Visitor safety

Visitor safety is a top priority for Parks Canada and the Agency takes all the necessary measures to ensure that visitors of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site have a safe and enjoyable experience, in addition to protecting the heritage value of the site.

The management measures put in place by Parks Canada, such as the presence of field personnel and signage, help preserve a sound atmosphere while making the cohabitation between the different users of the site more harmonious. Caution is always advised to help maintain the safety of the site and reduce the risk of incidents.

For general information about how to stay safe when enjoying the outdoors, visit AdventureSmart.

During the winter

Parks Canada wishes to remind users to be cautious at all times when using the banks of the Lachine Canal in the winter, as the snow-covered surfaces can be slippery. For areas offering maintained trails in winter, please visit the Winter Activities section.

The use of shoes adapted to winter conditions can help to reduce the risk of falling. Avoid crossing railings and keep at a safe distance from the canal walls to avoid slipping.

For safety reasons, it is forbidden to venture on the ice that forms on the Lachine Canal in winter and to practice ice skating.

Use of drones

All Parks Canada places are ‘no drone zones’ for recreational use. If you do not possess a permit or special permission to fly your drone in a Parks Canada place, please leave your drone at home.

Learn more about our drone usage rules.

To plan your visit at the Lachine Canal, browse the links found below.

Non-motorized boats

Canoes and kayaks are welcome on the canal. Learn these tricks before launching your boat.

Canal’s path users

Minimize the risk of an accident by adopting these simple and responsible behaviour.

Locking through safely

Consult the technical data and the procedures to take when locking through.

Historic Canals regulations, Small vessels regulations and Collision regulations apply in all historic canals.

It is the responsibility of pleasure boat operators stay informed of and familiar with the regulations in effect in historic canals. Certain activities are prohibited in a canal. Users must demonstrate judgment and civic-mindedness on Parks Canada sites at all times.

The following list of regulations is not exhaustive:

  • The nautical speed limit on canals is 10 km/h and the boat operator must control its wake;
  • Domestic animals must be kept on a leash at all times;
  • Excessive noise is prohibited on historic canals between 11 pm and 6 am;
  • It is prohibited to fish less than 10 m from a lock or from an approach wharf, or on a bridge over the canal;
  • It is prohibited to jump, dive, or swim in the canal and in the approach wharfs.

Visitors who ignore the regulations risk a fine, revocation of their permit, or legal action.

In case of emergency

Call 911