La Mauricie National Park Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

SAINT-MATHIEU-DU-PARC, QC, June 15 /CNW Telbec/ - La Mauricie National Park of Canada today launched the program of its celebrations surrounding the 40th anniversary at the Shewenegan picnic area.

"This 40th anniversary is an ideal opportunity to rediscover La Mauricie National Park. I invite the public to take advantage of these celebrations to enjoy the park's magnificent natural treasures to the fullest - be it by canoe, foot or bicycle," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.

Several special activities have been planned in order to commemorate the establishment of the park 40 years ago. The high point of the events will certainly be the outdoor concert to be held on August 21 at the Shewenegan picnic area featuring Elisapie Isaac, a rising Inuit singer, as well as Le Vent du Nord, a Québécois folk music ensemble.

Another major event is the "Fête de la Famille" (Family Fest) on July 17, which coincides with Parks Day, when admission to the national park will be free of charge for all. The agenda of festivities will include hot air balloon tours, children's make-up art, inflatable games and entertainment. In addition, so as to satisfy visitors eager to know more about the park, special talks about the park's 40-year-long history will be presented on a regular basis at the amphitheatres of the park's three campgrounds. Finally, a new stretch of the Sentier national (national trail) will be inaugurated on August 28.

"La Mauricie National Park of Canada is a unique heritage jewel that Parks Canada has proudly preserved, protected and presented for 40 years now. In my view, it is an outstanding place that offers visitors memorable experiences in the midst of the hills, valleys and innumerable lakes of the Laurentians," added Minister Prentice.

La Mauricie National Park of Canada was officially established on August 22, 1970, making it the second national park to be created in Quebec. Each year, it plays host to close to 150,000 visitors. La Mauricie National Park is part of the network of national parks and national historic sites managed by Parks Canada, whose mandate is to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and to foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

For further information: Karine Parenteau, Communications Advisor, Parks Canada, Phone: [phone], Cell.: 418-569-4460; Valérie Therrien, Manager, External Relations, La Mauricie Field Unit, Parks Canada, Phone: [phone], extension 224, Cell.: 819 852-1479