The history of paper mills and that of the city of hydropower are key attractions of this region, while the Parc national de la Mauricie is a favorite spot for camping.
Trois-Rivières
136 km – A40E
It’s on July 4, 1634 that the first house is built at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River in the Sieur de Laviolette and will make Trois-Rivières, the second oldest city in Canada.
The BORÉALIS, Centre for the history of the paper industry (200 avenue des draveurs). BORÉALIS invites you to discover the Saint-Maurice River, the forest, the drive, the loggers and development of the working life of the paper industry.
The Forges de Saint-Maurice, 10 000 Boulevard des Forges, house the remains of the steel industry in Canada, established in 1730.
The Musée des religions du monde (900 boulevard Louis-Fréchette, Nicolet) offers a journey through Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Shawinigan
161 km – A40E – A55
Shawinigan, which means carrying on the ridge in Algonquin, is specialized in the production of aluminum and paper. However, this city owes its economic development to hydroelectric power.
The Cité de l’énergie (1000 Melville Avenue) features interactive exhibitions on the great achievements of the 20th century paper, electrochemistry, aluminum, hydropower.
At 24 km from Shawinigan (A55, exit 226), the Parc national de la Mauricie has untouched beaches, rivers for canoeing and followers of different campsites.
