The colonization of the territory began in the mid of 19th century, when the logging rights begin to be granted in Middle and Upper Mauricie by the Government of Quebec.
In the 20th century, tourist activities (hunting, fishing, camping, boating, mountain biking, snowmobiles, observations of nature...) have grown considerably.
Before being stacked on the ice in Upper-Mauricie, logs were identified in order to be recovered easily downstream, at different "baunes" crossing the river, including at La Tuque, Grandes-Piles, Grand-Mère, Shawinigan or Trois-Rivières.
At the beginning of the colonization of the area, pioneers were mainly established on the west bank of the Saint-Maurice River, because of the quality of land for agriculture.
The construction of the road from Grand-Mère to La Tuque rather attracted families to settle on the eastern shore.