Lachine Canal National Historic Site of Canada

Pleasure boating

In fall, a motor boat passes on the canal in front of the Stelfil factoryA canal in an industrial landscape
Parks Canada / P.-É. Cadorette

Discover the magic of boating on waters that were both the forerunner of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the cradle of Canadian industry. After 5 years of continuous work, the Lachine Canal opened for boating in 2002.

Technical data

  • Downstream entrance: St. Lawrence River, Old Port of Montreal, Alexandra Basin

  • Upstream entrance : St. Lawrence River, Lake Saint-Louis, the navigation channel is on the north side of the Marina

  • Length: 14.5 kilometres

  • Total drop: approximately 14 metres

  • Guaranteed draught: 2 metres

  • Clearance under bridges: 2.43 metres

  • Size of the smallest lock : 49 metres by 12,2 metres

  • Number of locks: 5

  • Maximum speed: 10 kilometres/hour or less (in some places, the watercraft has to slow down so as not to create a wake)

  • Transit time: from 3 to 5 hours 2009 Schedule for navigation

2009 Schedule for navigation

May 15 to June 18, 2009

Monday to Friday : Lockages set at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (at both ends of the canal)
Saturday, Sunday and official holidays : 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

June 19 to August 16, 2009

Daily : 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

August 17 to August 30, 2009

Monday to Thursday : 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday to Sunday and official holidays : 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

August 31 to October 12, 2009

Monday to Friday : lockages set at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00p.m. (at both ends of the canal)
Saturday, Sunday and official holidays : 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Locking and Mooring Rates

Depending of the size of the boat

Regulations :

click here for a copy of Canada's Historic Canals Regulations