Explore the Scenic Lachine Canal in Montreal

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Overview

Lachine Canal, known as Canal de Lachine in French, stretches 14.5 km through the vibrant city of Montreal. Originally designed to bypass the perilous Lachine Rapids, this engineering marvel commenced construction in 1821 under the adept guidance of Chief Engineer Thomas Burnett, officially opening in 1825. Today, the canal stands as a testament to historical ingenuity and is marked as a National Historic Site. It connects the Old Port of Montreal with Lake Saint-Louis, threading through various boroughs and showcasing a blend of nature and urban life. The surrounding areas have transitioned from industrial zones to bustling residential and commercial spaces, indicative of the canal's pivotal role in altering Montreal's economic landscape. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities by the canal: from biking along one of the most picturesque routes to renting kayaks and pedal boats for a day on the water. The Petit Navire, an electric vessel, operates during the summer months, providing leisurely excursions along this historic waterway.

Photo of Lachine Canal
Photo of Lachine Canal
Photo of Lachine Canal
Contact Info
  • AddressLachine Canal, Montreal, QC, Canada

Reviews

Lucas Martin
Canada
5
Walking along the Lachine Canal in Montreal is such a delightful experience. You can easily spend the entire day here due to its scenic views and numerous delightful spots to rest. There are plenty of green areas and crossings for a change of scenery. The highlight is definitely the Saint Ambroise Terrace, a great spot for lunch or a pint. It's always lively and enjoyable! 👍😎
Emily Leclerc
Canada
4
The Lachine Canal is a beautiful spot for a leisurely morning or afternoon. My family and I rented Bixi bikes for an hour ($1.55 to unlock + about $0.20/minute for each bike) and enjoyed a picnic by the water. There are benches and picnic tables where you can relax and watch people. It's a popular area for jogging and biking. Although we didn't rent boats, they are available. I would definitely come back.
Chen Wei
Canada
5
I took part in a dragon boat competition organized by McGill at this beautiful canal. It was an incredibly fun experience filled with good friends. The location is stunning.
Rajesh Kumar
Canada
5
This is a fantastic track! Just lace up your shoes, grab a bike, and enjoy the beautiful music as you soak in the surrounding view.
Anjali Verma
Canada
5
It's such a wonderful feeling walking next to the canal that cuts through the city. A perfect place for a picnic on a serene summer Sunday afternoon.