km (19.2 mi) away — roughly 45 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit La Mauricie National Park?
Generally May through October, with April and early November quieter on either side.