Learn-to Paddle
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Discover paddlesports with Parks Canada at the Lachine Canal this summer!
Want to discover kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing or even try a rabaska canoe ride? We have the perfect activity to introduce you to these sports with ease. Our qualified instructors will guide you step by step, teaching you safety and basic paddling techniques. Once you are well prepared, you'll set off together on the calm and safe waters of the Lachine Canal. Take advantage of this unique activity to explore the historic heritage of the Lachine Canal and admire the city from another angle.
Choose your Learn-To Paddle Experience
Canoe
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Canoe Experience
Meeting point: Côte-Saint-Paul lock (Lock No. 4)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Learn-To Paddle activity canoe experience takes place for groups of 2 paddlers, one of whom is a responsible adult. Children over 10 can be considered paddlers.
- A central seat can accommodate a 3rd adult, or 1-2 young children. Minimum 2 paddlers per watercraft.
- This activity is open to everyone aged 5 and over.
Our introductory canoeing activity is the perfect opportunity to learn this exciting sport, whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced amateur. Join us for an immersive experience where you'll learn the rudiments of canoeing under the supervision of our experienced guides.
Equipment provided
- Canoe
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
From June 19, 2025 to August 31, 2025, offered Thursday to Monday.
Fees and reservations
Visit our Fees page to obtain the rates for the Canoe Experience on the Lachine Canal. Maximum $20 per watercraft.
Book now!*Parks Canada reserves the right to cancel the activity for everyone's safety due to weather conditions. Latecomers please note: your place will be released.
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register to Parks Canada staff.
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This is a bilingual activity. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Restrooms, water foutains and picnic tables are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock. Bixi stations are located nearby.
- Learn-to canoe activity is aimed at beginners with little or no experience, a good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Animals are not allowed in the canoes.
How to get to the Learn-to Paddle activity: Canoe Experience
To get to the "Canoe Experience" activity by public transit, by bike or by car, follow these Google directions.
Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Côte-Saint-Paul Lock. Parking is available on nearby streets.
Kayak
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Kayak Experience
Meeting point: Lachine Lock (Lock No. 5)
Have you always dreamed of gliding across the water in total freedom, feeling the breeze caress your face and exploring the wonders of nature from a unique perspective? Our kayaking experience is for you! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you'll learn the basics of kayaking in the company of our experienced instructors.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Learn-to Kayak activity can be done solo or in pairs
- Solo kayak: minimum age required is 14 years old
- Twin kayak: kayaking in pairs can be done with 2 adults or 1 adults and one child (minimum age required 10 years old). Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Equipment provided
- Kayak
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
From June 19, 2025 to August 31, 2025, available from Friday to Sunday.
Fees and reservations
Visit our Fees page to obtain the rates for the Kayak Experience on the Lachine Canal.
Book now!*Parks Canada reserves the right to cancel the activity for everyone's safety due to weather conditions. Latecomers please note: your place will be released.
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register to Parks Canada staff.
- This is a bilingual activity. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Restrooms, water foutains and picnic tables are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock. Bixi stations are located nearby.
- Learn-to Kayak activity is aimed at beginners with little or no experience, a good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Animals are not allowed in the kayak.
How to get to the Learn-to Paddle activity: Kayak Experience
To get to the "Kayak Experience" activity by public transit, by bike or by car, follow these Google directions.
Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Lachine Lock (Lock No. 5). Parking is available on nearby streets.
Paddleboard
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Paddleboard Experience
Meeting point: Saint-Gabriel Lock (Lock No. 3)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Learn-to Paddlebord is a solo activity
- The activity is limited to people aged 14 and over. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Ready to discover a new way of navigating in the heart of a big city? Our introduction to paddleboarding is the perfect way to learn this exciting sport! Join us for an enriching experience where you'll learn the basics of stand up paddle (SUP) under the guidance of our qualified instructors.
Equipment provided
- Paddleboard
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
From June 19, 2025 to August 31, 2025, available from Thursday to Monday.
Fees and reservations
Visit our Fees page to obtain the rates for the Paddleboard Experience on the Lachine Canal.
Book now!*Parks Canada reserves the right to cancel the activity for everyone's safety due to weather conditions. Latecomers please note: your place will be released.
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register to Parks Canada staff.
- This is a bilingual activity. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Toilets are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock. No Bixi station nearby.
- Learn-to paddleboard activity is for beginners and have little to no experience in the water. A good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Animals are not allowed on the paddleboard
How to get to the Learn-to Paddle activity: Paddleboard Experience?
To get to the "Paddleboard Experience" activity by public transit, by bike or by car, follow these Google directions.
Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Saint-Gabriel Lock (lock No. 3). Parking is available on nearby streets.
Voyageur Canoe
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Voyageur Canoe Experience
Meeting point: The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site
The voyageur canoe, also known as the rabaska or the big canoe is a true symbol of tradition and exploration. With its imposing size and capacity to accommodate several paddlers, it offers an incomparable boating experience, perfect for adventure-seeking groups.
This historical activity will transport you back in time to discover the crucial role of the voyageur canoe, the preferred boat of fur traders in the 17th and 18th centuries. You'll also be invited to visit the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site to learn more.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Maximum of participants per voyageur canoe: 15
- Paddlers aged 10 and over. Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- This activity is open to everyone aged 5 and over.
- Ages 5 to 9: children take part free of charge as passengers.
- A minimum of 5 paddlers must be registered for the activity to take place.
Equipment provided
- Paddle
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
From June 19 to August 31, 2025. Available from Friday to Sunday, and on public holidays (June 24, July 1, September 1). Tours depart at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Fees and reservations
To find out the cost of this activity and to make a reservation, please call us at: 514-637-7433 or e-mail us at commercefourrure-furtrade@pc.gc.ca. Payment on site.
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register to Parks Canada staff.
- This is a bilingual activity. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Toilets are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Animals are not allowed on the voyageur canoe.
For more details please contact us by email at: initiationcamping-learntocamp@pc.gc.ca.
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