Visitor guidelines

Drinking and boating in the Canal

The rules for operating a boat while impaired are the same as for driving a car. It is against the law. Anyone convicted of piloting a boat while impaired may lose their driver’s licence. You may drink on your private vessel, only if your boat is equipped with a permanently fitted head (washroom), sleeping accommodations, cooking facilities and properly docked or at anchor.

Alcohol consumption on the banks of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Alcohol consumption is prohibited at all Parks Canada sites.The Lachine Canal National Historic Site, being located in the heart of the city of Montreal, the municipal by-law for large parks applies. As such, the consumption of alcohol is permitted only in picnic areas as part of a meal or when a permit has been issued for a special event.

Barbecues are prohibited on the grounds of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site.

Speed limits

The Lachine Canal waterway is subject to a 10 km/h speed limit. Police officers and Parks Canada guards patrol the speed limit zones and issue tickets to boaters found exceeding the speed limit.

Boat Wakes

As a boat operator, you should be aware of the speeds at which your boat produces a maximum and minimum wake. If you're navigating a historic canal, drive in such a way as to minimize the wake so as not to compromise the safety of people or other boats in the canal.

Water-skiing, Wakeboarding and Tubing

No towing in navigation channels. Water-skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are prohibited.

Inflatable Vessels

Any type of inflatable is considered a vessel when it is used for navigation. As such, each occupant/passenger requires a life vest and safety equipment. For complete regulations on navigation in historic canals, consult the Historic Canals Regulations.

Unless otherwise specified, no person shall camp on the banks of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. For more information on this subject, consult the Historic Canals Regulations.

Quebec legislation prohibits the consumption of cannabis in public places. Cannabis consumption is prohibited at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site.

For more information about the regulation of cannabis on Parks Canada sites, please visit the page "Cannabis use at Parks Canada places".

Find out about provincial regulations on smoking and vaping, to ensure proper distances from buildings, playgrounds and other facilities.

All commercial activities and special events require a permit. Visit the "Organizing an event or activity" page for details.

Commercial filming and photography are subject to special considerations. All commercial activities require a business license and permit. Visit the "Organizing an event or activity" page for more information.. 

If you wish to fly a drone along the Lachine Canal, be sure to read, understand and comply with the following Transport Canada regulations.

Any commercial use of a drone flight must be authorized by Parks Canada. For more information about filming permits, see the "Organizing an event or activity" page.

Micro-drones (under 250 g)

Pilots of micro drones don’t need to register their drone or get a drone pilot certificate to fly them. Pilots of micro drones are not bound by the same requirements as other drones. However, you must not operate your drone in a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of anyone. Source : Transport Canada

A micro-drone pilot needs to use their better judgement, identify potential hazards and take all necessary steps to avoid the risks associated with flying their drone.

As a good practice, you should always:

• maintain the drone in direct line of sight
• do not fly your drone above 400 feet in the air
• keep a safe lateral distance between your drone and any bystanders
• stay far away from aerodromes, airports, heliport and waterdrome
• avoid flying near critical infrastructure
• stay clear of aircraft, at all time
• do a pre-flight inspection of your drone
• keep the drone close enough to maintain the connection with the remote controller
• avoid special aviation or advertised events

Please consult the Transport Canada website about microdrones to make sure you meet the requirements. 

Respect of privacy rights

Individuals have the right to know who is watching them and why, what information is being captured, and what is being done with recorded images. Watch this video created by Transport Canada to learn more.

The right to privacy is protected by The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. 

Drones over 250 g and under 25 kg

The Lachine Canal National Historic Site is a controlled airspace, and only advanced operations may be carried out with air traffic control authorization (navcanada.ca). 

Please refer to the Transport Canada website for advanced operation requirements. 

Drones that weigh more than 25 kg

If your drone weighs over 25 kg or you want to fly outside the rules, you will need to get special permission from Transport Canada before you fly. Source: Transport Canada

Special Flight Operations Certificate

If you plan to fly a drone, you must first obtain a specialized flight operations certificate if: 

• during a scheduled event
• flying a drone weighing over 25 kg
• flying above 122 metres (400 ft)

To obtain permission for special drone operations, visit the Transport Canada website.

It is forbidden to light or maintain fires on historic canal property. 

It is forbidden to light fireworks unless in accordance with the terms of the permit issued. For more information, consult the Historic Canals Regulations.

Fishing is permitted at Lachine Canal National Historic Site provided the following safety measures are observed: 

• It is forbidden to fish within 10 m of a lock, an approach wharf or a bridge over a navigation canal.
• Eat fish in moderation, as there is a risk of contamination by industrial sediments at the bottom of the canal.

Magnet fishing

Magnet fishing is strictly prohibited in Parks Canada's historic canals, as it contravenes the Historic Canals Regulations.

Enjoyable moments on the banks of the Lachine Canal are safer and more pleasant if you are civic-minded during your visit. When you visit, leave no trace of your passage in the environment. Never throw your garbage on the ground. Garbage and recycling garbage cans are located at several points along the canal banks, please use them to dispose of your garbage.  Visit the "Go with the flow: Be civic-minded!!" page to learn how to adopt good behaviour during your visit to Lachine Canal National Historic Site.

In order to respect all visitors to the historic site, it is forbidden to disturb the tranquility of the site with loudspeakers, portable radios, cell phones or musical instruments. Please bring your own headphones, or be discreet and civic-minded. Generators and voice amplifiers are prohibited without a permit.

Paddle sports such as canoeing and kayaking are permitted in the Lachine Canal. Paddleboards are permitted in reaches 2, 3 and 4 of the canal. You must obtain a non-motorized watercraft seasonal permit. Permits are on sale at locks 1, 3, 4 and 5 during navigation hours. Please note that lockage fees are not included in the non-motorized watercraft seasonal permit. It is possible to portage from one reach to another.

For more information, visit the Paddle Sports page of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site website. 

Non-motorized Watercraft lockage

It is possible to lock your canoe or kayak. You must pay for your passage at the lockkeeper or purchase a seasonal lockage permit for canoes and kayaks online.

For safety reasons, paddleboards are not allowed in the locks. Portage only.

Required Safety Equipment

A lifejacket for each occupant of the watercraft and safety equipment must be readily available. Boating under the influence of alcohol is illegal, as is driving a vehicle while impaired.

For more information on safe boating on the Lachine Canal, please visit Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety.

Passes and permits are required for lockage and night mooring on the Lachine Canal. Permits are on sale at most lock stations and can also be purchased by phone or online. To obtain your lockage and mooring permit, visit the Pass and permit page.

Please park your vehicle only in the designated areas. It is forbidden to park on the banks of the Lachine Canal. Parking is available on nearby streets, then walk to your destination.

Pets must be on a leash at all times. Any person in charge of a pet on historic canal grounds is responsible for picking up after their pet and disposing of all waste in a garbage can.

For health and safety reasons, "primary contact" activities such as surfing, windsurfing and scuba diving are prohibited at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site.

Swimming is prohibited in the Lachine Canal. For more information, consult the Historic Canals Regulations.

As a courtesy to future visitors, please avoid urinating around your boat or on the grounds of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. Sanitary facilities are often located just a few steps from the lock stations or at a few points along the canal. See our Parks, Locks and Attractions page for locations.