Lachine Canal, Montreal - Image 1
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Lachine Canal Montreal

4.7
·382 reviews·Montreal, Canada

A historic waterway transformed into a vibrant urban park, perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying Montreal's scenic beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring to Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Lachine Canal, Montreal - Image 1

Lachine Canal Montreal

Best Time

Spring to Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic waterway transformed into a vibrant urban park, perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying Montreal's scenic beauty.

4.7
(382 reviews)

"Beautiful path for a walk, running, or biking!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚴‍♀️ Rent a BIXI bike

Grab a BIXI bike for an easy and affordable way to explore the canal's length .

🧺 Pack a picnic

Enjoy a meal by the water with benches and tables available; Atwater Market is a great spot to stock up .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lachine Canal Bike Path

Lachine Canal Bike Path

Along the canal

A scenic and flat path perfect for cycling, jogging, or a leisurely stroll with plenty of green spaces.

Atwater Market

Atwater Market

Near the canal

A bustling public market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and a great spot for a picnic or refuel.

Saint-Ambroise Terrace

Saint-Ambroise Terrace

Along the canal

A popular pit stop for a drink or lunch with a view, offering a fun atmosphere by the water.

Pink House of Saint-Henri

Pink House of Saint-Henri

Near the old Canada Malting Plant

An intriguing guerrilla art installation, a vibrant pink landmark that has become a unique photo opportunity.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit for Activities

The Lachine Canal is a vibrant hub for outdoor activities. For cycling and walking, aim for late spring to early fall. Summer offers the most options, but can be crowded. Consider weekdays to avoid weekend rushes.

Know Before You Go: Swimming & Amenities

While beautiful, swimming in the Lachine Canal is not recommended due to water quality.Instagram Plan for limited public restrooms and water fountains along certain stretches, especially on the northern side.Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring to Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekdays
Why
Full activity, less busy
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, people watching
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Lachine Canal - Montreal 😍😍 #mtl #montreal #lachinecanal #canada
samir_araour
22 likes • 671 views

🚴‍♀️ Rent a BIXI bike

Grab a BIXI bike for an easy and affordable way to explore the canal's length.Instagram

🧺 Pack a picnic

Enjoy a meal by the water with benches and tables available; Atwater Market is a great spot to stock up.Reddit

Galdin sur le canal – l’été approche à grands pas ! Profitez pleinement de la saison estivale en découvrant les restaurants @elenamontreal @terrasse_stambroise @barbaravin_ et les attraits du quartier. Situé le long du canal de Lachine, Galdin vous donne un accès direct à une multitude d’activités extérieures : vélo, course à pied, sports nautiques et bien plus encore. Sur place, détendez-vous d...
galdincanal
43 likes • 3.4K views
Lachine Canal Montreal Summer Activities Edition 🛶 🚴 🧘‍♂️ 🎼 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ 🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️ 👟Explore Montreal with us📲 www.mtldetours.ca 🔗Link in our Bio #MTLDetours #Montreal #MontrealHistory #canallounge #Mtlmoments #summeractivities #mtlwalk #Walkingtours #WalkingAroundCanada #DailyHiveMontreal #CanadaTourism #TourismMontreal #BonjourQuebec #canallachine #MontrealTours #WalkingTour #montrealmust #south...
mtldetours
38 likes • 1.2K views

🚫 No swimming allowed

The water quality isn't safe for swimming; opt for kayaking or paddleboarding instead.Instagram

💧 Limited amenities

Be aware of limited water fountains and restrooms on some paths; plan accordingly.Reddit

We love summer adventures in Montreal, but the Lachine Canal isn’t the place for a swim. 🚫 The water quality just isn’t safe for swimming. Better to enjoy kayaking, biking, or strolling along the water instead! #MontrealTips #LachineCanal #MTLSummer #VisitMontreal #MontrealMoments #ExploreMontreal #mtladventures
visit.montreal
763 likes • 107.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚴‍♀️ Rent a BIXI bike

Grab a BIXI bike for an easy and affordable way to explore the canal's length.Instagram

🧺 Pack a picnic

Enjoy a meal by the water with benches and tables available; Atwater Market is a great spot to stock up.Reddit

🚫 No swimming allowed

The water quality isn't safe for swimming; opt for kayaking or paddleboarding instead.Instagram

💧 Limited amenities

Be aware of limited water fountains and restrooms on some paths; plan accordingly.Reddit

🎨 Discover the Pink House

Don't miss the unique guerrilla art installation near the old Canada Malting Plant.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(382 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Lachine Canal's scenic beauty and its suitability for outdoor activities like biking and walking. The path is well-maintained and offers a pleasant escape within the city. However, some note the limited availability of amenities like restrooms and water fountains along certain stretches.

"I had a spectacular 7 mile run through the Lachine canal to Parc Gadbois from downtown Montreal. There are no water fountains or bathrooms along the northern side of the canal. You can stop at Atwater market to refuel or perhaps have a bathroom break. I'd love to go back and run for a longer distance further down the canal."

carlos borges

"Good path with trees for shade. And easy level ride. Very straightforward, so it's not too interesting."

Ev Maz

"Beautiful path for a walk,running, or biking!"

Khorshid Yaghmai

What People Like

Scenic walking/biking paths
Relaxing atmosphere
Atwater Market proximity

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Lachine Canal is accessible via various points in Montreal. You can reach it by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Cycling is also a popular option, with dedicated paths connecting to the city's network.Instagram+1 For those driving, parking can be found in designated areas, though it might be limited during peak times.

Yes, parking is available near the Lachine Canal, particularly around Atwater Market and other access points. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends and during summer events. Some restaurants along the canal also offer parking.Instagram

The main paths along the Lachine Canal are generally paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some smaller side paths or areas might be uneven.

Popular entry points include near Atwater Market, which offers amenities and a lively atmosphere, and various access points further west towards Parc Gadbois. The choice depends on where you want to start your walk, run, or bike ride.Reddit

The canal path is quite straightforward and well-marked, making it easy to navigate for cycling and walking.Reddit Signage helps guide you along the main route.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Lachine Canal and its surrounding park areas are free to access. You don't need any tickets to walk, bike, or enjoy the scenery.Instagram

Access to the canal itself is free. However, if you plan to rent bikes (like BIXI), boats, or kayaks, there will be rental fees associated with those activities.Instagram

The Lachine Canal is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible year-round, from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like markets or restaurants along the canal will have their own operating hours.

Yes, paddleboarding is permitted on the Lachine Canal. Some users mention that permit fees can be waived during certain periods.Reddit

Atwater Market is a public market and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely browse the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy biking, running, walking, picnicking, and people-watching. Boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also popular options.Instagram+1 The canal is a great spot for outdoor recreation.

Absolutely! The canal offers a long, scenic, and relatively flat path perfect for extended walks or runs. You can cover many miles and explore different sections.Reddit

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes along the Lachine Canal, including popular spots like Saint Ambroise Terrace and newer establishments like La Table d'André.Instagram+1 Atwater Market also offers food options.

No, swimming in the Lachine Canal is not advised due to water quality concerns.Instagram

Look for scenic views of the water, bridges, and the unique Pink House of Saint-Henri.Instagram The industrial architecture and green spaces also make for great shots.

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Weekday mornings can also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.Instagram

The Lachine Canal is ideal for landscape, urban, and lifestyle photography. Capture the interplay of nature, industrial heritage, and people enjoying the outdoors.Instagram

Definitely! The mysterious Pink House of Saint-Henri is a must-see for unique shots.Instagram Also, look for interesting bridges, boats, and reflections on the water.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive canal views. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance water and sky.

Drone usage is subject to regulations. It's essential to check Transport Canada's rules and local bylaws regarding drone operation in urban and park areas before flying.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Lachine Canal is a fantastic destination for families. The flat, paved paths are ideal for strollers and young cyclists.Instagram Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many green spaces or picnic tables.Reddit While swimming isn't allowed, kids can enjoy watching boats and the general activity along the canal. Some restaurants, like Pasdeneige, are noted as being very accommodating for small children.Instagram

🚴‍♀️ Active Adventurers

For those seeking an active outing, the Lachine Canal offers miles of scenic cycling and running paths.Instagram+1 Rent a BIXI bike or bring your own to explore the full length of the canal. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities, offering a unique perspective from the water.Reddit Remember to check for any permit requirements for water sports.

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Picnickers

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the Lachine Canal is perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. The tree-lined paths offer shade, and there are numerous benches and green areas to sit and enjoy the views.Reddit Visiting Atwater Market beforehand to gather supplies for a picnic is a highly recommended experience.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Lachine Canal by Bike

The Lachine Canal National Historic Site boasts an extensive network of cycling paths, making it a premier destination for cyclists in Montreal. The main path runs for approximately 14.5 kilometers, offering a relatively flat and well-maintained surface perfect for all skill levels.Instagram+1 You can rent BIXI bikes, Montreal's public bike-sharing system, for an easy and affordable way to explore the canal's length.Instagram Many visitors enjoy riding from Atwater Market westward, discovering various parks and scenic viewpoints along the way.Reddit

Beyond the main path, the canal system connects to other cycling routes, allowing for longer excursions. Remember to be mindful of pedestrians and other cyclists, especially during peak hours. The path provides a fantastic way to experience the city's blend of urban life and natural beauty, passing by historical industrial sites and lush green spaces.Instagram

A Culinary Journey Along the Canal

The Lachine Canal area is becoming a vibrant culinary destination, offering a range of dining experiences from casual to more refined. Atwater Market is a must-visit for food lovers, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal products, and prepared foods, perfect for assembling a picnic.Reddit Along the canal itself, you'll find popular spots like the Saint Ambroise Terrace, known for its lively atmosphere and drinks,Reddit and La Table d'André, a newer gem praised for its affordable, high-quality food and cozy ambiance.Instagram

Several other establishments cater to canal-goers, providing great food with scenic views. Pasdeneige is highlighted for its bright, open space overlooking the canal, serving dishes like schnitzel and caramel doughnuts, and is noted as being accommodating for families with small children.Instagram These culinary stops offer perfect opportunities to refuel and soak in the canal's atmosphere.

Historical Significance and Art

The Lachine Canal is not just a recreational waterway; it's a National Historic Site of Canada, playing a crucial role in the country's industrial and commercial development. Established in 1825, it facilitated trade by bypassing the rapids of the Saint Lawrence River, connecting Montreal to the Great Lakes. The canal's banks are lined with remnants of its industrial past, including old factories and warehouses, which now often house businesses and residences.Instagram

Adding a modern artistic flair to the historical landscape is the Pink House of Saint-Henri. This intriguing guerrilla art installation, originally painted bright pink, has become a beloved landmark near the old Canada Malting Plant. Over time, other artists have contributed to its evolving appearance, making it a unique and colorful spot for visitors to discover and photograph.Instagram