It’s the smell of nature only 15 minutes from downtown Shawinigan and a beautiful lake for water sports. In the fall, St-Gérard-des-Laurentides’s panorama offers you sunsets and colorful mountains, living up to the reputation of La Mauricie National Park. My swimming spot!

Watch the sun rising on Saint-Jean-des-Piles’ dock, get a coffee at the Bistro Le 2800 and go on an adventure. Take the route leading to Ste-Flore and all of Shawinigan’s sceneries will be there for you to take in. The La Mauricie National Park tour is a must, even on rainy days.

Shawi, it’s a city deeply rooted in its nature. This is my outdoors favorite spot. It’s a must no matter the season, with or without crampons, after work, with family or when you are looking for a challenge.

My breakfast spot. The freshness of the products and the atmosphere make it the best restaurant to start the day, or to finish it with a table d’hôte and a great choice of beers. For electric cars drivers like me, there are even 2 free charging stations.

If the smell of coffee hits your nostrils while you’re strolling down the kiosks of the Marché public de Shawinigan, it’s because of this coffee shop. Jacques and his team offer 41 choices of coffee and tens of tea varieties, which will make you spend more than a weekend in Shawi. This is THE essential stop before going to the campground or for a tasty espresso.

Shawi rimes with culture. After a visit at la Cité de l’énergie, you have to live the karaoke experience at Le Farfelu Bistro-Pub. If you are more of the firepit musician type, between 2 shows and a broken guitar string, there is a solution… Shawinigan Musique et Musique GN, two music stores offering competitive prices.