Learn-to Paddle

Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Parks Canada welcomes you to the Hangar 1825 and the Peel Basin of the Lachine Canal for a free introduction to paddle sports. Certified instructors will teach you the basics of paddling and controlling a canoe, a kayak or a paddle board in calm water safely.

Canoe Experience

 Meeting point : Hangar 1825
Smiling man in a canoe on the Lachine Canal

Activity details

  • Groups must be composed of 2 people who are able to paddle, including a responsible adult. Children 10 years and older can be considered as 2nd paddler.
  • 3 adults per canoe, or 2 adults and 2 children. (5 years and older)
  • Learn-to Canoe activity is aimed at beginners with little or no experience, a good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.

Equipment provided

  • Canoe
  • Personal floatation device
  • Small waterproof bag to store your personal items

Schedule

Weekends from September 10 to October 1, 2023. 

Book your place in English

*Parks Canada may cancel the activity for everyone's safety due to weather conditions. Notice to latecomers: your place will be released.

Important information

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts
  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing
  • This activity is offered in French and English at different times. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages. Cliquez ici pour réserver votre activité en français.
  • You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks
  • Restrooms, refreshment stands and picnic tables are available nearby
  • Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants, bring your own lock. No Bixi station nearby.
  • The activity is not recommended for people who can't swim and/or are afraid of water
  • The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Animals are not allowed in the canoes

How to get to the Hangar 1825?

Learn-to paddle map

To get to the "Canoe Experience" activity by public transportation or by car, follow these Google directions.

Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Hangar 1825. No parking on site. It is available on nearby streets.

Questions? Call us at 514-240-8693.

Kayak Experience

 Meeting point : Mill parking at Peel basin
Couple en kayak sur le canal de Lachine.

Activity details

  • Learn-to Kayak activity can be done solo or in pairs
  • Minimum age required for solo: 16 years old
  • Kayaking in pairs can be done with 2 adults or 1 adults and one child (minimum age required 5 years old)
  • Learn-to Kayak activity is aimed at beginners with little or no experience, a good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.

Equipment provided

  • Kayak
  • Personal floatation device
  • Small waterproof bag to store your personal items

Schedule

The 2023 season is now over!

Important information

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts
  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing
  • This activity is offered in French and English. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
  • You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks
  • Portable toilet are available nearby
  • Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants, bring your own lock. No Bixi station nearby.
  • The activity is not recommended for people who can't swim and/or are afraid of water
  • The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Animals are not allowed in the kayak

How do I get to the Peel Basin?

Carte - Initiation au kayak - Bassin Peel

To get to the "Kayak Experience" activity by subway or by car, follow these Google directions..

Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle  team at the Mill area next to the bank of the Peel Basin. Paid parking is available. It is also possible to park in the surrounding streets. 

Questions? Call us at 514-240-8693.

Paddleboard Experience

 Point de rencontre : stationnement Mill du bassin Peel

Activity details

  • Learn-to Paddlebord is a solo activity
  • The activity is limited to people aged 16 and over
  • Learn-to paddleboard activity is for beginners who can swim and have little to no experience in the water. A good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.

Equipment provided

  • Paddleboard
  • Personal floatation device
  • Small waterproof bag to store your personal items

Schedule

The 2023 season is now over!

Important information

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts
  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing
  • This activity is offered in French and English. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
  • You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks
  • Portable toilet are available nearby
  • Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants, bring your own lock. No Bixi station nearby.
  • The activity is not recommended for people who are afraid of water
  • The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Animals are not allowed on the paddle board

How do I get to the Peel Basin?

Carte - Initiation au kayak - Bassin Peel

To get to the "Paddleboard Experience" activity by subway or by car, follow these Google directions.

Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Mill area next to the bank of the Peel Basin. Paid parking is available. It is also possible to park in the surrounding streets. 

Questions? Call us at 514-240-8693.


You already know how to canoe, kayak or paddleboard?

It's possible to bring your own equipment or to rent a non-motorized boats at the canal. See the Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddling page for more details.

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