First evening in Shawi, we try the flavors of the world! At the Taj Mahal restaurant, I recommend the butter chicken, the soft Naan bread and the Tika paneer (grilled cheese served on a hot cast iron plate). It’s my comfort food that warms my heart and soul. You can also ask for takeaway, if you prefer!

It’s time to wake up after a good night of sleep. First of all, coffee! It is at Café Morgane that I go for my morning boost. The service is fast, the staff is really friendly and the coffee and chai latte are always perfect. Plus, their banana bread fits so well in my backpack!

Then I suggest the Parc de l’Ile Melville (secteur des chutes) to enjoy nature! It’s my getaway space in any season, but as soon as the fall colors set in, I multiply my visits to go hiking! A 4.2km loop (moderate level) allows me to stretch my legs and fill up on oxygen, 5 minutes from home.

Do you still have energy? You can go hiking in several places, or mountain biking at Parc de l’ile Melville (secteur des chutes area). If you don’t have your equipment, the 2800 du Parc offers bikes for rental, by reservation. The Mauricie National Park is temporarily closed from October 2022, so take the opportunity to test other places before it reopens, such as Vallée Rocanigan, the Thibaudeau-Ricard trail or the Parc récréoforestier de Saint -Mathieu-du-Parc.

The Microbrasserie Broadway offers a magnificent terrace, fire spots, free parking spaces for campers, and spontaneous shows. In addition to the excellent beers, there is also a choice of dishes such as poutines, burgers, ribs… It is definitely my favorite spot to settle down after a good day outdoors!

On Sunday, I suggest you take a walk in nature on the Thibaudeau-Ricard trail. You can choose the south entrance, from Boulevard Pie-XII, or the north entrance, from Rue Trudel, before walking this round trip route of about 3km. It is gorgeous in autumn, and you can observe many vestiges of the past. Open your eyes to see the ruins of the old power plant, or the location of the old seismograph!

A stop is then essential at the bakery Tous les jours Dimanche! You absolutely have to try, in order or disorder, the soup (it doesn’t matter which one), the’Tarte au ciel’, the savory ham and goat cheese muffins, the mushroom spread and the rustic bread loaf! Julie and her team, in addition to being great at cooking, are super friendly!