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Shawinigan
ℹ️Practical info — Shawinigan
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take a guided boat tour to fully appreciate the industrial history and the hydroelectric dam from the water.
- The Cité de l'Énergie observation tower is best visited on a clear day for spectacular views.
- Bring bug spray if you plan to hike in the nearby Mauricie National Park.
- Try parking near the promenade for easy access to riverside restaurants.
- Public transit is limited, so renting a car is advisable for exploring outside the city center.
🍽 Food
Enjoy a classic donut from a historic local bakery.
Sample a strong local stout or IPA at a microbrewery along the river.
Try the regional variation of this hearty meat pie at a local diner.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Explore this street for local artisan shops, boutiques, and cafes.
A great spot to buy regional produce, fresh bread, and handmade soaps.
Walk the forest trails and enjoy peaceful views of the Saint-Maurice River.
A scenic, quiet waterfront path excellent for an evening stroll.
Water temperature…
Shawinigan is situated on the Saint-Maurice River in the Mauricie region and is historically synonymous with the development of hydroelectric power in Canada. The city was established around 1901 when the Shawinigan Water & Power Company harnessed the massive waterfalls to generate electricity for industries like aluminum smelting and paper milling. Geographically, the skyline is dominated by the river and the iconic Cité de l'Énergie, a science museum featuring an observation tower that provides sweeping views of the region. Shawinigan is also notable as the birthplace of former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Following the decline of heavy industry, the city has reinvented itself as a hub for green technologies and tourism, serving as a gateway to the nearby La Mauricie National Park.
- Location: Canada
- Top sights: Centre des Arts · Église de l'Assomption · Arbre en Arbre Shawinigan
- Nearby: Notre-Dame-de-Pierreville (21 km)
- Population: ~38.211 (2019)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -13 | -12 | -6 | 3 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 7 | 0 | -9 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 62 | 70 | 94 | 87 | 101 | 106 | 98 | 92 | 105 | 79 | 93 |
Geography
Facts
- The Shawinigan Falls have a dramatic vertical drop of approximately 50 meters.
- In 1901, Shawinigan became the first city in Canada to produce aluminum on a large scale.
- The Cité de l'Énergie features an observation tower that is the second tallest in Quebec.
- Jean Chrétien, Canada's Prime Minister from 1993 to 2003, was born here in 1934.
- The current city was formed through a major municipal amalgamation in 2002.
- The name 'Shawinigan' is derived from an Algonquin word meaning 'portage on the ridge'.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Shawinigan (4)
Frequently asked questions
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Shawinigan: where is it located?
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Nearby cities
