Outdoor activities

Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site

The outdoor area of the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site can be visited on your own.

You can visit the outdoor site on your own, whether you get there by bicycle or by car. A parking lot, a bike rack and picnic tables are at your disposal. Please note, however, that there are no restrooms or water fountains.

You can do the following activities on your own:

  • Self-guided tour to see the commemorative plaque, which has been at the entrance to the visitor center since 1978, and the commemorative obelisk, raised in 1895 by the Canadian Parliament.
  • Pause or picnic in the grassy area.
  • Self-guided tour of the marked trail of the battlefield, by car or bicycle.

There are also facilities available for your use:

  • Parking
  • Bike rack
  • Picnic tables

Please note: there are no restrooms or water fountains on site.

 

Self-guided tour of the monuments

Three young children came to observe the commemorative obelisk of the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site in the middle of summer.
The commemorative obelisk is located a few steps from the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site.

Whether you are walking or cycling, you will have the chance to stroll around the site to see the commemorative plaque at the entrance to the interpretation center—which was installed in 1978—and read about the battle of October 26, 1813.

You can then head to the picnic area to admire the commemorative obelisk, which was raised in 1895 by the Canadian Parliament. It commemorates the Battle of Châteauguay and the important role of the Lower Canadian militia in this historic event.

 

Rest or picnic in the grassy area

Two cyclists, a man and a woman, take a break on a park bench at the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site and observe the Châteauguay River on a summer day.
This historic spot on the banks of the Châteauguay River is the perfect place to relax during a bike ride.

Enjoy the grassy area and picnic tables by the river for a break or a picnic with friends, family or on your own.

 

Self-guided tour of the marked trail of the battlefield

View of the battlefield during a summer sunset at the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site.
A breathtaking view of the battlefield.

Step back in time to the historic event of October 26, 1813, by observing the archaeological landscapes of the battlefield and reliving this military triumph.

Useful information

  • Length of the battlefield: 14 kilometres
  • Length of the marked trail: just over 19 kilometres, between Ormstown and Sainte-Martine
  • Approximate duration of the entire marked trail: 60 minutes by car and 90 minutes by bike. Walking is not recommended.
 
Map of the marked battlefield circuit, showing the 13 historical markers between Ormstown and Sainte-Martine, and illustration of the battlefield.

Download the 2025 battlefield marked trail map (PDF, 1.87 MB).

Follow the Chemin de la rivière Châteauguay and discover the 13 historical markers, each with its own fascinating story.

Marker Station name Nearby Geographic coordinates in decimal degrees [latitude, longitude]
1 Montreal: a strategic destination! Route 138, near the confluence of the Outardes and Châteauguay rivers, in Ormstown 45.1243° N, -74.0031° W
2 The American encampment 2002, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Ormstown 45.1265° N, -73.9816° W
3 American troops routed! 3148, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Ormstown 45.1516° N, -73.9393° W
4 Unequal forces on the line of fire 2371, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1575° N, -73.9307° W
5 Reserve troops: first entrenchment 2207, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1646° N, -73.9255° W
6 Reserve troops: second entrenchment 2050, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1704° N, -73.9189° W
7 Reserve troops: third entrenchment 2050, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1714° N, -73.9177° W
8 Reserve troops: fourth and final entrenchment 1981, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1739° N, -73.915° W
9 Morrison’s Ford: a strategic crossing 1867, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1784° N, -73.9084° W
10 The Morrison House: a multipurpose refuge 1765, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1809° N, -73.9037° W
11 Officer’s quarters on the battlefield 1161, chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, in Howick 45.1966° N, -73.8741° W
12 Supplying the troops 315, rang Laberge, in Sainte-Martine 45.2198° N, -73.8403° W
13 To protect Montreal! 355, rang Touchette, Sainte-Martine 45.2173° N, -73.829° W

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