Shawinigan Falls

Shawinigan Falls drops 50 meters down the Saint-Maurice River with a powerful flow that creates heavy mist and spray throughout the surrounding area. Steep rocky banks and dense forest frame the cascade on both sides, forming a defined gorge below the waterfall.

A hydroelectric plant built here in 1903 triggered the industrial transformation of the region and made Shawinigan a major power production center. This project quickly became essential for powering the rapid growth of nearby cities.

The name comes from an Algonquian word referring to a rocky ridge where Indigenous peoples used important travel routes for trade and movement between regions. This location served as a natural gathering point long before European settlement.

Several viewing platforms are positioned at different spots to see the falls from various angles and understand the scale of the waterfall. Well-marked walking paths connect these platforms, and parking is available near the main access points.

The facility generates electricity continuously and powers two major cities while keeping the natural flow of water visible and unchanged. Windows in the lower structure allow visitors to see the turbines at work and observe how this historic power plant still operates today.

Location: Shawinigan

Height: 50 m

Part of: Saint-Maurice river

GPS coordinates: 46.53083,-72.76083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41