Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac Voyage Tips and guide

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Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac is a forest locality in the Middle-Mauricie located in the Laurentian Shield, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, in the regional county municipality of Mékinac, in Mauricie, in Quebec. Along the east bank of the Saint-Maurice River, the breathtaking cliffs are admired by tourists, boaters and motorists. When the forests are adorned with leaves of leaves in warm colors in autumn, the valley offers a natural and magical spectacle.

This municipality has a territory of 155.5 square kilometres (60.0 sq mi) where 438 inhabitants reside.

The municipality is split into two by the Saint-Maurice river. Its economy is supported by the forestry industry and recreational tourism activities.

In Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, the lumber industry has been dominant in local history. Excluding the current Arbec sawmill, there are eight sawmills in local history: Moulin JA Rouleau, Moulin Georges Vaugeois Fils, Moulin Michel Matthieu, Scierie GL, Moulin Clément Trudel, Moulin Camille Mongrain, Moulin Groleau & Fils and the sawmill Gérard Crête & Fils.

Route 155 linking Grand-Mère to La Tuque generates significant traffic, especially in summer. Consequently, jobs are turning to the offer of recreational tourism activities (vacationing, hunting & fishing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, swimming, camping, etc.).

Bishop F.-X. Laflèche, bishop of the diocese of Trois-Rivières, visited on August 16, 1887, the site of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac. The canonical erection took place on August 5, 1905. The civil erection was promulgated in 1905 by detaching part of the territory of Saint-Jean-des-Piles. The territory of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac covers part of the former seigneury of Batiscan and the canton of Radnor. The first settlers' settlements date from 1880. According to the 1887 accounts of Father Napoléon Caron, a great 19th-century traveller in remote corners of the Mauricie, the Mékinac mission already numbered 131 souls and 25 families, including three heads of family designated farmer.

The locality of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac proved to be a relay station for the transport of provisions and goods on human backs. The first boarding house in the village was near the mouth of the Mékinac river (it is now Auberge Mékinac). In the past, the Saint-Maurice River was the only outward traffic route. Nevertheless, the development at the end of the 19th century of the road between Saint-Tite and Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac generated access to the capital of the region, namely Saint-Tite.

The village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac is located on the east side of the Saint-Maurice River, facing the Mauricie National Park, and facing Île du Nord and Île aux Pins. Route 159 (linking Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac to Saint-Tite) contributed to the economic development of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac.

Being located on a promontory, the current village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac offers a panoramic view of the Saint-Maurice valley. The old village site has been submerged since the construction of the Grand-Mère hydroelectric dam (1914-1916).

The Saint-Maurice River's source is the Gouin Reservoir in Haute-Mauricie. It flows 560 km (350 mi) in a north-south direction and drops 405 m (1,329 ft).

The village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac is accessible by road, snowmobile, all terrain vehicles or by river.

• From Montreal (200 km (120 mi). Time: 2 hr 15 min. take highway 40 (north shore) eastbound, to Trois-Rivières; take highway 55 (northbound) to Grand-Mère, which becomes route 155 and then cross the Saint-Maurice river bridge; take road 155, to the village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac.
• From Quebec City (145 km (90 mi). Time: 1 hr 50 min. Take highway 40 west ; take road 359 (northbound) passing through the village of Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes, then Lac-à-la-Tortue; then take route 153 (eastbound); take road 155 (northbound), crossing the villages of Grandes-Piles up to the village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac.

• 46.78672-72.784091 Bornes de recharge - Camping Marina Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, 501, route Ducharme (route 155). Charging stations installed on the site of the municipal campsite and marina. (updated Oct 2021)

• 46.84182-72.761551 Parc du Moulin (Church of Saint-Joseph-de-Mékinac). Park located between the east bank of the Saint-Maurice river and the Ducharme road (route 155), that is to say north of the village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac. (updated Oct 2021)

• 46.78666-72.783641 Marina municipale de Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac (Municipal marina of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac), 501, rue Ducharme, ☏ +1 819-646-5500. Rental service for water sports equipment. free. (updated Oct 2021)

• Route panoramique Saint-Tite-Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac (Panoramic road Saint-Tite-Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac) (from the intersection of route 153 and route 159 in Saint-Tite). 14:00. From the intersection of routes 153 and 159, west of the village of Saint-Tite, take Chemin du Haut du Lac Sud (north-west). Visitors then walk along the meandering part of the Rivière des Envies, that is to say the old Kapibouska lake which flooded this area because of beaver dams, until the end of the 19th century. Visitors can make a stop (by appointment at +1 418-365-6728) at the "Musée Souvenirs d'autrefois" (museum memories of yesteryear), 240, route 159 (Haut du Lac Sud), Saint-Tite. Then the road spans the Mékinac du Sud River (starting at Tavibois, Hérouxville), then the Mékinac du Nord river. After the agricultural zone, the resort has developed along the Mékinac du Nord river which originates at Lake Roberge, in the municipality of Grandes-Piles. On Chemin Petite Mékinac, visitors then walk along the magnificent Lac Roberge, whose mountains opposite reach 417 m. This lake receives the Castor river (coming from Saint-Thècle) and the discharge of the second Roberge lake. The mountainous and forest scenery of this wild and encaved valley is splendid, particularly in the season of colorful trees. Visitors then cross the intersection of Chemin du lac Fontaine (resort lake); this road joins Chemin Joseph St-Amand in Sainte-Thècle and Lac du Jésuite (resort lake). Opposite this intersection, it is the start of Chemin du lac des îles and very close to Chemin du Lac Clair. The national trail arrives in this area at Route 159. Continuing on Route 159, visitors enter Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac and follow Second Lac Roberge and Lac Méduse. Finally, visitors arrive at the village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac (after a drive of 19 km (12 mi)) which was rebuilt on the promontory after the construction of the Grand-Mère dam which flooded the site of the old village. Visitors can return via Grandes-Piles and admire the panorama of the valley of the Saint-Maurice river. free. (updated Oct 2021)
• Route panoramique Grandes-Piles-Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac (Grandes-Piles-Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac panoramic road) (from the intersection of route 153 and route 159 in Saint-Tite). 11:00. From the village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, take route 155 (southbound), to appreciate the valley of the Saint-Maurice river, forming a large body of water between the mountains. Seen from Route 155, the mountainsides have a grandiose character. From Ricard Bay (south of the village), the Precambrian mountains covered with boreal forests rival the mountainous terrain of La Mauricie National Park, located on the other side of the Saint-Maurice River. Visitors observe a marsh area, between Trou à Barbotte and Trou aux Épinettes, on the banks of the Saint-Maurice River. The roadside rest area serving the hikers of the pedestrian paths deserves to make a picnic there; and to venture out on the trails. The mountain cliff becomes more and more grandiose as it approaches Abraham Creek which empties at Pointe à la Mine. Visitors can see opposite on the other shore, the village of Saint-Jean-des-Piles (merged with Shawinigan). Finally, visitors arrive at the recreational tourism village of Grandes-Piles (after a drive of 16 km) where recreational boating is highly developed. free. (updated Oct 2021)

• Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie (Mauricie International Canoe Classic), 253, 3e rue de la Pointe, C.P. 1, suite 207, Shawinigan, ☏ +1 819-537-9221. First weekend in September. Since 1934, this canoe classic has gained international fame. This classic includes a series of sporting (over 200 km, in three stages between La Tuque and Trois-Rivières) and cultural events. About 70,000 visitors attend all stages of the canoe race and events. free. (updated Oct 2021)

There are no restaurants in Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac. Saint-Tite, which is 19 km southeast on Route 159, has several to choose from.

• 46.78666-72.783641 Camping municipal et Marina Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, 501, route Ducharme, ☏ +1 819-646-5500, +1 819-646-4635, [email protected]. Campsite offering 200 sites fitted out for tents, trailers, fifth-wheelers or motorized vehicles. Located along the Saint-Maurice river. (updated Oct 2021)

Although located in the municipality of Trois-Rives, this accommodation is only accessible via Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac.

• 46.90727-72.80022 Domaine Batchelder, chemin du domaine Bachelder, Trois-Rives (road at km 32 of route 155), ☏ +1 819-531-1057. Outfitter offering eight private cabins with a capacity of 2 to 8 people, and a community chalet with a capacity of 25 people. Vacationers can fish for speckled trout on 10 lakes; boats provided. Main activities: bow and firearm hunting, hiking, mountain biking, water sports, canoeing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. (updated Oct 2021)

• 46.8495-72.760633 Chalet la Sainte-Paix, chalet le St-Roch, 2321, route Ducharme (route 155), ☏ +1 819-386-5304, [email protected]. Chalet located in front of the Saint-Maurice river. (updated Oct 2021)
• 46.85611-72.770844 Chalet Le Repère, 2565, route Ducharme, ☏ +1 418-931-0107, [email protected]. Luxury chalet located by the river, facing the Parc de la Mauricie. Private dock. Landing stage nearby. Kayak provided. Water activities. Capacity: up to 12 people. (updated Oct 2021)
• 46.80967-72.770485 Chez la famille Mongrain, 1126, rue Principale, ☏ +1 438-877-0503, [email protected]. Century house in the village of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac. Large terrace, outdoor furniture, bar and kitchen with barbecue (gas or briquette). (updated Oct 2021)
• 46.82763-72.765016 Gîte de la Maison sous les arbres (Cottage of the House under the trees), 1650, route 155, ☏ +1 514-929-1674, +1 819-247-0377, [email protected]. Chalet facing the Saint-Maurice river near hiking, ATV and snowmobile trails. (updated Oct 2021)
• 46.83516-72.762817 Hébergement de la montagne St-Roch, 1800, route Ducharme (route 155), ☏ +1 819-697-1575. Located in front of the Saint-Maurice river. Stay in a tipi, a rustic cabin, a yurt or a prospector's tent. Community room. (updated Oct 2021)
• 46.81566-72.770438 Le Grand Bord de l'eau, 1675, chemin du Val-Mékinac, ☏ +1 514-755-1179. Located in front of the Saint-Maurice river, with terrace and floating dock for the docking of pleasure craft. Capacity: up to six people. Two river kayaks included. Several islands and sandy beaches all along the river. (updated Oct 2021)
• Le Panorama, Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, ☏ +1 819-696-2210, [email protected]. Chalet located on the edge of the Saint-Maurice River facing the Mauricie National Park. Capacity: up to eight people, including three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, two living rooms, a bar and two terraces. (updated Oct 2021)

• 46.73351-72.759132 Rampe de mise à l'eau d'embarcations de plaisance (Pleasure craft launching ramp), 501, route Ducharme (route 155), ☏ +1 819-646-5500, +1 819-646-5504, [email protected]. free. (updated Oct 2021)
• 46.8112-72.769643 Bibliothèque municipale, 1216 rue Principale, ☏ +1 819-646-5635. Municipal library. (updated Oct 2021)

• 47.66026-72.270881 La Mauricie National Park Parc national de la Mauricie is a national park of Canada in Moyen-Mauricie, on the west shore of the Saint-Maurice River and in the northern part of the city of Shawinigan. Its mission to protect a representative sample of the Laurentians.
• 46.7963-72.96682 Saint-Maurice Wildlife Reserve The Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice is a park administered by Sépaq on the west bank of the Saint-Maurice river and north of the Matawin river. This park offers chalet rental, small game hunting, fishing, camping and ready-to-camp services. The main entrance is the Mékinac bridge which spans the Saint-Maurice river.
• 47.0144-72.73143 Trois-Rives Since 1972, the municipality of Trois-Rives (formerly designated "Municipalité Boucher" has five hamlets or villages: Saint-Joseph-de-Mékinac, Rivière-Matawin, Olscamps, Grande-Anse and part of Rivière-aux-Rats. Sa economic vocation is focused on forestry, agriculture and recreational tourism activities (vacationing, hunting & fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, mountain biking, etc.). The bridge erected at Matawin (over the Saint-Maurice river) gives privileged access to the Zec du Chapeau- de-Paille and the Saint-Maurice wildlife reserve.
• 46.73-72.564 Festival Western de Saint-Tite Western-style festival that takes place annually over ten days, from the second weekend to the third weekend in September. He has international fame.
• 46.6739-72.56885 Saint-Tite The city of Saint-Tite is the capital of the MRC de Mékinac. Its eeconomy is focused on public services, on the leather industry, agriculture, forestry. and recreational tourism activities (vacation, Western festival, hunting & fishing, swimming, etc.)
• 46.84-72.586 Sainte-Thècle Sainte-Thècle is a picturesque village established at the end of the 19th century. Saint-Jean Park on the shore of Lac Croche in the heart of the village of Sainte-Thècle is a centre of recreational and tourist activities for vacationers, residents and vacationers. It has a beach, a playground and a kiosk on the peninsula. The Laurent Naud promenade on the shores of Lac Croche, along rue Lacordaire, presents an enchanting setting with magnificent floral arrangements and trees. The cemetery above with a magnificent Calvary and a Stations of the Cross carved in stone are worth a visit.
• 46.6079-72.61837 Hérouxville Located in Moyen-Mauricie, Hérouxville is the gateway to the MRC de Mékinac. Thanks to route 153, Hérouxville is located on the road leading to the Festival Western de Saint-Tite. Hérouxville stands out particularly thanks to the Tavibois domain (belonging to the Filles de Jésus community - Daughters of Jesus community) and the Val Notre-Dame summer camp. Recreational tourism activities constitute a part of the local economy.
• 46.5522-72.63478 Lac-à-la-Tortue Recreational tourism activities (vacationing, boating, nautical activities, seaplanes) are the main economic activity in the sector. This lake is the oldest civilian seaplane base in Canada; the licensed airmen having arrived there in 1919, immediately after the First World War. A mine was in operation there from 1879; mining deposits are now exhausted.
• 46.69219-72.7412789 Saint-Jean-des-Piles Saint-Jean-des-Piles is located on the west bank of the Saint-Maurice river. It is an essential stopover for boaters who enjoy the magnificent body of water formed by the hydro-electric dam at Grand-Mère. Recreational tourism activities (vacationing, boating, hunting & fishing, nautical activities) are popular in the summer season, particularly because of the proximity of the Mauricie National Park, the marina on the Saint-Maurice and its wild nature, but close to the services of the big city. In 1996, the cessation of the transport of wood by flotation on the Saint-Maurice generated an upsurge in recreotourism activities.
• 46.623-72.733610 Grandes-Piles Located in the canton of Radnor, the village of Grandes-Piles is located on a cliff overlooking the Saint-Maurice River, facing the village of Saint-Jean-des-Piles which is on the west side. Grande-Piles was an important centre for collecting wood transported on the Saint-Maurice River by flotation. In 1878, the first sawmill was established in the village, leading to an industrial boom leading to the construction of the Piles railway. Today, recreational tourism activities (vacationing, water sports, boating, hunting & fishing) are dominant thanks to the magnificent body of water formed upstream of the Grand-Mère hydroelectric dam.