La Mauricie National Park

[bballboy30]

Has anyone been to La Mauricie National Park in Quebec, Canada? If so, what wildlife did you see and when and where did you see it?

Thanks.
Alex

[IanD]

Alex,
La Maurice is one of the most beautiful parks in central Quebec. There are a lot of moose within the boundaries of the park as well as deer in the southern section. Red fox throughout and in the northern sections, wolves can been see but are rare. When are you planning on going and where will you start from?

[bballboy30]

I am staying in Magog for a week and am hoping to visit La Maurice for a day or two. I have done some research on parks in Montreal and I think that this park is the closest place to Magog where I can photograph wildlife (moose, bear, fox ect.). If you know of any other places please tell me.

Also, is this park anything like Yellowstone, in that you just drive around and look for animals. If so, where are the best areas/roads to see wildlife (esp. moose, bear, fox, and other large mammals)? If not what is this park like? Is it mostly hiking? Can you tell me some good hikes to see wildlife?

Thanks for all your help. :)

[IanD]

You are a fair drive to La Maurice from Magog. In reality, you are on the South side of the St Lawrence River and the park is on the North side. You would have to drive back to Montreal and cross over to the North side and then drive back East to Trois Rivieres and then North to the park. You are talking in the neighbourhood of 3-4 hours, depending upon the traffic.
La Maurice is not really like Yellowstone. THe main road through it is the connection from Trois Rivieres to La Tuque to Chicoutimi. There are hundreds of smaller side roads, both paved and hardpack dirt that branch off from the main. The La Tuque area would be your best bet for moose and bear. If you see large road side signs warning of moose crossings, believe them. Moose/car incidents are very high in the park. You can stop just about anywhere along the roads and gt out and hike but beware of our little Black Fly friends. They have wicked bites. A can of Deep Woods Off is highly recommended.
If you are looking for deer, the Magog area is overly crowded with them. Moose and bear will dictate that you head North. My favotire park for both species is Parc Des Laurentides, between Quebec City and Chicoutimi. Again, there is a main road that travels North/South and hundreds of off shoot roads. Again, you would have to hook up to Highway 20 to Quebec City and then North on 70, a good 3-4 hour drive from Magog.
Enjoy your stay in La Belle Provience!