Press Releases

Budding Fishermen in action at the Carillon Canal National Historic Site

ST-ANDRÉ-D’ARGENTEUIL, QUEBEC, July 11, 2024 – For the first time this year, Parks Canada is inviting youngsters aged 6 to 17 and their parents (or a responsible adult) to the Carillon Canal National Historic Site for a free day of introductory sport fishing activities as part of the Pêche en herbe program. Produced in collaboration with its main partner, Canadian Tire, and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP), this program encourages the next generation of sport fishers.

During this activity, kids will learn about fish biology, fishing basics, angler ethics and Quebec sport fishing regulations and safety. In addition to a demonstration of fishing techniques such as light casting, hooking and reeling in a fish, they will learn how to set up their own fishing line. Afterward, there will be a 45-minute practice period with the Parks Canada team.

All fishing equipment, including a rod and bait, as well as a flotation vest, will be provided to participants. With the authorization of the MFFP, each youngster will receive a Pêche en herbe certificate which can be used in lieu of a fishing licence until they reach 18 years of age.

This special day will take place on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required. Please email initiationcamping-learntocamp@pc.gc.ca to reserve your spot as space is limited.

This Parks Canada activity has been selected as one of the projects offering the best coaching and training activities for young fishing enthusiasts. Since its creation in 1997, the Pêche en herbe program has introduced more than 320,000 youngsters to the sport.

For more information on the Carillon Canal National Historic Site, visit  the website of Carillon Canal National Historic Site.

Carillon Canal National Historic Site officially kicks off its 2024 boating season!

SAINT-ANDRÉ-D’ARGENTEUIL, QUEBEC, June 7, 2024 – Beginning today, June 7, the Carillon 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!

Postponement of the 2024 navigation season

SAINT-ANDRÉ-D’ARGENTEUIL, QUEBEC, May 2, 2024 – Parks Canada regrets to announce that the opening of the navigation season at the Carillon Canal National Historic Site will be delayed by approximately three weeks in order to complete necessary rehabilitation work to the lock gate. It is anticipated that the canal will open on June 7, 2024. During this time, boaters will need to make alternate plans to reach their destination.

The delayed opening is due to rehabilitation work to the structural components of the lock's vertical gate which has been underway for several months and will not be completed until June. This work will end the degradation of the gate’s components and will correct flaws in the initial gate design. Once completed, the system should enable optimum use of the vertical gate during navigation on the Carillon Canal, reducing the need for future work on the structure.

Parks Canada apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this delay, and thanks boaters, as well as the community and local businesses, for their patience and understanding. Access to the shoreline remains possible at all times.

For more details about activities offered in Quebec's historic canals, please visit https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/canaux-canals or call 1-888-773-8888 to plan your visit.

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.

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

Saint-André-d'Argenteuil, Quebec, June 3, 2023 – The Carillon 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!

Launch of the Boating Season

Carillon Canal National Historic Site

SAINT-ANDRÉ-D’ARGENTEUIL, May 20, 2022 – The warm weather is finally here! It’s the perfect time to head back outside and reconnect with the places we love! Everyone is invited to take a moment this summer to visit the new facilities at the Carillon Canal National Historic Site.

The Parks Canada team was happy to welcome the first boaters of the 2022 season this morning!

Are you dreaming of taking part in this wonderful experience? Visit the Parks Canada Website to learn about the many opportunities offered by Canada’s historic canals, and register now for your lockage permit!

Spread the word, and enjoy the 2022 navigational season! parkscanada.gc.ca/canals.