Site Historique du Canal Lachine
500, chemin des Iroquois, Lachine, QC, H8S 4J5
514-283-6054 Fax: 514-496-1263
Discover the many facets of a waterway that has helped shape the landscape of Montreal and neighbouring municipalities on the St. Lawrence River.
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Lasalle/Lachine |
| Getting There | | On the southwest part of the island of Montreal, between Old Montreal and Lachine, Charlevoix Metro. |
When:
| Paths are open from sunrise until 11PM, 7 days a week, from Mai 14-October 14 |
Profile Last Updated: July 17, 2007
Located on the southwest tip of the island is one of Montreal's longest networks of bike paths and walking trails. The Lachine Canal gives visitors a taste of the past and a vision of the future, all moments away from the downtown core. The Canal opened in 1825 bringing industry into the region but with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the latter part of the 20th century came the demise of the canal. It closed in 1970. In subsequent years an urban revitalization project turned the canal into a 14.5 kilometre network of walking and cycling paths. In 2002, the canal reopened to pleasure boaters.
A City Backdrop
The canal offers a spectacular view of Montreal skyscrapers. With this view as a backdrop, the canal winds west towards the opening of Lac St. Louis and the Lachine Rapids. You could actually begin your visit at the Old Port of Montreal and spend an entire day strolling down to the rapids. The Atwater entrance to the canal, which is close to downtown, is always an alternative. Saunter down to the Atwater Market in the mid-morning and by some fresh produce to snack on. You can begin your journey at the entrance to the canal, which is located right next to the Market. Once you cross the footbridge, you are on the canal path. You can continue your journey westward away from the city and towards the rapids or you can go east in the direction of the Old Port.
Sights from the Past
One of the many historical buildings is the St-Ambroise Complex. In 1905 it served as the warehouse for Dominion Textiles. As you continue your journey you will come up to the Cote-Saint-Paul lock sector. The lock was restored in 1998. It was one of the five original locks of the canal. Further along the path is the Lasalle Coke Crane. This crane is a pivotal symbol of the canal. Should you choose to walk eastward into the city you will be greeted by a spectacular view of the Montreal skyline. Once you are closer to the Port you will see both locks 1 and 2 of the canal. Both have been completely restored.
Details
More Information: For information regarding the opening dates and hours, fees, or more general inquiries, please call 1 888-773-8888.
Best Time to Go: The canal is a recreational path shared by cyclists, inline skaters and pedestrians. At times it can get quite busy. Some of the most beautiful times to visit the canal are early morning or early evening.
