Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Mauricie located and how can I get there easily?

Mauricie is located between Montreal and Quebec City, north of the St. Lawrence River. 

It is accessible by car via Highway 40 (from Montreal and Quebec City), Highway 55 (from Centre-du-Québec), Route 155 (from Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean), and the Chemin du Roy (also between Montreal and Quebec City). The region is also accessible by bus and train.

What are the must-visit landmarks in Mauricie?

Some of the top attractions in Mauricie include: La Mauricie National Park, Batiscan River Park, Parc des Chutes-de-la-Petite-Rivière-Bostonnais, The Saint-Maurice River (ideal for various water activities), The King’s Road (Chemin du Roy), Cogeco Amphitheatre and its wide range of shows, Downtown Trois-Rivières, La Cité de l’énergie, The Village du Bûcheron in Grandes-Piles, FestiVoix in the summer, and the region’s rich culinary offerings.

Is La Mauricie National Park open year-round?

Yes! The park is accessible in all seasons, although services are closed during the off-season. The most popular times to visit are summer and winter, with activities like hiking, canoeing, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

What are the steps to move in Mauricie?

Check out the Welcome in Mauricie Guide to explore the different areas and resources available to help you settle in Mauricie. Then, browse our website by theme (Live, Work, Study, Have fun) — you’ll find plenty of helpful tools!

Psst! Coming from abroad? Visit the Immigrate in Mauricie (french version only) section and fill out the quiz — you’ll get access to a wide range of resources!

Which cities or RCMs best match my lifestyle?

Do you prefer nature, urban life, or a village atmosphere? Discover the profiles of each RCM (Regional County Municipality) on the Territory – Explore Mauricie page.

Are there services for newcomers?

Yes! Several organizations can help you settle in and integrate. Find them in our immigration resource directory under the “General Resources” section. When you’re ready, contact Jacynthe — she’ll guide you through the different steps of your journey.

What essential services are available?

Health: The CIUSSS MCQ provides healthcare services, mainly through its four hospitals across the region.

Education: Mauricie has two school service centers — the CSS du Chemin-du-Roy and CSS de l’Énergie. Several post-secondary institutions are also spread throughout the region.

How does regional transportation work?

Each RCM offers public and adapted transportation services for its residents. Some of them also provide interregional transport services within Mauricie.

• Société de transport de Trois-Rivières
• Régie du transport en commun de Shawinigan
• Transport collectif et adapté de la MRC Des Chenaux 
• Corporation de transports collectifs et adaptés de la MRC de Maskinongé
• Corporation transport adapté Mékinac
• Corporation de transport adapté et collectif du Haut-St-Maurice

Are there resources for families, seniors, or youth?

Yes! You can consult the Mauricie community directory to find services tailored to each age group.

Families: Discover all available services using this interactive map.

Where can I find a place to live?

Visit our Accessible properties page to find a directory of resources that will help you search for housing, a house, or a land.

What are the current real estate trends?

According to Centris, the median price of a single-family home in Mauricie is rising (333,000 CAD in Q1 2025), but it remains more affordable than in major urban centers.

Which employment sectors are growing?

Healthcare, education, green technologies, and tourism are flourishing. Check out the Regional Employment Overview of Mauricie to learn more!

How can I find a job or start a business?

Jobs: Start by browsing the job listings in the Work section of our website. Need help? Many resources are available in Mauricie, most of which are listed in our immigration resource directory. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Try the official job directory of the Government of Quebec.

Starting a business: The economic development services of each city or RCM are your best allies to support your entrepreneurial projects and refer you to other partners if needed.

• Trois-Rivières
• Shawinigan
• Des Chenaux
• Maskinongé
• Mékinac 
• La Tuque

The Pôle d’économie sociale Mauricie offers a complete directory.

What outdoor activities are available year-round?

Hiking, skiing, biking, canoeing, fishing… there’s something for everyone, in every season! Visit the Tourisme Mauricie website to discover all the outdoor adventures waiting for you in the region.

Can you swim in the region’s lakes and rivers?

Yes! Whether it’s the beach at Île Saint-Quentin, waterfalls in the national park, Lake Édouard, Lac-aux-Sables, or the Croche River — the water may be cool, but the scenery is breathtaking!

Where to Enjoy Water Activities in Mauricie (Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, etc.)

In Mauricie, adventure awaits on the water! Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at several of our attractions and set off to explore our stunning lakes and rivers, including the Saint-Maurice, du Loup, Batiscan, and Sainte-Anne rivers.

Where can you fish in Mauricie, and is a licence required?

Yes, a licence is required and can be purchased online. Top fishing spots include outfitters, lakes in the national park, and the Saint-Maurice River — perfect for catching trout and walleye!

What cultural attractions are available for residents?

Museums, festivals, theater, and more — there’s something for every taste! Tourisme Mauricie highlights the region’s main cultural attractions.

What major cultural events shouldn’t be missed?

It’s hard to choose — there are so many! Here are some of our favorites:

• FestiVoix in Trois-Rivières
• Festival Western de St-Tite
• Cirque du Soleil shows at the Cogeco Amphitheatre in Trois-Rivières
• Ilia, the nighttime show at La Cité de l’énergie
• La Tuque Hunting Festival
• Festival de la Galette de Sarrasin in Louiseville
• Festival d’Halloween Nöktabul in Batiscan

Want to know everything about cultural events in Mauricie? Check out Culture Mauricie’s event calendar!

Are there museums or historical sites to visit?

Absolutely! You can find them on the Tourisme Mauricie website. Highlights include:

• Boréalis – Paper Industry Museum
• La Cité de l’énergie in Shawinigan
• Musée POP in Trois-Rivières
• Village du Bûcheron in Grandes-Piles
• Le Brun General Store in Maskinongé
• Interpretation centers at Parc des Chutes-de-la-Petite-Rivière-Bostonnais
• The Seignorial Estate Sainte-Anne in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade

Where to eat in Mauricie: local restaurants, microbreweries, fine dining?

There’s something for every palate! Enjoy fine local cuisine at Auberge Saint-Mathieu, a craft beer at Le Trou du Diable Broue Pub & Resto, or a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River at Rouge Vin. Discover Mauricie’s many delicious attractions in the Where to Eat section of the Tourisme Mauricie website.

What types of accommodations are available?

Hotels, inns, cottages, outfitters, campgrounds — you’ll be spoiled for choice! Explore the Where to Sleep section on the Tourisme Mauricie website to find your perfect cozy spot.

How can I get involved in the local community?

Community development corporations (CDCs) and volunteer centers in each city or RCM are your gateway to volunteering! Find them in our immigration resource directory under the section « M’intégrer à la vie collective ».

Where does the region’s name come from?

The term Mauricie (named after the Saint-Maurice River) was first used in 1933 by Monsignor Albert Tessier to describe the area between Trois-Rivières and Lac-Saint-Jean. Before that, it was simply called the Saint-Maurice Valley.

Until 1977, the region was known as Mauricie–Bois-Francs, which also included what is now the Centre-du-Québec region.

Where does the Saint-Maurice River get its name?

Originally, the river was called Métabéroutin, an Algonquin word meaning “discharge of the wind.” The Abenaki called it Madôbaladenitekw, while the Atikamekw and Wendat nations referred to it as Tapiskwan and Oquintondili, respectively.

From the European side, Jacques Cartier initially named it « Fouez ». The official reason remains unknown, but it may be linked to the Foix family or an old spelling of the word « faith (foi) ». This name was later replaced by « 3 Rivieres » at the end of the 16th century, and eventually by Saint-Maurice around the 1730s–1740s. The final name was given in honor of Maurice Poulin de La Fontaine, a government prosecutor in Trois-Rivières.