Press Releases

Temporary Intermittent Closure of Access to Dam Deck

SAINT-OURS, QUEBEC, July 28, 2028 – Parks Canada will commence maintenance work on the dam at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site which will result in the complete closure of access to the dam deck between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays from August 4 to October 13, 2025. The dam will be accessible to users in the evenings and on weekends throughout the duration of the work. Cyclists must dismount their bikes. 

Sector Gate No. 4 of the dam will be dry-docked to allow the team to undertake maintenance tasks including pumping out accumulated sediment in the gate, cleaning and painting the gate, and replacing seals. This work is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the dam and the Vianney-Legendre fishway. 

This work is part of a series aimed at maintaining all the dam's gates. The first of these gates was successfully maintained last year. The others will follow over the next years. 

Public safety is a priority for Parks Canada and all work is planned to ensure the safety of all, including visitors and workers. Parks Canada asks all users of the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site to pay extra attention to the signage in place.

Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site officially kicks off its 2025 boating season!

SAINT-OURS, QUEBEC, Mai 16 2025 – Beginning today, the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site is pleased to welcome boaters for the 2025 boating season. This morning, the Parks Canada team was happy to welcome the first boaters of the season!

Whether they’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, a chance to explore nature and history, or a break from everyday life, the historic canals administered by Parks Canada in Quebec offer countless fun and unique experiences to suit every visitor’s and boater’s needs.

Should you wish to learn more about the historic canals, please consult the Parks Canada Historic canals and waterways Website and follow us on Facebook @QCCanals.

Spread the word, and enjoy the 2025 navigational season!

Temporary closure of access to dam deck

SAINT-OURS, QUEBEC, July 2, 2024 – Parks Canada will commence maintenance work on the dam at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site which will result in the complete closure of access to the dam deck between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays from August 12 to October 15, 2024. The dam will be accessible to users in the evenings and on weekends throughout the duration of the work. Cyclists will be asked to dismount their bikes. 

Sector Gate No. 1 of the dam will be dry-docked to allow the team to undertake maintenance tasks including pumping out accumulated sediment in the gate, cleaning and painting the gate, and replacing seals. This work is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the dam and the Vianney-Legendre fishway. 

Public safety is a priority for Parks Canada and all work is planned to ensure the safety of visitors and workers. Parks Canada asks all users of the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site to pay extra attention to the signage in place. 

For more information about this National Historic Site, visit the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site website. 

Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site officially kicks off its 2024 boating season!

MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC, Mai 17, 2024 – Beginning today, the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site is pleased to welcome boaters for the 2024 boating season. This morning, the Parks Canada team was happy to welcome the first boaters of the season! 

Whether they’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, a chance to explore nature and history, or a break from everyday life, the historic canals administered by Parks Canada in Quebec offer countless fun and unique experiences to suit every visitor’s and boater’s needs.

Should you wish to learn more about the historic canals, please consult the Parks Canada Historic canals and waterways Website and follow us on Facebook @QCCanals.

Spread the word, and enjoy the 2024 navigational season!

Reminder to the public: Magnet Fishing is prohibited in all historic canals administered by Parks Canada 

MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC, July 7, 2023 – Magnet fishing is a growing practice. Although perceived as a means of voluntary environmental clean-up, this activity is strictly prohibited in all historic canals administered by Parks Canada.

Under the Historic Canal Regulations (sections 3 and 11.2), the removal of any object from a historic canal is not permitted at any time without first obtaining a permit. 

At first glance, while the objective of removing objects from the canals may seem commendable, this practice poses a greater risk to the environment and to visitor safety than simply leaving the objects in place. Stirring up the bottom of the canals can not only disturb aquatic habitats but can also release contaminated sediments in sites that have a significant industrial past. Participants may be exposed to the handling of dangerous objects such as weapons or other sharp objects, as well as potentially contaminated elements.                                             

Historic canals are made up of various structures whose integrity can also be affected by the practice of this activity. In addition to bridges and footbridges, the canals include weirs and siphons, water, and electrical conduits, and potential archaeological remains that could be damaged or destroyed by the practice of magnetic fishing. Parks Canada's mandate is to protect and conserve cultural and natural resources. Consequently, such an activity cannot be authorized and anyone found in non-compliance could be subject to a fine.

Lachine Canal National Historic Site officially kicks off its 2023 boating season!

SAINT-OURS, Quebec, May 19, 2023 – The Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site is pleased to welcome boaters for the 2023 boating season. This morning, the Parks Canada team was happy to welcome the first boaters of the season!

Whether they’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, a chance to explore nature and history, or a break from everyday life, the historic canals administered by Parks Canada in Quebec offer countless fun and unique experiences to suit every visitor’s and boater’s needs.

Should you wish to learn more about the historic canals, please consult the Parks Canada Website and follow us on Facebook @QCCanals.

Spread the word, and enjoy the 2023 navigational season!

Parks Canada Reservations Launching In March 2023

Quebec, February 20, 2023 – Parks Canada knows that Canadians are eager to confirm their travel plans for 2023 and want to make their camping reservations as soon as possible. Parks Canada will be launching reservations for the 2023 visitor season in mid-March until early April. Launch dates for national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas vary by location. Visit the following web page to confirm the launch dates and times for Parks Canada destinations across the country: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/reserve#datestime

PARKS CANADA SITES IN QUEBEC

For Parks Canada administered places in Quebec, reservations will open on March 15, 2023, at 8 a.m. E.T.  Campsites and roofed accommodations at Forillon National Park, La Mauricie National Park, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve and Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site will be available for reservation. 

As well as booking on-line through the Parks Canada Reservation Service, visitors can make reservations by calling 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783) anytime on March 15 or after.