Visitor Guidelines

See Permits and licences.

Area closures and restrictions are sometimes needed to protect natural or cultural resources or for visitor safety reasons. Closures are enforceable by law. Closure notices will be posted at the trailheads, access points and information centres. Information on closures is also available on our Important bulletins page.

Use of gas motors or electric motors is not allowed on any waterbody in the park.

All types of craft (eg paddle board, inflatable boats) are considered boats when used for navigation. A life jacket for each occupant of the boat and safety equipment must be easily accessible. Drinking and boating is illegal, similar to drinking and driving.

When you travel on the lakes and in order to protect these fragile environments, it is forbidden to access or move around the islands, including their shores.

It's important to clean, drain and dry your boat and equipment before entering in the water to reduce the spread of invasive alien species.

Consult the following pages for the specific regulations.

• Semi-serviced campgroungs
• Backcountry camping
• oTENTik
• Group camping
• Cabins

• Smoking or the use of an electronic cigarette is prohibited on the ferry, in the fortification and within 9 metres of any open doors or windows or air intakes that are connected to an enclosed area.
• For more information on the regulation of cannabis in Parks Canada sites, please visit: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/regles-rules/cannabis.

To film or photograph in the national parks, an application must be submitted to Parks Canada minimum twenty working days prior to activities. If approved, a Film/Photography Permit will be issued which outlines conditions and supplementary requirements associated with the production. This information will assist in the preparation of a film/photography application.

To view the filming application, click here.

In Canada’s national parks, the landing and take-off of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) – also known as a drone – is prohibited.

In Canada, a UAV is considered aircraft. Their use is governed by Transport Canada and regulated under the National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations , which prohibit a person to take-off or land an aircraft in a national park.

Anyone wishing to use a UAV in La Mauricie National Park must submit a permit application to permis-lamauricie@pc.gc.ca clearly indicating how the intended use of the UAV supports the management of the park. If approved, a Restricted Activity Permit will be issued.

As per Section 3 (1) of the National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations, the Superintendent can issue a Restricted Activity Permit for a UAV for the purpose of (a) natural or cultural resource management and protection directly related to the administration of the park; (b) any other management or control function directly related to the administration of the park; (c) public safety; or (d) law enforcement.

A Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) may also be required from Transport Canada for the UAV depending on its weight.

If you witness the use of a UAV in La Mauricie National Park, please report the incident to a Parks Canada employee or contact the emergency service at 819 536-3180.

More information: Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations that govern the use of UAV systems in Canada

Fires are only allowed in designated fire boxes. Random fires are not allowed in National Parks. Please keep your campfire safe for you and the environment by following these rules:

• Check the fire index as soon as you arrive at the park.
• Keep fires small – To reduce their impact on the environment, fires must be contained within the designated metal fire boxes provided and be kept to a reasonable size.
• Use firewood purchased at the park only – Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive insects and disease. It is forbidden to burn garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning. More details here.
• Never leave a fire unattended – Fires must be attended at all times.
• BBQs – Charcoal barbeques are permitted. Please dump cold ashes into a fire pit. Only charcoal briquettes are allowed as fuel in the hibachis available on the park's picnic areas.

Backcountry camping – Fires are allowed in areas with designated metal fire boxes only.

Use of, selling, or purchasing fireworks, or any other type of explosive, is not permitted within a National Park.

Never litter.

• Never store or consume items that may attract wildlife in your tent. It is illegal to leave food and garbage unattended and accessible to wildlife on your campsite.
• Store your food in the trunk of your vehicle (or in specially designed food racks where available). When backcountry camping: Hang your food and garbage on the racks provided at each campsite. Don't forget your rope.
• Wash yourself and your dishes more than 60 m from lakes and waterways and use a minimum quantity of biodegradable soap. Before spilling dishwater, filter food debris through a sieve and place it in the trash for disposal. You can safely dispose of soapy water free of food residues in the toilet blocks, 60 metres from water sources and your campsite.
• Wild animals that have associated food with humans may develop health problems, either through a change in their diet or through ingestion of packaging or container debris. They can become dependent on human food and likely to die out in its absence, become a public health issue, cause road accidents, become aggressive and pose a threat to people and property, which unfortunately often results in their elimination.

In the backcountry, all food and garbage must be packed out.

Consult the National Parks of Canada Garbage Regulations (DORS/80-217).

• Hunting is prohibited in La Mauricie National Park.
• Consult the Recreational fishing page for the specific regulations.

Vehicles must remain on hardened surfaces, paved and gravel roads. The use of ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, or other off-road vehicles is not allowed. Scooters are considered motor vehicles for these purposes and are not allowed on trails or areas closed to motor vehicle traffic.

Please park only in designated areas and areas where you do not pose a risk to others. If a parking lot is full, find the next closest lot and walk to your destination. Overnight parking is prohibited in the park, except for occupants of on-site campsites.

Safety on the road is everyone’s business.

Note that the Highway Safety Code applies inside La Mauricie National Park.

• Pets are not allowed in most areas of the park. More details here.
• Service animals clearly identified and kept on a leash or wearing a harness are permitted everywhere in La Mauricie National Park.

Consult the National Parks of Canada Domestic Animals Regulations (DORS/98-177).

Scuba diving is permitted in the Wapizagonke, du Caribou and Edouard lakes. However, it is mandatory to stop at a Visitor Reception Centre on arrival to obtain the scuba diving permit (free of charge). Holders of this permit are required to stop on the way back to confirm departure.

Swimming is unsupervised at all park locations. You are responsible for your own safety.

• It is forbidden to attract, disturb, touch, harass, capture or feed wild animals.
• Stay on the trails to preserve the surrounding flora.

E-bikes (exception of pedal assist electric bicycles) are prohibited on the following trails: 3, 5, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 9, 11 and Vallerand.

Parks Canada guidelines on pedal assist e-bikes