Lock & Paddle

Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Join Parks Canada at this free paddling event happening simultaneously at the Rideau Canal, Trent-Severn Waterway and Lachine Canal national historic sites on Saturday, July 20, 2024. In Montréal, enjoy paddling on the Lachine Canal alongside tens of colourful watercraft, 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 20, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Lachine Canal

Getting here

Plan ahead and decide where you will launch your non-motoriozed watercraft in order to reach the event. Experienced paddlers may choose one of the nearby options and enjoy a short paddle to the lock. Beginners, or those with accessibility needs, can enter the waterway through one of the following locations:

Dock at the Atwater Market
Docks at the Peel Basin (Mill Street)
Dock at Lock No 3

See the following map for boat launch locations on the Lachine Canal.

Schedule

5 p.m.: Arrival of the first participants
6:30 p.m.: Fixed lockage (lock No. 3) from upstream to downstream
7 p.m.: Official photo
7:45 p.m.: Fixed lockage (lock No. 3) from downstream to upstream
8:30 p.m.: End of the event

Rules

All-ages and skill levels welcome;
All paddlers/passengers must wear a personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) in order to participate;
Smoke-free / Alcohol-free event;
Respect your fellow paddlers!

Visitors who do not follow the rules will not be permitted to enter the canal.

What to bring

Note: This is a rain or shine event. Dress for the weather.

Non-motorized wathercraft
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each participant
Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, and bailer for each boat
Watertight flashlight
Sunscreen and a hat
Water bottle
A smile!

Gear and rental options

Don’t have your own boat or gear but still want to make a splash? Contact the nautical center H2O Adventures.

Parking

Considering the location of the activity site, it may be difficult for you to find parking nearby. However, several options are available to you in the surrounding streets or at the Mill parking.

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?

Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are prohibited in all locks but will be accepted on the waterway during this special event.

Do we still have to pay lockage fees?

Lockage will be free for all paddling participants of Lock & Paddle on Saturday, July 20, 2024. 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: Getting here.

Where can I park my vehicle?

There is no parking reserved for the activity. See: Parking.

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. The last lockage as part of the activity will be at 7:45 p.m. at Lock No. 3 only (downstream direction). Paddleboards and inflatable boats are prohibited in the locks.