Want to make the most of the outdoors over the weekend? Book two nights in a micro-shelter at Camping Nature Nature, a few minutes away from La Mauricie National Park. Light a campfire and enjoy the breathtaking view on the Saint-Maurice River! You can also choose to go fall camping at La Mauricie National Park, or rent a cabin at the 2800 du Parc.

For dinner, head to L’Olivia Table gourmande, still in the Saint-Jean-des Piles sector in Shawinigan. I really recommend this restaurant: everything is beautiful and delicious, and the meat literally melts in your mouth!

Saturday morning, let’s go for a hike! You are spoiled for choice, as there are many trails in the area: Mauricie National Park (temporarily closed from October 2022), Vallée Rocanigan, Thibaudeau-Ricard trail, Parc récréoforestier of Saint-Mathieu-du -Parc… I advise you to stop at the different viewpoints and have a picnic if the weather allows it!

Do you have time to spare on this Saturday afternoon? Fall is the perfect season to learn about mushroom picking. They are present in various woodlands and forests, such as Parc de l’Ile Melville (secteur des chutes), Parc Récréo-forestier de Saint-Mathieu du Parc, and even some roadsides! If you are a beginner, there are introductions to mycology with expert guides.

Sunday morning, it is at 2800 du Parc that you can start the day with a good coffee. The view is beautiful! Note that it is also a great place to go later in the day, for example to enjoy nice food after a hike. The poke bowl is delicious!

If you like mountain biking, I suggest you go to Parc de l’Île Melville! It offers about 15 kilometers of trails that were developed during the Quebec Games in 2012. Whether they are intermediate or difficult trails, mountain bikers appreciate the magnificent park in the heart of downtown Shawinigan.

Impossible to end the weekend without tasting the good beers brewed right here in Shawinigan! You can have lunch at the Microbrasserie Broadway on the pretty terrace if the weather allows. I recommend the poutine with a beer flight (small servings of 4 varieties) to taste the different aromas!

Rainy outside? Until October, I suggest you take the guided tour of the world-renowned Microbrasserie Trou du Diable! Then, visit the boutique, where you can buy beers, T-Shirts, sweaters, caps, posters and many more products from the region. Have a safe trip back home, and see you soon!