(17/12/2010) La Mauricie National Park Opens This Weekend

SHAWINIGAN (QC), December 16, 2010 – With the precipitations of the last few weeks, the trails at La Mauricie National Park of Canada are in excellent condition to receive winter sports buffs. Whether they come on foot, snowshoe or cross-country skis, citizens are invited to take advantage of the park beginning this weekend.

There are some new developments at the park this year. An intermediate level snowshoe trail, the Lac Solitaire trail, is now open (6.5 km divided between two loops). This new trail is certain to become one of the most popular ones in the park, featuring a dozen lookouts with stunning views out over the surrounding lakes and forests. The head of the trail is located only a stone’s throw from the Rivière-à-la-Pê che service building.

The multiservice building recently inaugurated in the Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector now enables cross-country skiers and snowshoers to enjoy high-quality services during their visit to the park. As the result of an expansion project made possible under Canada' s Economic Action Plan, the building now feature s improved ski-waxing facilities, secure changing rooms with showers, a more spacious dining room, and a lounge equipped with sofas and a stone fireplace. Don’t miss the second edition of the Défi Nordique Géo Plein Air at La Mauricie National Park on March 5 and 6, 2011. It’s a cross-country skiing event held on three superb courses, along with a snowshoeing race offered in combination with a geocaching activity. This year, a new activity has been added – the “Nature sauvage” treasure hunt (on snowshoes), conducted by La Mauricie Park’s naturalists. For additional information, please visit the event Website at www.definordique.com (in French only).

La Mauricie National Park of Canada

For 40 years now, La Mauricie National Park of Canada has been a protected natural area that offers today’s Canadians and future generations memorable recreational and educational experiences. It is part of Parks Canada’s service of national parks and national historic sites. In 2011, Parks Canada will be proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary as the world’s first official service of national parks.

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Information:

Valérie Therrien – Parks Canada
Manager, External Relations
La Mauricie Field Unit
Parks Canada
819-536-2638, ext. 224
Cell.: 819-852-1479
Valérie.therrien@pc.gc.ca