One of our favorite activities is canoe camping. While we often visit Frontenac National Park (read about our island camping here), this time, we decided to explore La Mauricie National Park. Our previous visit to this park was in the spring a few years ago (details here). This time, along with enjoying the serene environment, we aimed to try our luck at fishing.
Arrival at La Mauricie National Park
Canadian parks are known for being well-organized, and La Mauricie National Park is no different. At the Visitor’s Center, we talked with a park representative about the wildlife we might see and got our fishing permit for the next day.
After finishing the paperwork, we began our canoe camping adventure. Packing our baidarka has become easy for us, but just as we were about to start, I saw something move in the grass.
Thankfully, Quebec doesn’t have venomous snakes, so after a quick photo, we paddled towards our campsite.
As we got closer, we saw another canoe. To our surprise, the voices we heard were from our neighbors back home! Meeting them in such a big park was very much unexpected.
Canoe Camping Experience
We set up our tent, unpacked, and put up a rain shelter. The first night was supposed to be quiet and dry. However, the peacefulness was soon broken by the haunting call of a loon from the lake, a sound that is both powerful and mesmerizing.
Fishing Day in La Mauricie National Park
The next morning started with a peaceful coffee by the calm lake.
After a tasty breakfast, we quickly got ready for fishing. Despite the depth of the lake and the calm water, we didn’t catch anything. We paddled to the other side of the lake, casting lines as we went, but still no bites. High steep rocks and waterfalls on the other side offered stunning views.
With no luck, we decided to explore l’Île-Aux-Pins, hoping for better fishing chances. Even though we paddled for hours, we didn’t catch any fish but enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of Lake Wapizagonke.
Meeting The Inspector
While enjoying dinner and a campfire with our neighbors, we noticed movement near the shore. An audacious duck, whom we called “The Inspector,” demanded food in its loud, ducky manner. After inspecting our campsite thoroughly and finding nothing of interest, The Inspector left.
As the weather turned cloudy, signaling rain for the night, we caught a few bars of cellular connection to check the forecast. It is uncommon to have a cellular connection in the parks, so we were very much surprised. After the dinner, we retreated to our tents as the rain began. The sound of raindrops on the tent lulling us to sleep.
Final Thoughts on Canoe Camping in La Mauricie National Park
Was it worth it? Absolutely! Canoe camping in La Mauricie National Park offers a unique and rewarding experience, and we highly recommend it to anyone interested in camping. You likely already have most of the necessary equipment, and canoes and safety gear are usually available for rent.
If you’re still unsure or prefer visual details, check out our video on the Adventurion YouTube channel. See you there!
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