Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc is the village approach to the southwest side of La Mauricie National Park. From here, Chemin Saint-Francois leads toward the park's lakes, forest roads, canoe routes, and trailheads.
The park itself is the major landscape draw, with more than 150 lakes and a shield-country mix of forest, water, and rocky hills. Treat this entry as the practical Saint-Mathieu anchor; the deeper park experience needs its own planning, especially outside summer.