Montreal, July 19, 2025 — Parks Canada invites the community to join in celebrating the bicentennial of the Lachine Canal with a major free paddling event, happening Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., simultaneously at three different locations along the canal. The event is open to everyone — canoeists, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike — come and take part in this unforgettable experience!
Highlight: Group Lock-Through by Paddle
All participants will have the chance to experience history firsthand with a group lock-through, just like in the 19th century, through one of the canal’s historic locks. It’s a festive and unique moment to share with family and friends.
A Historic Gem in the Heart of Montreal
- Inauguration: July 1825 — The Lachine Canal opened a safe route around the treacherous rapids, helping to spark Montreal’s industrial boom.
- Significance: For over a century, the canal played a key role in establishing Montreal as a major commercial and manufacturing centre in Canada.
- Transformation: Closed to commercial navigation in 1970, the canal was reborn as a place for recreation, culture, and heritage.
- Today: A designated National Historic Site, it welcomes thousands of walkers, cyclists, and paddlers each year, while preserving its green, urban character.
