Celebrate Canada Day With Parks Canada in Mauricie
News release
June 28, 2019 Shawinigan, Québec Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada is pleased to welcome visitors to celebrate Canada Day by discovering nature at La Mauricie National Park or connecting with history at the Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site. Admission is free, and there will be a variety of special events. It is sure to be an unforgettable day that will please every age!
Canada’s national parks and marine conservation areas are gateways to discovering and connecting with nature. La Mauricie National Park’s majestic Wapizagonke Lake will be featured. From the beaches of the Esker Picnic Area, visitors are invited to participate in an introductory dragon boat activity in collaboration with 3R Dragon. No registration or equipment needed, just plenty of energy! You can even try a self-guided Aqua Trek tour. Using the booklets available near the boat rentals at the Shewenegan Picnic Area, visitors can discover a piece of Wapizagonke Lake’s history and its incredible variety of habitats. Finally, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., still at the Shewenegan picnic area, naturalists will be challenging children aged 5 to 11 years old as part of the Brain Teasers activities, including the new toddler parade. The Esker and Shewenegan Picnic Areas are only accessible through the Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc entrance.
Located in every province and territory, Parks Canada’s 171 national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. Special family-friendly activities will be offered throughout the afternoon at the Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site. Visitors are invited to the blast furnace for a demonstration of the large wheel and lively workshops. In addition to participating in a rally, children can enjoy their visits by accomplishing missions with the Parks Canada Xplorers booklet.
No birthday is complete without cake. As is customary, Canada Day cakes will be offered at La Mauricie National Park and Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site. Visitors are encouraged to check with our staff upon arrival. Please note that quantities are limited.
Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful experiences. Developing new and innovative programs and services enables more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment and history.
With a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, families and groups have unlimited opportunities to visit our incredible national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas throughout the year. Parks Canada’s network of protected areas is a gateway to nature, history, and 450 000 km² of memories from coast to coast to coast. To have a memorable Canada Day and summer, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip by ordering the Discovery Pass and making camping reservations with the Parks Canada's online Reservation Service Website.
Quotes
“Parks Canada’s places represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. On Canada Day, admission will be free throughout our national parks and national historic sites. Parks Canada preserves these national treasures for the benefit of all Canadians. There is no better way to celebrate our beautiful country than to immerse yourself in the heart of our country’s exceptional nature and history. Happy Canada Day!”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
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With its 150 lakes, 140 kilometres of trails for hikers of all levels, and several outdoor accommodations, La Mauricie National Park is a national treasure. On the eve of its 50th birthday, what better place to connect with nature?
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La Mauricie National Park benefits from an infrastructure investment program, unprecedented since its creation. For the 2019 summer season, a section of the Parkway is closed, preventing crossing from one park entrance to the other. We encourage guests to carefully plan their visit and check which entrance to use.
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The Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site is open daily from June 22 to September 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site invites visitors to be inspired by the Site’s magic and write a message on the ribbon that will float above the blast furnace structure before heading to the Trois-Rivières downtown area for the Trois-Rivières International Poetry Festival from October 4 to 13.
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The Government of Canada is pleased to continue to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under. By encouraging young people to discover nature and connect with history, we can help to inspire the next generation of stewards for these protected places.
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In celebration of diversity, Parks Canada continues to offer free admission to new Canadian citizens for one year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile app. Visiting Parks Canada’s national heritage places is a great way for Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage.
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The latest Parks Canada’s app update makes trip planning for Parks Canada’s locations across the country even easier for first time visitors. Visitors can now find Learn-to Camp content in the app and can obtain information on proper camping equipment, tips, and recipes. Visitors can even plan their entire trip itinerary and create a camping checklist.
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Visitor safety is important to Parks Canada. Visitors can do their part by getting informed and being prepared by planning an activity and sharing that information with a friend or family before they begin. Learn about the wildlife in the park/site you will be visiting to help us keep wildlife wild by checking out our top ten tips: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/faune-wildlife.
Associated links
Contacts
Julie Dumont (must be a contact person of the ER team)
Public Relation and Communications Officer, Mauricie and Western Quebec Field Unit
819-247-3710
Julie.dumont2@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca