Start the weekend in style by booking a table at the Zélé restaurant! This is one of my favorite restaurants for the service, the choice of wine, the warm atmosphere and the classic and comforting dishes. I highly recommend the black garlic fries (impossible not to choose them!) and the delicious and tender pork belly with scallops.

Head to the Parc Récréoforestier in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc to follow the Chute du Diable (Devil’s Fall) trail. This approximately 11 km trail is free, well maintained, and gives access to a superb landscape. We can take some very nice pictures near the river and take the time to take a break in the small refuge made available to us.

Here are two options that I recommend for lunch. Santé Taouk is perfect for the fast service, the friendliness of the employees, the good portions and the freshness of the food. Otherwise, Fromagerie Victoria is a great place to eat a good poutine, buy fresh cheese curds and even enjoy a soft ice cream in the middle of winter!

In Shawi, we are lucky to have a gorgeous National Park with breathtaking scenery! In winter, it is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. You can practice cross-country skiing on 80 km of trails, as well as hiking and snowshoeing on 54 km of trails. You can also rent equipment!

On your way to or from La Mauricie National Park, stop at 2800 du Parc (it’s on the road, in the picturesque village heart of Saint-Jean-des-Piles)! The place offers a good choice of coffee, and the view of the river is superb! Psst. You can also sleep at 2800 du Parc!