Rolling hills intersect broad valleys shimmering with peaceful lakes and rivers throughout this gently contoured land. Here visitors relax with tranquil hikes and lazy paddles, forgoing the ardour of strenuous backcountry treks and the rush of white water offered elsewhere.

With more than 150 lakes, and at least 30 rivers and streams reachable from the parkway that follows the southern edge of the park from the St. Mathieu to the St. Jean des Piles Reception Centres, avid paddlers will be right at home here. One of the most popular lakes, Wapizagonke is long and twisty, its banks a tableau of beaches alternating with cliffs, marshy inlets, and crystal clear streams. Paddling large canoes, park staffers conduct interpretive tours on the lake for the older children.

An extensive network of hiking trails cuts through the park's varied topography. Opening onto scenes of a distant valley or a stand of red maples set against a back-drop of broken hills and black spruces, the trail vistas often appear to have jumped from an artist's canvas.