About Chute du Cinq
Chute du Cinq is a freshwater waterfall in the Shawinigan / Trois-Rivières region of Québec (coordinates 46.8399, -72.4209). It appears to be a smaller, locally visited cascade on a tributary in a mixed forest/river landscape. Public information about this specific fall is limited; the site may be reached from local roads and short forest/river trails. Flow and appearance vary strongly with season (peak flow in spring). Visitors should treat many details below as approximate and confirm with local sources before travel.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Chute du Cinq flows over hard crystalline rock laid down over 1.0-1.6 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Publicly available trail descriptions for Chute du Cinq are sparse. Access often involves an informal or lightly maintained footpath from a roadside parking/pullout down to the riverbank. Trails in this area may be short but uneven, with roots, rocks and muddy sections after rain or during spring runoff. Signage and trail infrastructure (stairs, railings) may be absent. Follow clear public access points and avoid crossing private property.
What to Expect
Expect a modest, forested waterfall setting rather than a large, developed park. The cascade may be multi-step with moss- and lichen-covered rock, small plunge pools, and surrounding mixed hardwood-conifer forest. Water flow is highest in spring and after heavy rain; summer flows can be reduced. There are likely no formal viewpoints, visitor centers, or safety railings. Wildlife in the area may include songbirds, small mammals, deer and, more rarely, black bear. Cell service may be intermittent in wooded valleys.
Accessibility
Likely not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Trails are probably uneven, unpaved, and may include steep or muddy sections. Access for people with limited mobility is likely difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chute du Cinq?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chute du Cinq?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt/after rains) for strongest flows and dramatic photos; fall for autumn color and crisp weather; summer for easier trail conditions but potentially lower flow; winter offers ice formations but access can be slippery and hazardous, use caution and check local conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery and moss-covered rocks, fast-moving water during high flows (spring/after storms), steep or undercut banks, falling/floating debris, changing weather, and limited facilities or emergency services near the site. In winter, ice and snow can make routes treacherous; ice near the falls may be unstable. Always tell someone your plans, travel with a companion when possible, and avoid risky behaviors (e.g., standing on wet rocks at the lip of the falls).
Know when to go.
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Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
General access is from the Shawinigan / Shawinigan-Sud area (the fall is listed near the coordinates 46.8399, -72.4209). Expect to reach the general area via local municipal roads off the main highways serving Shawinigan and Trois-Rivières. Detailed turn-by-turn routes and an official trailhead are not well documented online, use local maps, park/municipality information, or contact local tourist information for confirmed directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is likely limited to a small pullout or roadside space near a local access point. There may be no formal paved lot; verify parking options locally and avoid blocking private driveways or agricultural access. On busy days roadside parking can be tight.
Elevation
122 metres above sea level
Coordinates
46.839881° N, -72.420872° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Check local maps and municipal or regional tourism sites for the latest access details before you go. • Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, rocks and banks are slippery. • Stay back from the edge; riverbanks can be undercut and unstable. • Do not climb on wet rocks near the lip of the falls. • Respect private property and posted signs; park only in designated or clearly legal spaces. • Water can be very cold and currents strong in spring, avoid swimming unless you have local confirmation it is safe and permitted. • Bring insect repellent in warmer months and be aware of ticks. • Expect limited facilities (no toilets or trash service); pack out what you bring in.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Camping Lac-aux-Sables
3.9 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Shawinigan town area (La Cité de l'Énergie and hydroelectric heritage sites), regional parks and river recreation on the Saint-Maurice River corridor, and the broader Mauricie region (including Parc national de la Mauricie). Trois-Rivières historic district is also in the wider region. Verify exact distances and routes locally.
Wildlife
Typical regional wildlife: songbirds, small mammals (squirrels, raccoons), white-tailed deer, and occasionally black bear. Insects (mosquitoes, black flies, ticks) can be common in warm months. Exercise normal wildlife precautions.
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