Lock & Paddle
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Experience the 200th anniversary of the Lachine Canal with us!
Join Parks Canada at this free paddling event happening in three different sites on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Enjoy paddling on the Lachine Canal alongside tens of colourful canoes and kayaks, before experiencing a lockage. Come and have fun surrounded by the sounds of music and laughter, in the company of new friends and family.
Don’t forget your neon clothing or accessory!
Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Saint-Gabriel Lock, No 3 of the Lachine Canal
Event Schedule and Details
Join us for a unique paddling experience on the peaceful waters of the Lachine Canal aboard your non-motorized watercraft! To ensure a smooth and safe event, please review the schedule below.
For directions to the various launching points, please select the location of your choice:
Departure from Peel Basin
Starting at 12:30 p.m., drop off your watercraft at the dock located at 31 Mill Street, Montreal, before parking your vehicle. A Parks Canada team will be on hand to welcome you and monitor the area.
Parking
Park your vehicle at 889 Mill Street, Montreal (H3C 1Y5) (free parking). A team member will be available to assist you.
Access to the landing stage
- Walk approximately 4 minutes along the canal path to reach the landing stage.
- Once there, retrieve your watercraft and launch into the canal.
Paddling to Lock No. 3
- Paddle toward Lock No. 3 (approximately 15 minutes of travel time).
- Arrive on time to ensure the smooth flow of the event.
Locking Process Schedule
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Entry into the lock.
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
3 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
- Return your watercraft to the landing stage.
- Walk back to the parking lot at 889 Mill Street.
- Retrieve your vehicle and return to pick up your watercraft.
IMPORTANT
- All-ages and skill levels welcome;
- All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
- Punctuality: Be on time to ensure the smooth progression of the event. Plan for about 15 minutes to paddle from your launch point (Peel or Atwater) to the lock in your non-motorized watercraft. Respect the scheduled lock gate closure times (Downstream gates: 2 p.m. (Peel) Upstream gates: 3 p.m.(Atwater)).
- Smoke-free / Alcohol-free event;
- Respect your fellow paddlers!
Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be allowed to participate in the activity.
Departure from Atwater Market
Starting at 1 p.m., you may access the designated event landing stage to drop off your watercraft before parking your vehicle.
Parking
Parking spaces are available on nearby streets.
Access to the landing stage by car
- Enter the Lachine Canal path via Bourget Street and head toward Atwater Market (turn left).
- Look for the Parks Canada tent, set up a few meters from the path, where you can leave your watercraft.
- A Parks Canada team will be on-site to assist you and ensure safety.
- Exit the canal path via Bérard Street, park your vehicle on nearby streets, and return on foot to pick up your watercraft and launch from the Atwater Market dock.
Paddling to Lock No. 3
- Paddle toward Lock No. 3 (approximately 15 minutes of travel time).
- Arrive on time to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Locking Process Schedule
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
3 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
- Return your watercraft to the landing stage.
- Retrieve your vehicle and return to pick up your watercraft.
IMPORTANT
- All-ages and skill levels welcome;
- All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
- Punctuality: Be on time to ensure the smooth progression of the event. Plan for about 15 minutes to paddle from your launch point (Peel or Atwater) to the lock in your non-motorized watercraft. Respect the scheduled lock gate closure times (Downstream gates: 2 p.m. (Peel) Upstream gates: 3 p.m. (Atwater)).
- Smoke-free / Alcohol-free event;
- Respect your fellow paddlers!
Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be allowed to participate in the activity.
What to bring
This is a rain or shine event. Dress for the weather.
- Non-motorized watercraft* recommended by Transport Canada. See the types of watercraft allowed for the activity.
IMPORTANT: Paddleboards are allowed on the waterway but are not permitted in the locks for safety reasons. - Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each participant
- Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, and bailer for each boat
- Sunscreen and a hat (you'll be on the canal for over 2 hours!)
- Water bottle and snacks
*Parks Canada reserves the right to refuse access to the waterway or lock to anyone attending the event with a boat deemed unsafe.
Watercraft Rental
Don’t have your own boat or gear but still want to make a splash? Visit the H2O Adventures website and contact the nautical center.
Questions about the event
What types of non-motorized watercraft are allowed during the Lock & Paddle” activity?
Only non-motorized watercraft that comply with Transport Canada regulations (such as canoes and kayaks) will be allowed to participate at the event. Inflatable watercraft considered as “beach toys” (e.g. vinyl unicorns, floating mattresses, etc.) and homemade watercraft are not permitted. Each vessel must be equipped with the required safety equipment.
Note: Paddleboards are allowed on the waterway, but their access to the locks is prohibited for safety reasons.
Parks Canada reserves the right to refuse access to the waterway or lock to anyone attending the event with a boat deemed unsafe.
Do I need to register for Lock & Paddle?
No! Participants are not required to pre-register for the event. Simply show up at one of the reception points with your boat.
Can I participate with a Stand-Up Paddleboard?
Yes, but you will not be able to take part in the photo. Paddleboards are prohibited in all locks but are allowed on the waterway at all times.
Do we still have to pay lockage fees?
Lockage will be free for all paddling participants of Lock & Paddle on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Seasonal pass sticker for non-motorized craft will not be required.
Where does the event start? Where do I put my vessel in?
The activity will take place in the Atwater pole, between locks No. 3 and 4. Vessels can be loaded into water at various locations. See: Event Schedule and Details..
Where can I park my vehicle?
Free parking spaces are available for participants.
Event collaborators
An event of this scale would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of our valued collaborators. Thanks to their participation, we are able to offer all visitors a rich and diverse experience.
On July 19, come and enjoy a delicious food selection made possible by SDC Les Quartiers du Canal. Treat yourself at the Crux and Spanel (French only) stands, where you'll find refreshing smoothies and tasty crêpes. For beer lovers, the SDC Pointe-Saint-Charles and Beau Dégât (in French only) invite you to a local refreshment stall featuring beers from Mémento and 4 Origines, a great opportunity to discover local brewing expertise. Come and enjoy a burger from Avant Goût Épicerie!
On the water, Canot Kayak Québec (French only) will be ensuring participant safety while educating visitors of all ages on best practices for safe and enjoyable navigation. Their commitment is strengthened by the invaluable collaboration of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and Nautisme Québec, whose presence along the banks will provide an opportunity to raise public awareness about boating safety and sustainable nautical practices.
As part of the event, Tableau D’Hôte Theatre will present an immersive musical performance entitled Là où ça résonne — an invitation to listen closely to the whispers of the shoreline. Along the canal, musicians will weave a living soundscape: a resonant landscape shaped by echoes of the past and voices of today. This performance marks the second chapter of Échos du canal, a year-long artistic odyssey celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Lachine Canal.
Finally, we are delighted to welcome the Marie-Uguay Library, which will showcase its brand-new summer programming along with its unique paddleboard lending service. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in both culture and watersports in one place!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our collaborators for their invaluable contributions. Their dedication makes this event a truly special moment of sharing and discovery. Come meet them and celebrate with us!
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