Waber Falls in La Mauricie National Park: Complete Guide

Waber Falls at a Glance

• Location: La Mauricie National Park (Québec), Rivière-à-la-Pêche sector or Saint-Mathieu entrance
• Access: Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard via Lake Wapizagonke
• Distance (round trip): 9.2 km (5.7 miles) paddling + 8 km (5 miles) hiking
• Duration: 6 to 8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Boat rentals: Available inside the park, booking recommended

Where Are Waber Falls and How Do You Get There?

Waber Falls are located in La Mauricie National Park, a two-hour drive from Montreal and Quebec City.

The starting point is the Wapizagonke picnic area, on the lake of the same name, where you will also find a boat and equipment rental center.

The park has two main entrances: Saint-Mathieu and Saint-Jean-des-Piles. For this excursion, we recommend using the Saint-Mathieu entrance. The two access points are 64 km apart via Promenade Road. It is therefore best to choose the right entrance from the start, especially since this scenic road is an activity in itself: it is beautiful and lined with many viewpoints where it would be a shame not to stop.

During the summer season, the Saint-Mathieu entrance generally opens starting in mid-May. The park is open every day, and day visitors can come from sunrise until 10 p.m.

The Waber Falls Trail Experience

The Waber Falls trail takes you through a rich, quiet forest. The terrain is varied but accessible if you’re reasonably active. Roots, gentle elevation changes, and narrow paths keep you engaged without being overwhelming.

What stands out is the atmosphere.

You’re not just walking to a viewpoint. You’re moving through a living landscape. The smells of the forest, the filtered light through the trees, the occasional sound of water nearby. It all builds gradually.

Then, before you see it, you hear it.

Waber Falls.

A 27-meter (88-foot) waterfall dropping with force into a rocky basin, surrounded by raw wilderness. No crowds, no heavy infrastructure. Just the falls and the feeling that you’ve reached somewhere that still feels untouched.

How Does the Waber Falls Excursion Unfold?

First, you cross Lake Wapizagonke by canoe or kayak. The one-way trip covers 4.6 km on the water, or about 1.5 to 2 hours of paddling. Part of the route also requires a bit of portaging to get past a series of beaver dams. It is therefore best to bring water shoes for extra comfort.

Once back on land, take your boat out of the water and leave it on the ground or on the rack provided for that purpose.

You then continue the excursion on foot to Waber Falls, with about 1.5 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 213 m on the way in. The trail is a bit steep in places, with wooden stairs right from the start. About one-third of the way in, a lookout with a beautiful view awaits you. It is the perfect place to take a break, rehydrate, and regain your energy before continuing on the trail that leads to the famous Waber Falls.

The return trip follows the same route.

In the morning, Lake Wapizagonke is often surprisingly calm. The water is smooth, almost silent, and you move forward without really asking yourself too many questions.

But on the way back, the atmosphere often changes. The wind picks up, your arms start to feel it a little more, and the distance suddenly seems longer than it did on the way out. That is usually when you realize this excursion is more than just a simple outing.

Is the Waber Falls Excursion Difficult?

The park classifies this excursion as intermediate. That means it remains accessible to many travelers, but it does require a good basic level of fitness, some endurance, and a real ability to handle a long active day.

What makes this Waber Falls excursion unique is the format of the day: you combine a water crossing, a steady hike, and then the full return trip.

Is It a Good Idea With Kids?

Yes, but not at just any age or with just any level of motivation. Given the announced duration, the intermediate level, and the boat + hiking logistics, this excursion is best suited to families already used to long days outdoors and outdoor activities.

With young children, it is better to consider a more accessible activity in the park, such as the beach at Lake Édouard or the Cascades Trail. With athletic teenagers or children who are truly comfortable with canoeing and hiking, this excursion can become a wonderful travel memory.

When Should You Do the Waber Falls Excursion?

The best time corresponds to the season when access points and boating services are open. In 2026, the Saint-Mathieu entrance opens in late May, and the rental center hours at Wapizagonke run from May 23 to October 13.

In practice:

• Summer is ideal for fully enjoying the lake and, if conditions allow, a refreshing break near the falls;
• Early fall can offer very beautiful colors on Lake Wapizagonke;
• Leaving early in the morning remains the best habit, and that is also what Parks Canada recommends for this day-long excursion.

How to Prepare for Your Day at Waber Falls

The excursion to Waber Falls is very popular, especially in summer. It is therefore best to leave early to make the most of the day. Also remember to bring your picnic lunch and at least 2 liters of water per person.

Here is the gear to bring:

• closed hiking shoes with good grip, as well as water shoes for crossing the beaver dams;
• clothing suited to the weather and the effort involved, ideally with legs and arms covered, since mosquitoes are plentiful;
• enough water;
• a picnic lunch;
• sun protection and mosquito repellent, absolutely essential;
• a dry bag or protective bags to keep your belongings dry;
• a map downloaded in advance.

Finally, if you bring your own boat, the park reminds visitors of one essential instruction: it must be washed, drained, and dried before launch in order to reduce the risk of introducing invasive exotic species.

Do You Need to Reserve a Boat?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Take that advice seriously, especially during peak season: it is the kind of logistical detail that seems secondary until it decides how your day goes. Click here for online booking.

What Should You Expect on the Trail?

The departure from Wapizagonke immediately sets the tone: a vast lake, wooded relief, and a wonderful feeling of open space. A true postcard setting, 100% Quebec. Then the hike takes over in the forest, with a steadier progression all the way to the falls area.

Practical Tips

This is probably one of the most important points: between the drive, launching the boat, the crossing, the hike, and the return trip, the day goes by quickly. The announced 6 to 8 hours are not exaggerated: you really do need to plan for them.

Another important point: mobile service does not cover this area of the park. Parks Canada also states that in the event of an injury, the response time may take several hours and that one member of the group will have to turn back to notify an employee or reach the emergency phone at Wapizagonke Campground.

In short, it is better to:

• download the map before leaving,
• avoid relying on your phone for navigation,
• stay cautious on site,
• and not improvise this outing if the weather or your fitness level are not cooperating.

Prices and Useful Information

The daily admission fee for La Mauricie National Park is listed at CA$10.00 for an adult, CA$8.75 for a senior, and CA$19.50 for a family or group, while youth enter for free.

Free admission in 2026: between June 19 and September 7, 2026, admission is free as part of the summer pass announced by the Government of Canada.

Since hours, access points, and certain conditions may change, it is still best to check before you leave:

• opening dates and times,
• the condition of entrances and parking lots,
• trail conditions,
• boat rental availability,
• and the local weather.

Is the Waber Falls Excursion Worth It?

Yes, absolutely, if you are looking for a nature outing that combines gentle thrills and a change of scenery: lake, forest, a satisfying effort, and then a spectacular arrival at the falls. This excursion fits perfectly into a trip to Quebec because it allows you to enjoy a very “nature in Canada” experience without requiring complex logistics. Waber Falls bring together everything people often come to Mauricie for: space, silence, true immersion, and scenery worthy of the most beautiful postcards.

On the other hand, if you prefer short outings, very accessible trails, or experiences without logistics, it is better to choose another trail in the park, such as the Cascades Trail, a 2.1 km loop that is ideal for young families.

FAQ: Waber Falls Excursion

How much time should you allow for the Waber Falls excursion?

You should allow between 6 and 8 hours for this outing combining paddling and hiking.

Do you absolutely need a canoe or kayak?

Yes, the excursion includes a crossing on Lake Wapizagonke. The route includes 4.6 km on the water on the way out, then the return by the same route. It is also possible to do it by paddleboard for experienced people.

Where does the excursion begin?
The departure point is the Wapizagonke picnic area, a few kilometers from the Saint-Mathieu entrance.

Is the excursion suitable for beginners?
It is classified as intermediate. Motivated beginners can consider it if they are in decent physical shape and prepare seriously for the day.

Can you rely on mobile service on site?
No. Parks Canada states that mobile phone service does not cover this area of the park.

Can you swim at Waber Falls
Yes, it is possible to swim there. However, it is forbidden and very dangerous to jump from the top of the falls or climb the rock face. Be careful!