Lockage and navigation

Known as the tenth lock of the Richelieu and opened in 1849, the Saint-Ours Canal is a continuation of the Chambly Canal, bypassing the final obstacle to navigation between the St. Lawrence River and Lake Champlain.

Because of fixed bridges and overhead power lines, vessels with masts exceeding 8 meters must unmast at Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix located upstream or at Sorel located downstream of the Saint-Ours Canal.

Draught: 3.66 m (12 ft.)
Clearance: 8.84 m (29 ft.)
Lock dimensions: 99.06 m (325 ft.) X 12.04 m (39 ft.)

vue aérienne de l'écluse de St-Ours et du barrage

Itineraries and experiences

Float along the waters of the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site and enjoy the beauty of the Richelieu River!

Deux enfants qui regardent des bateaux quitter l'écluse

Overnight mooring

Everyone knows Parks Canada’s waterways for the beauty of their surroundings and for the memorable and safe navigation experience that they offer. Did you know that an overnight stay there is also possible?

éclusier de Parcs Canada qui aide une plaisancière à s'amarrer

Locking through safely

Have a look at the procedures and safety precautions to take when locking through: approaching an historic canal, into the lock and exiting the lock.
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iNautique app

Download the iNautique application (Android or iOS), that allows you to find all the marinas, harbors and boating schools throughout the province anywhere and everywhere.

Visitors to Canada

Learn how to travel across Canada aboard a private boat: customs reporting, points of entry, operator competency, safety equipment and many useful resources.

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