Discover Saint-Mathieu-Du-Parc

Forest trails, an open-air amphitheater and experiences exploring the region’s history shape Saint-Mathieu-Du-Parc. If you’d like to combine nature and culture on your vacation, you’ll find plenty of ideas, from the Sentier National and a trail through floating vegetation to art venues and family activities.

Enjoy the forest and water outdoors

The Sentier National crosses Parc Récréo from east to west over a distance of approximately 30 kilometers. Climbing enthusiasts can visit a climbing wall in Parc Récréo, managed by the Club d'escalade de la Mauricie. Access is restricted to club members; the wall is about a 20-minute walk from the parking lot. In Parc récréoforestier, visitors can also go whitewater kayaking on the Rivière Shawinigan at Chute du Diable. The rapid is rated R-4.

Near the destination, the Ruisseau-Brodeur trail follows a small stream with cascades to its mouth at Basin 1 of Lac Wapizagonke. Another natural setting awaits on the La-Tourbière trail, which crosses floating vegetation on a wooden boardwalk, where orchids and carnivorous plants grow. Choose between a route alongside a stream and a trail through a distinctive plant environment for two different nature experiences.

Cultural sites and history

The amphitheater at Parc récréoforestier is a stage built in the forest at the foot of an impressive rock face. Rows of stones arranged in a circle, inspired by Roman amphitheaters, define the setting. The park’s cultural amphitheater has 300 seats and hosts a program of outdoor events. Mokotakan also has a cultural focus: its mission is to share and interpret the culture of Indigenous peoples.

At the Musée de la faune canadienne, most of the animals that live in Québec’s forests are displayed in realistic scenes representing all four seasons. Nature and local history come together at Parc du pont couvert. The covered bridge was built in 1936 to connect the banks of the Rivière Shawinigan; the municipality designated it a historic monument in 2001, and it was restored in 2009. Information panels along the trails explain the history of this former industrial area. The park is also a great place for a picnic by the Rivière Shawinigan. Its seasonal cascades are especially visible during the spring snowmelt or after heavy rainfall.

La petite Place des Arts is a multidisciplinary exhibition space for visual arts and a gathering place for artistic activities and aesthetic experiences. The art center is located in a former carpentry shop. Cultural activities include concerts and performances, among others. Free exhibitions feature photographs, paintings, collages, dioramas and sculptural installations.

A family adventure in the maze

Labyrinthe Coureur des Bois combines a large maze with the forest and an audio story about the coureurs des bois. The Marie-Anne Gaboury game explores Indigenous plants used by the coureurs des bois and First Nations; some can be smelled and tasted. The Jean Nicolet game is designed for younger children, who search the cedars for hidden animal signs. The site also includes a museum kiosk with objects from the lives of the coureurs des bois. The maze offers several ways to explore: through history, plants and a search in the forest.

Plan your stay around your interests

When choosing a vacation rental in Saint-Mathieu-Du-Parc, consider which experiences you want to shape your vacation: active days of hiking, climbing or whitewater kayaking, cultural discoveries or a visit to the maze. One of the two entrances to Parc national de la Mauricie is via Chemin Saint-François, within the territory of Saint-Mathieu-Du-Parc.

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Saint-Boniface-De-Shawinigan, Shawinigan and Charette.

For the broader travel overview: Le Centre-De-La-Mauricie.