The Mauricie region borders the St. Lawrence River between Montréal and Québec City, but its 40,000 square kilometres (15,445 square miles) extends far inland, to the undulating hills and valleys of the ancient Canadian Shield. The region offers the best of both worlds, from an effervescent city with a lively, trendy nightlife to the tranquillity of untouched, wide-open wilderness over 85% of its territory. There’s something for outdoors enthusiasts of every stripe, and the rich industrial heritage is celebrated in museums and attractions that will delight curious travellers.
A larger-than-life park
Mauricie National Park is 536 square kilometres (207 square miles) of lakes and forests, offering hiking, cruises, canoe-camping and rabaska canoeing, among other activities.
The region’s pioneer industry
The Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site tells the story of the country’s first ironworks, founded in 1730 and in production for more than 150 years.
Educational and entertaining
The Cité de l’énergie theme park is devoted to the magic and secrets of energy and technology, told in a series of activities and interactive exhibits.
The region owes its name to the 587-kilometre-long (365 mile) St. Maurice River, which cuts through it, linking the Gouin Reservoir to the St. Lawrence River.
Trois-Rivières, which was founded in 1634, is the second-oldest city in North America, after Québec City.
The Mauricie region is where you will find Canada’s largest pilgrimage site devoted to the Virgin Mary: the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap.
On weekends in summer, the pedestrian-only streets of downtown Trois-Rivières are the plae to be, with entertainment provided by jucgglers, magicians and buskers.
Highway 138, originally the King’s Road, was Canada’s very first carriageway, and affords panoramic views – a fine alternative to the main highway.
If you’re into aquatic sports, you’ll find what you’re looking for along the St. Maurice River or on one of the 17,500 lakes dotting the region!
