# Trois-Rives

Trois-Rives is a forest and resort town in the Middle-Mauricie region located in the Laurentian Shield, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, in the regional county municipality of Mékinac. This municipality has a territory of 651 km$^2$ (251 sq mi) where 396 inhabitants reside.
The municipality of Trois-Rives is crossed in its western part by the Saint-Maurice River which is 50 km on the east shore and 54 km on west shore. The territory of the East shore of Saint-Maurice River is divided by the Mékinac River. This municipality has known several eras of economic activities derived from the forestry industry, agriculture and recreational tourism activities.

## Understand
### Economy

In Trois-Rives, the logging industry has been dominant in local history.
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, nautical activities, camping, hiking, etc.)
The main centers of attraction of Trois-Rives for recreational tourism activities are: Lake Mékinac, Lake Missionary, the valley of the Saint-Maurice river and the area west of Saint-Maurice (Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice, Zec du Chapeau-de-Paille and Zec du Gros-Brochet).

### History

In 1972, the municipality was incorporated and designated under the toponym "Boucher", in order to harmonize with the geographical township of "Boucher", constituted by proclamation on June 4, 1875 and which is integrated into this municipal territory. This toponym was chosen in honor of Pierre Boucher, former French governor of Trois-Rivières and owner of the seigneuries Boucher and Boucherville at the end of 17th century. However, the municipal incorporation was only formalized in 1978. Finally in 1998, the municipality was renamed "Trois-Rives".
The Matawin Bridge, spanning the Saint-Maurice River, was erected in 1993; it thus replaced the old ferry and the ice bridge (in winter). It thus provides easier access to the ZEC du Chapeau-de-Paille and the Saint-Maurice wildlife reserve.

### Geography

The Saint-Maurice River has its source at Gouin Reservoir, in Haute-Mauricie. It flows on 560 km (350 mi) in a north-south direction and displays a drop of 40 m (130 ft).

## Get in

The village of Trois-Rives is accessible by road, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. However, the eastern part of the territory of Trois-Rives is accessible by the Via Rail Canada passenger train which passes near the western limit of the ZEC Tawachiche, on the eastern side of Lake Mékinac.

### By car

* From Montreal (km|215}}. Time: 2 hr 29 min. Take highway 40 (north shore) eastbound, to Trois-Rivières; take highway 55 (northbound) to Grand-Mère, which becomes route 155 and cross the Saint-Maurice river bridge; take road 155 (northbound), crossing the villages of Grandes-Piles and Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac; take Chemin St-Joseph (northbound).
* From Quebec City (163 km (101 mi). Time: 2 hr 4 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 and Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac; take Chemin St-Joseph (northbound).

## Get around

* 46.9204-72.69281 Borne véhicule électrique - Coopérative de solidarité Trois-Rives (Electric vehicle terminal - Trois-Rives solidarity cooperative), 590, chemin St-Joseph (secteur Saint-Joseph-de-Mékinac), ☏ +1 819-646-5522. Charging station for electric vehicle batteries. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.89939-72.927492 Libre-service Mattawin inc, 3902, route 155, ☏ +1 819-646-5753. Gas station. (updated Oct 2021)

## See

* 46.91997-72.919971 Église de Saint-Joseph-de-Mékinac (Church of Saint-Joseph-de-Mékinac), 500, chemin St-Joseph. Catholic church constructed some time between 1888 and 1894. (updated Oct 2021)
* Belvédère du Cap Rouge (Cap Rouge belvedere) (take Chemin du Lac-Mékinac from Chemin Saint-Joseph to the bridge (6.5 km) that you cross; travel 8 km to the site parking lot). Splendid panorama on Lake Mékinac, on the western shore of the lake, about 2 km south of Cap Gris. Picnic table in the wilderness. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.97566-72.654292 Barrage Mékinac, Lake Mékinac (at the mouth) (take the road to Lac du Missionionnaire.). Dam of 122 m (400 ft) in length by 6.75 m (22.1 ft) in height, built in 2011, creating a reservoir of 2,297 hectares (5,680 acres) for a catchment area of 877.5 km$^2$ (338.8 sq mi). Dam built by Hydro-Québec and used for hydroelectricity. (updated Oct 2021)

## Do

* 46.90005-72.928451 Centre d'aventure Mattawin (Mattawin Adventure Center), 3911, route 155, ☏ +1 819-646-9006, +1-800-815-7238. Located along the Saint-Maurice river. Rafting, kayaking, kayaraft, canyoning, multi-activities, snowmobiling, dog sledding. free. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.88547-72.915412 Rivière-Concept, 3775, route 155 (former reception center of the Saint-Maurice Wildlife Reserve), ☏ +1 819-989-3496. Rivière-Concept offers various all-inclusive sports and outdoor activity packages: cataraft, packraft and paddle board (in white water!) Experienced guides accompany participants to activities on the river. free. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.09561-72.918133 Passion Escalade (Passion for climbing), 5112, route 155, ☏ +1 819-690-0199, info@passionescalade.com. With 30 years of experience, Passion Escalade offers activities and training in outdoor climbing with the support of experienced guides certified by the FQME (Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l'escalade). Passion Escalade acquired a property covering more than 12,000 m$^2$ (130,000 ft²) in Trois-Rives, which has a wall 400 m (1,300 ft) long and height varying from 15 m (49 ft) to 70 m (230 ft). This site also includes a 3-bedroom gîte and a campsite with ten sites! free. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.9-72.928414 Club de motoneige Mattawin (Mattawin Snowmobile Club), 3911, route 155, ☏ +1 819-533-0052, communiques@hotelsmarineau.com. This club establishes snowmobile trails and takes care of their maintenance. It administers the rights of access to the trails, informs its members in particular of current events and safety instructions. It helps its members to travel across Quebec by practicing this sport and by organizing excursions. This club is affiliated with the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ). free. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.96861-72.922265 Galeox Univers, 1150, chemin des Bêtes Puantes, T.N.O., ☏ +1 819-801-8773. Dog sledding, equestrian camping, hebertism trail, micro-farm. free. (updated Oct 2021)

### Events

* 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. Early 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)

### Boating

* 46.87-72.49186 Rampe de mise à l'eau Lac Mékinac (communautaire) (Lac Mékinac boat launch (community)), 31, chemin du Lac-du-Missionnaire (on the site of the Mis-Mek campsite.), ☏ +1 819-646-5442. free. (updated Oct 2021)
* Lake Missionary boat launch, chemin du Lac-du-Missionnaire. free. (updated Oct 2021)

### Scenic routes

* Road from Lac-Édouard to Rivière-à-Pierre (from the village of Lac-Édouard). Duration of 2 hr 38 min on a route of 112 km. The forest and sometimes winding route between the village of Lac-Édouard and the village of Rivière-à-Pierre, brings back memories of the great epic of logging, the railway and navigation in Batiscania: roads of ice, log drive, upstream of the river with hordes of hundreds of horses and their sledges bound for the forest sites, the flotation of logs going down the current. From the village of Lac-Édouard, travellers take the rue Damasse, passes over the bridge spanning the Batiscan River, runs along the southeast shore of Lake Édouard, passes through the Judith-De Brésoles Ecological Reserve, passes through the Zec Jeannotte, approaches the course of the Batiscan River and the road iron, to a bridge spanning the Batiscan River. From there, travellers cross the Portneuf Wildlife Reserve to the village of Rivière-à-Pierre, where granite mining has marked local history. From there, the traveller can return via Notre-Dame-de-Montauban, Lac-aux-Sables, Sainte-Thècle, Saint-Tite, Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac and Trois-Rives. Free. (updated Oct 2021)

## Buy

* 46.92045-72.692881 Coopérative de Solidarité de Mékinac, 590, chemin St-Joseph, ☏ +1 819-646-5522. Marché Extra. Agence S.A.Q. Service de traiteur. (updated Oct 2021)

## Eat

* 46.92086-72.692931 Restaurant Le Geai Bleu, 613, chemin Saint-Joseph, ☏ +1 819-646-5152, resto_geai_bleu@hotmail.com. Specialty: Italian cuisine. Meals on site. Outdoor terrace. Orders to bring. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.06157-72.715772 Érablière du Lac (Daniel Deshais) (Sugar bush of the Lake (Daniel Deshais)), 372, chemin du Lac Mékinac, ☏ +1 819-646-5518. (updated Oct 2021)

## Sleep
### Camping

* 46.96705-72.618821 Camping Mis-Mek Communautaire (lac Mékinac), 31, chemin du Lac-du-Missionnaire, ☏ +1 819-646-5442. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.96061-72.588632 Camping du Lac-du-Missionnaire, 506, chemin du Lac-du-Missionnaire, ☏ +1 819-646-5058. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.90044-72.92833 Camping du Centre d'aventure Mattawin, 3911, route 155 (reception desk), ☏ +1 800-815-7238, +1 819-646-9006. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.88638-72.918224 Camping du Lac Normand (Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice), 3774, route 155 (reception desk of the Reserve), ☏ +1 819-646-5687. The Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice begins at the confluence of the Matawin and Saint-Maurice rivers. Campsite on the shores of Lac Normand. Main services (or rules): pets allowed, firewood, showers, ice, cabin accommodation, propane, community hall and dump station. Rental services: bicycles, boats and ready-to-camp. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.88638-72.918225 Camping Dunbar (Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice), 3774, route 155 (reception desk of the Reserve), stmaurice@sepaq.com. Main services (or rules): no drinking water, firewood, showers, chalet accommodation. Rental services: boats. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.88638-72.918226 Camping Tousignant (Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice), 3774, route 155 (reception desk of the Reserve), ☏ +1 819-646-5687, stmaurice@sepaq.com. Ten camping pitches. (updated Oct 2021)

### Chalet, gîte, inn

* 47.08697-72.921777 Chalet Bellevue, 5071, route 155, ☏ +1 514-929-9000, info@chaletsbooking.ca. 3-star chalet. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.001005-72.672818 Chalet Lac Mékinac, 448, chemin du Lac-Mékinac, ☏ +1 450-543-6971. Cottage/house with three closed bedrooms, fully equipped for four seasons, on the shores of Lake Mékinac. Capacity: maximum of ten people. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.05168-72.926219 Chalet le Mammouth, 425, chemin de l'Anse, ☏ +1 819-840-3785. Log cabin on the banks of the Saint-Maurice river. Capacity of 10 people. Equipment: barbecue, indoor spa, poker table, HD TV with DVD player, two kayaks and a canoe. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.92294-72.6880110 Domaine Le Montagnard, 3462, route 155 (Matawin), ☏ +1 819-646-5555. Log cabin. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.08968-72.9189811 Domaine Mc Cormick, 5071, route 155, ☏ +1 888-534-3833, +1 819-523-3833. Special construction based on period buildings. The site that belonged to Anne Stillman McCormick. Chalet combining the authentic charm of the place and modern comfort. Each chalet is unique. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.91812-72.6926712 La Maison de Jeanne, 235, chemin Lejeune, ☏ +1 819-668-7837, maisonjeannestjoseph@gmail.com. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.95932-72.690413 La Terre de l'ancêtre, 298, chemin de la Rivière, ☏ +1 819-646-5526. A Bed and Breakfast on the bank of the Saint-Maurice River. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.05166-72.9262714 Le Buck de l'Anse, 101, chemin de l'Anse (secteur Olscamps), lebuckdelanse@hotmail.com. Chalet located on the banks of the Saint-Maurice river. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.05166-72.9262715 Le chic Mékinac, 289, chemin du Lac-Mékinac, ☏ +1 819-692-1696. Superb fully equipped chalet on Lake Mékinac. Capacity: up to 12 people. Equipment and services: spa with superb views, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, snowmobiling, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and more. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.11654-72.9071716 Le Papillon Lune, 5227, route 155, ☏ +1 819-523-7244, papillonlune2011@hotmail.com. Modern chalet offering a superb view of the Saint-Maurice river valley. Open concept living room and kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom. TV, electric fireplace, microwave, spa, outdoor fireplace, barbecue, kayaks, bedding, towels and linen provided. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.05801-72.9255717 Le petit Cachet (47.05801), 427, chemin de l'Anse, ☏ +1 819-692-0253, chantal3rives@hotmail.com. 3-star chalet. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.04297-72.9209318 Le Rustique, 4813, route 155, ☏ +1 514-567-3473, juliethib2009@hotmail.com. 3-star chalet. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.96538-72.6043719 Les chalets Lafontaine Masse, 14, chemin Marcil, ☏ +1 819-696-6666, stevelafon777@msn.com. Four four-season chalets, on the shores of Lake Missionary. Equipment and services: canoe, rowboat, kayak, possibility of motor boat, hiking, mountain biking, hunting and fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling etc. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.1096-72.9102320 Les chalets Rémillard, 5199, route 155, ☏ +1 450-539-5074, guyremillard@live.ca. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.05165-72.9263221 Les trois petits Cochons, 423, chemin de l'Anse, ☏ +1 819-384-8383, michelheroux98@gmail.com. (updated Oct 2021)
* 46.92294-72.6880122 Location Desrosiers, 175, chemin Saint-Joseph, ☏ +1 819-646-5159, jcdesrosiers@xplornet.com. Log cabin rental on the banks of the Saint-Maurice river. Equipment: whirlpool, wood stove, fishing, hunting and cycling. (updated Oct 2021)
* 47.04295-72.9209423 O bercail du rêve, 4825, route 155, ☏ +1 819-531-1384, obercaildureve@outlook.com. 3-star chalet. (updated Oct 2021)

## Connect

* Bibliothèque municipale (Public Library) (The municipal library is located in the basement of the town hall.), ☏ +1 819-646-5686. The municipal library is affiliated with the C.R.S.B.P. for the rotation of volumes twice a year. free. (updated Oct 2021)

## Go next

* 47.66026-72.270881 La Mauricie National Park A national park of Canada 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 Réserve faunique du Saint-Maurice 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.
* 47.2963-72.08343 ZEC du Chapeau-de-Paille Controlled exploitation zone (ZEC) created in 1978 in the MRC of Mékinac, in Mauricie. This ZEC covers 1,270 km$^2$ (490 sq mi), covering the townships of Badeaux, Arcand, Seigneurie du Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Brehault, Livernois and Normand.
* 47.2963-72.08344 ZEC Tawachiche ZEC mainly in the municipality of Lac-aux-Sables (Hervey-Jonction sector), and partly in the unorganized territories of Lac-Masketsi and Lac-Lapeyère. This area is located to the south of the Zec de la Bessonne. The Tawachiche and Tawachiche Ouest rivers cross its territory. This Zec in Moyen-Mauricie is popular for recreational and tourist activities.
* 46.73-72.565 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.
* 46.8167-72.76676 Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac Municipality split in two by the Saint-Maurice river. Perched on a promontory, the village offers a panoramic view of the Saint-Maurice valley. 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 brightly coloured leaves in autumn, the valley offers a natural and magical spectacle.
* 46.8667-72.47 Lac-aux-Sables Lac-aux-Sables is an internationally renowned recreational tourism centre. Its beach, stretching for nearly 600 m, is one of the most beautiful in the Mauricie. While the Hervey-Jonction sector has a whole railway history; this sector is endowed with the ZEC Tawachiche which offers forestry activities services, in particular camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
* 46.81572-72.506168 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. 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.
* 46.69219-72.7412789 Saint-Jean-des-Piles Saint-Jean-des-Piles is located on the west bank of the Saint-Maurice river. 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.
* 46.623-72.733610 Grandes-Piles Water sports, boating, hunting & fishing are dominant thanks to the magnificent body of water formed upstream of the Grand-Mère hydroelectric dam.
* 47.4587-72.682811 La Tuque Forestry and recreational tourism (vacationing, hunting & fishing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, nautical activities, observation of flora and fauna, boating, etc.)