Lac Édouard is one of two primary launch points for canoe-camping in La Mauricie National Park, located roughly halfway between the park's two entrances. The lake is accessible via the Lac-Édouard picnic area, which serves as the main departure point for paddlers. From this launch, paddlers can reach the first campsite in approximately 10 minutes (0.6 km), with additional sites at 1.4 km, 2.3 km, and 3.4 km along the lake, all featuring fire pits. This makes Lac Édouard well-suited for new paddlers and families, as multiple campsites fall within a short distance of the put-in.

For those seeking more challenging routes, a moderate option connects Lac Édouard to Marie Lake via a 1.1 km difficult portage, reached after approximately 3.9 km of paddling (about one hour). Paddlers heading north can explore some of the least-visited areas of the park through a string of long, narrow lakes requiring a minimum of four portages. Heading south toward Lac à la Pêche is also possible, though that route involves five portages each exceeding one kilometre. An alternate multi-day route arrives at Lac Édouard from the Lac-Soumire parking lot via a series of lakes and portages including Soumire, Giron, Dubon-Dauphinais, and Lac des Cinq.

Wind can be a significant factor on the lake and should be monitored when planning outings. Paddlers entering via the Saint-Gérard entrance are required to register at either the Saint-Mathieu or Saint-Jean-des-Piles Visitor Reception Centre before proceeding to their campsite.

The Lac-Édouard picnic area offers boat and equipment rentals including canoes, single and double kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, with life jackets, paddles, and safety kits included. Additional facilities at the picnic area include washrooms, picnic tables, hibachis, a boat launch, a beach, and a children's playground. There is no food service on site, so paddlers should arrive with their own provisions, though water refilling stations are available at camping loops and the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre.