Mauricie may be one of Canada’s lesser-known regions, but it is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Featuring stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant, French-influenced culture, there’s a paradise at every turn in this beautiful area.
Located between Quebec and Montreal, Trois Rivières is the largest city in the region. The area includes a number of natural wonders such as the national parks which are full of lakes, mountains and wildlife. There are also several family attractions and celebrations of local culture through museums and festivals. So where should you start? What are the best things to do in Mauricie?
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Parc National de la Mauricie
Nature’s playground
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With forest stretching in every direction and 150 lakes, there is much to see and explore at Parc National de la Mauricie. Whatever the season, you can embrace the great outdoors with kayaks, snowshoes, canoes, paddleboards, and hiking equipment available to hire. You can also choose from a range of accommodation options including oTENTik, a cross between a rustic cottage and a tent.
North of Trois-Rivières, Parc National de la Mauricie is around a 2-hour drive from both Quebec and Montreal. This area is full of rich biodiversity and rare species. If you want to learn more, check out the naturalist activities. Good news for parents: young people under 17 receive free admission to the park.
Localização: Chem. de Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Shawinigan, QC, G0X 2V0, Canada
Abre: Saturday–Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday from 9 am to 7 pm
Telefone: +1 888-773-8888
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La Cité de l'Énergie
An electric attraction
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- História
Ever wondered about the story behind electricity? La Cité de l’énergie will spark your imagination. The visit is made up of two parts: the Science Centre with its permanent exhibitions of Planet Energy and Canada in the World, and the hydroelectric section which includes a tour of the N.A.C and Shawinigan-2 power plants. Several of the exhibitions are interactive, making it fun for the whole family.
Around a half-hour drive from Trois-Rivières, La Cité de l’énergie also features an arena with a fully covered and heated stage, creating an immersive theatre experience for the audience. Remember to take your camera to capture the view from the top of the tower.
Localização: 1000 Ave Melville, Shawinigan, Quebec, G9N 6T9, Canada
Abre: June–September: daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 819-536-8516
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AML Cruises
Discover Montreal from the water
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- Viagens alternativas
A family business operating for 50 years, AML Cruises help you to see Montreal from a different angle. Some of their most popular tours are the whale watching tours, allowing you to see stunning scenery and a glimpse of one of nature’s largest creatures. The company even have a whale warranty whereby if the captain considers no marine mammal to have been spotted, you’ll receive a pass to go on another tour.
Away from nature, there are a few different tour options including ones centred around food and entertainment. The dinner and brunch cruises offer fine dining where you’ll be spoiled by both the views and the food. There are also drag and firework cruises available if that’s more your style.
Localização: 200 De la Commune St W, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 4B2, Canada
Abre: Daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm
Telefone: +1 866-856-6668
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Musée des Abénakis
The first Aboriginal museum in Quebec
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The Musée des Abénakis celebrates and invites you to learn about the Abenaki First Nation. There are 3 permanent exhibitions. Wôbanaki, people of the rising sun, take you on a journey through the Abenaki’s cultural and spiritual universe. Kwigw8mna takes you outside to discover Abenaki housing and agriculture while N8wat showcases their impressive use of natural resources.
Located along the banks of the Saint-François River, the Musée des Abénaki features multimedia displays, providing engaging exhibitions for the whole family. A number of temporary exhibitions also keep the content fresh. From May to October, you can discover the unique flora and fauna by following the Tolba hiking trail along the river.
Localização: 108 Rue Waban-Aki, Odanak, QC, J0G 1H0, Canada
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 450-568-2600
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Aquaparc H2O
Ride the wave
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- Famílias
Grab your swimsuit and head to Aquaparc H2O for a splashing good time. This waterpark offers a range of attractions, creating a fun day out for the whole family. You can surf the waves, race your friends down slides, test your nerves on the bigger flumes and cool off in the splash zones. There are a range of options including accommodating the littlest members of the family.
Located in Trois-Rivières, Aquaparc H2O also has camping facilities on site, allowing you to make a proper holiday out of it. With a swimming pool, children’s playgrounds and Wi-Fi, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Remember, Aquaparc H2O tickets are half-price on Tuesday.
Localização: 4150 Rang Saint-Charles, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9B 7W9, Canada
Abre: Monday–Friday from 10.30 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Telefone: +1 819-377-5469
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Musée POP
A celebration of Quebec culture
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The Musée POP celebrates Quebec’s folk culture through a variety of continually changing exhibitions. Celebrating 20 years, the current exhibitions feature an insight into the art of crime, stained glass artwork, furniture from 5 historical periods and work by François Bertrand. They also host a number of workshops and events for all ages to make learning interactive.
Housed within the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, you can also take a guided tour of the former prison. Combining real-life stories with technology, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of life in the prison as you hear about it from 4 different viewpoints. You may even find it a little emotional.
Localização: 200 Rue Laviolette Suite 1, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 6L5, Canada
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 819-372-0406
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KiNipi Nordic Spa
Relax and be rejuvenated
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Looking to switch off and relax? A day at the KiNipi Nordic Spa is just what you need. Set in a stunning location, you’ll be able to indulge in thermotherapy and spa treatments. It’s recommended that you start in one of the warm pools before heading to either the sauna or hammam. Then cool off in a cold-water pool and relax in one of their designated spaces. You may want to repeat this a couple of times.
After this cycle, you may want to book a treatment with one of the certified massage therapists. You can choose from a massage, body care or beauty treatment. Make sure you visit the restaurant for an innovative menu which celebrates local products.
Localização: 8210 Bd des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Y 4W2, Canada
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Telefone: +1 819-693-9999
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Réserve Faunique Mastigouche
Embrace the wild side of Quebec
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Get away from the noise of the city and enjoy an escape to a natural environment which will become your playground. The reserve is home to over 30 different mammals including wolves, lynx, moose, hares, and the American black bear. In the air, you may spot golden eagles, ospreys, ruffed grouse, and common loons.
A 2-hour drive from Trois-Rivières, the Réserve faunique Mastigouche offers a variety of activities including fishing, hunting, hiking, biking and canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats available to rent. Exploring the Six Waterfall Trail is a must, as well as the Maubèche Waterfall and the wooded campground and beach at Lac Saint-Bernard. Stop by Lac Sourcier which is apparently haunted by a legendary sorcerer.
Localização: 9200 Rang des Pins-Rouges, Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, QC, J0K 1V0, Canada
Telefone: +1 800-665-6527
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Ranch Dupont
Wildlife in the heart of Shawinigan
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- Viagens alternativas
Ranch Dupont is more than a zoo. It’s a conservation ranch which aims to help animals in need, protect endangered species, and educate others on wildlife conservation. With more than 40 different animals, you’ll be able to see kangaroos, lemurs, wildebeests, camels, bison, and more.
A half-hour drive from Trois Rivières, Ranch Dupont is a family-run business designed with families in mind. The ranch specialises in hoofed animals and you’re even able to feed some of them. Remember to bring your own packed lunch and stop by the shop for a souvenir of a great day out.
Localização: 3590 Rang St Michel, Shawinigan-Sud, QC, G9N 6T5, Canada
Abre: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 873-271-0035
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Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap
Explore beautiful architecture
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Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap is a basilica in Trois-Rivières. It is 1 of the 5 national shrines in Canada with this shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. First built in 1659, it is often visited by pilgrims. In fact, it was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Located in Trois-Rivières, it’s around a 1-and-a-quarter hour drive from Montreal. It is known as being an oasis of peace and greenery with impressive stained glass, beautiful gardens and paths which overlook the St. Lawrence River. It is said that 2 miracles have occurred here: the miracle of the ice bridge and the “Miracle of the Eyes”.
Localização: 626 Rue Notre Dame E, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8T 4G9, Canada
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +1 819-374-2441
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