In
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1670, it was proposed to digg a canal. Ten years later the idea was taken up again. It would have two goals : the mills of
Montreal needed water and the navigation toward Ontario would be facilitated. In 1689, the digging began. The attack of Lachine by Iroquois put an end
to the project. It was resumed in 1700. Another stop happened the following year for
lack of funds. In 1821, the merchants
needed the canal. It was therefore
completed in 1825. Initially opened for
the flat-bottomed boats, it had to be widened twice allowing larger ships to
pass through it. It was also an
important source of electric power for various manufactures which were
established along the canal. It is said that before the great crisis of 1929,
nearly 15,000 ships used it each year.
But thirty years later, to allow the transatlantic boats to go to Ontario,
the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway took
up the project.
The Canal lost its importance until 1997 when Parcs Canada
(which was manageing it since 1978) proposed
a project of revitalization of the canal.
Since 2002, many pleasure boats cross it to the great joy of the curious
one. Today, it has become a pride for
Montreal.
It measures 14,5
kilometers and connects the Old -Port and the lake Saint-Louis. Its cycle track is very popular. Various activities were set-up in order to
make it possible for the population to benefit from this patrimonial
richness. Thus one can go on a one hour
cruise which is very instructive. Lots of other activities are available :
guided bicycle excursions are organized, photograph rallyes, commented visits on foot to discover the history of the
site, dragon boats expeditions, rented
pedal boats, electric motor boats and many others for those who are curious
about the history or simply to enjoy the moment.
