Lock & Paddle
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Experience the 200th anniversary of the Lachine Canal with us!
Join Parks Canada at this free paddling event happening in three different sites on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Enjoy paddling on the Lachine Canal alongside tens of colourful canoes and kayaks, before experiencing a lockage. Come and have fun surrounded by the sounds of music and laughter, in the company of new friends and family.
Don’t forget your neon clothing or accessory!
Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Saint-Gabriel Lock, No 3 of the Lachine Canal
Event Schedule and Details
Join us for a unique paddling experience on the peaceful waters of the Lachine Canal aboard your non-motorized watercraft! To ensure a smooth and safe event, please review the schedule below.
For directions to the various launching points, please select the location of your choice:
Departure from Peel Basin
Starting at 12:30 p.m., drop off your watercraft at the dock located at 31 Mill Street, Montreal, before parking your vehicle. A Parks Canada team will be on hand to welcome you and monitor the area.
Parking
Park your vehicle at 889 Mill Street, Montreal (H3C 1Y5) (free parking). A team member will be available to assist you.
Access to the landing stage
- Walk approximately 4 minutes along the canal path to reach the landing stage.
- Once there, retrieve your watercraft and launch into the canal.
Paddling to Lock No. 3
- Paddle toward Lock No. 3 (approximately 15 minutes of travel time).
- Arrive on time to ensure the smooth flow of the event.
Locking Process Schedule
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Entry into the lock.
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
3 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
- Return your watercraft to the landing stage.
- Walk back to the parking lot at 889 Mill Street.
- Retrieve your vehicle and return to pick up your watercraft.
Important
- All-ages and skill levels welcome;
- All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
- Punctuality: Be on time to ensure the smooth progression of the event. Plan for about 15 minutes to paddle from your launch point (Peel or Atwater) to the lock in your non-motorized watercraft. Respect the scheduled lock gate closure times (Downstream gates: 2 p.m. (Peel) Upstream gates: 3 p.m.(Atwater)).
- Smoke-free / Alcohol-free event;
- No inflatable boats or paddleboards will be allowed in the lock, except for approved inflatable kayaks. This rule applies at all times;
- Respect your fellow paddlers!
Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be allowed to participate in the activity.
Departure from Atwater Market
Starting at 1 p.m., you may access the designated event landing stage to drop off your watercraft before parking your vehicle.
Parking
Parking spaces are available on nearby streets.
Access to the landing stage by car
- Enter the Lachine Canal path via Bourget Street and head toward Atwater Market (turn left).
- Look for the Parks Canada tent, set up a few meters from the path, where you can leave your watercraft.
- A Parks Canada team will be on-site to assist you and ensure safety.
- Exit the canal path via Bérard Street, park your vehicle on nearby streets, and return on foot to pick up your watercraft and launch from the Atwater Market dock.
Paddling to Lock No. 3
- Paddle toward Lock No. 3 (approximately 15 minutes of travel time).
- Arrive on time to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Locking Process Schedule
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
3 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
- Return your watercraft to the landing stage.
- Retrieve your vehicle and return to pick up your watercraft.
Important
- All-ages and skill levels welcome;
- All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
- Punctuality: Be on time to ensure the smooth progression of the event. Plan for about 15 minutes to paddle from your launch point (Peel or Atwater) to the lock in your non-motorized watercraft. Respect the scheduled lock gate closure times (Downstream gates: 2 p.m. (Peel) Upstream gates: 3 p.m. (Atwater)).
- Smoke-free / Alcohol-free event;
- No inflatable boats or paddleboards will be allowed in the lock, except for approved inflatable kayaks. This rule applies at all times;
- Respect your fellow paddlers!
Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be allowed to participate in the activity.
What to bring
Note: This is a rain or shine event. Dress for the weather.
- Canoe or kayak
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each participant
- Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, and bailer for each boat
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water bottle
Watercraft Rental
Don’t have your own boat or gear but still want to make a splash? Contact the Nautical Centre H2O Adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for Lock & Paddle?
No! Participants are not required to pre-register for the event. Simply show up at one of the reception points with your boat.
Can I participate with a Stand-Up Paddleboard?
Yes, but you will not be able to take part in the photo. Paddleboards are prohibited in all locks but are allowed on the waterway at all times.
Do we still have to pay lockage fees?
Lockage will be free for all paddling participants of Lock & Paddle on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Seasonal pass sticker for non-motorized craft will not be required.
Where does the event start? Where do I put my vessel in?
The activity will take place in the Atwater pole, between locks No. 3 and 4. Vessels can be loaded into water at various locations. See: Event Schedule and Details.
Where can I park my vehicle?
There is no parking reserved for the activity. See: Event Schedule and Details.
What happens at the end of the activity?
At the end of the Lock and Paddle activity, you can paddle to the launch location closest to your vehicle. Paddleboards and inflatable boats are prohibited in the locks.
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