Our journey through this wonderful country is slowly drawing to a close. After many different – but always marvelous – stages of our journey, we are now approaching the last one, a huge wooden cottage in the middle of the forest, near to the Mauricie National Park. Our excitement isn‘t quite sparkling yet – the nearest entrance to the park is already closed, most of the beautiful colorful leaves have already fallen, we are not too keen on sharing bathroom and kitchen in accommodation (which we booked half a year ago), and the weather forecast predicts several days of rain.

Sometimes it’s the rain that creates the beauty.

Arriving in the forest just after dawn, we are warmly welcomed by the hosts. My initial skepticism quickly dissolves into a cosy feeling as we sit in the cottage’s common room, warmed by the fire. It reminds me of the cottage at Bark Lake at which we have spend such a fantastic time. I am happy to be here.

Hike „Lac du Pimbina“ in Parc de la Mauricie. View down on Lac Solitaire.

Luckily, La Mauricie is not completely closed yet. We find a different entrance and go on another cloudy – but most importantly, dry – hike. Once again, we are rewarded with fabulous views of lakes, trees, leaves, and ourselves in midst of all this beauty.

And once again, we get all excited about beavers. Even though we don’t get to see any of them, their traces are omnipresent around the lakes. We spot beaver lodges from the distance, we find the rest of a decent beaver meal, and see many trees that were chewed down by them. At the end of the trail, we even come across a dam – a great final to our beaver adventure.

But also our whole Canadian experience becomes completed the following rainy day when we visit a sugar hut where finest Canadian maple syrup is produced.

If there are words to sum up this journey, it’s wide-open hearts, love and joy, a deep sense of connection and humility, and profound gratitude.