A 14.5 km canal opened in 1825 to bypass the Lachine Rapids, now lined with a cycling and walking path from the Old Port through Griffintown, Saint-Henri and the Atwater Market to Lachine.
The Lachine Canal National Historic Site (Canal de Lachine) is a 14.5-kilometre canal opened in 1825 to bypass the Lachine Rapids on the St. Lawrence River, running through the Sud-Ouest borough of Montreal, Quebec. Once the heart of Canada's early industrial economy, it is now a green corridor administered by Parks Canada, with a continuous cycling and walking path that connects the Old Port to Griffintown, Saint-Henri, the Atwater Market and the Lachine district.
The path is the main attraction. Walkers and cyclists pass converted factories and grain elevators, locks, bridges and lock-keepers' sites, as well as parks, picnic areas and canal-side cafés. Near Atwater Market, the stretch around the Saint-Gabriel locks and the Écluses Saint-Gabriel is popular for stopping and watching boats pass through the locks in season. Signage along the route describes the industrial history, including the factories that once lined the banks and the workers who lived in nearby neighbourhoods.
A visit can be short or long. A walk from Atwater Market to the Old Port takes one to two hours, and cyclists can ride the full length toward Lachine in about two to three hours at an easy pace. BIXI bike-share stations line the canal, making it simple to pick up a bike for a one-way trip. Access to the path is free, and it is open year-round, with maintenance and canal operations running from mid-April to mid-November. In winter, the path is used by walkers and cross-country skiers.
May to October is the best season, and weekend afternoons are the busiest, especially on warm days when the path is shared by cyclists, joggers and families. Weekday mornings are calmer. Lionel-Groulx metro station on the Green and Orange Lines is the nearest station to the Atwater Market stretch, and a single fare is CAD 3.75.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Path open year-round; maintained mid-April to mid-November |
| Typical visit | 1-3 hours |
| Best time | May-October, ideally by BIXI bike share |
| Getting there | Metro Green or Orange Line to Lionel-Groulx (near Atwater Market), or start at the Old Port; BIXI stations line the canal (bixi.com) |
| Address | Canal path beside Marché Atwater, 138 Avenue Atwater, Montréal, QC H4C 2H6 |
Location
Canal path beside Marché Atwater, 138 Avenue Atwater, Montréal, QC H4C 2H6
45.4787, -73.5765 View on map
Highlights
- Continuous 14.5 km walking and cycling path
- Locks and industrial heritage from 1825
- Atwater Market and canal-side cafés
- BIXI bike-share stations along the route
Tips for visiting
- Use BIXI to ride one-way along the canal
- Start at Atwater Market and head east toward the Old Port
- Visit May-October for the full canal season
- Weekday mornings are quieter than weekend afternoons
- Take the metro to Lionel-Groulx for the Atwater stretch
- Bring water and sun protection on summer rides
When to visit
May to October, ideally by bike. Weekday mornings are quietest and warm weekend afternoons are busiest.
Accessibility
The canal path is flat and mostly paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers in many sections. Surface conditions can vary at bridges and locks.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk or cycle the canal?
A walk between Atwater Market and the Old Port takes one to two hours. Cycling the full length takes about two to three hours at an easy pace.
Is the canal worth it for kids?
Yes, the flat path suits families, though cyclists share the route so children should stay alert.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the path is free and open year-round.
Can bikes be rented?
BIXI bike-share stations line the canal and are available seasonally.