For the first evening, do not miss this Shawinigan institution that is the Trou du Diable. Even if you are not a beer lover at heart, you will find what you are looking for. Try the Snake Bite, a mix of black beer and cider! Otherwise, let the staff guide you. It’s also a great place to have dinner for the solo traveler that you are, because you can easily make lots of new friends.

Saturday morning, it’s breakfast time! Let’s start with my favorite of the past few months, Le Grille-Pain du Coin bakery. It opens early enough to go there before starting the day, and what a joy to bite into their almond croissant, or their maple and pecan brioche… Not to forget their delicious bread! My mouth is watering just talking about it!

Then, stop at the Almaville Belvedere located above the Comfort Inn hotel and take in the view on the Parc des Chutes. I even advise you to park in this park, walk to the belvedere and then reach the Ile Melville by taking the footbridge that spans Melville Avenue. A nice walk near our city center!

Take advantage of the oyster season at M-A Poissonnerie at the public market (personally, I have a preference for the ‘caribou’ type of oyster, but ask them for advice based on your taste!). And if you’re more the type to wonder how you can eat such a mollusk, don’t worry, the shop has plenty of other seafood products for you to discover.

I find that fall is the ideal season to make your interior more inviting, change some fabrics and decorative items. If you think the same thing, go to Tissus Berthiaume, it’s a real Ali-Baba’s cave, especially since they expanded their store. Even if you are not good with a needle, and if a sewing machine is a mystery to you, go and have a look, you will be surprised at the treasures you can find there.

For dinner, head to the Saint-Mo restaurant, in downtown Shawinigan, a restaurant that offers a relaxed atmosphere and nice dishes. If I were you, I’d save a little room for their fried ice cream scoop for dessert…

On Sunday morning, let’s go back to the public market for a good coffee! At the Brulerie Saint-Maurice, you can drink an excellent coffee at the counter, roasted on site and ideal for warming up when the gray weather sets in. Let your tastebuds travel with coffee beans harvested in Kenya, Peru or elsewhere. They have an excellent selection of teas and herbal teas as well!

Are you ready for a challenge on this beautiful fall afternoon? Set off to tackle the 149 steps of the Parc des Papetiers tower in the Grand-Mère sector. The view is so rewarding! Wait for the fall colors to be at their best, and you will have one of the most beautiful views that the Mauricie can offer you. On your way back down, stop on a deck chair in the park, and gaze at the majestic Saint-Maurice River.

Don’t forget to bring a hot drink with you, or a snack to have at the end of the afternoon… The restaurant Olivia – Table Gourmande has a bakery, and is only a few minutes away by car from the the Parc des Papetiers. They sell delicious pastries and bread.