Visitor safety

Visitor safety is a top priority for Parks Canada and the Agency takes all the necessary measures to ensure that visitors of the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site have a safe and enjoyable experience, in addition to protecting the heritage value of the site.

The management measures put in place by Parks Canada, such as the presence of field personnel and signage, help preserve a sound atmosphere while making the cohabitation between the different users of the site more harmonious. Caution is always advised to help maintain the safety of the site and reduce the risk of incidents.

For general information about how to stay safe when enjoying the outdoors, visit AdventureSmart.

Use of drones

All Parks Canada places are ‘no drone zones’ for recreational use. If you do not possess a permit or special permission to fly your drone in a Parks Canada place, please leave your drone at home.

Learn more about our drone usage rules.

To plan your visit at the Saint-Ours Canal, browse the links found below.

Historic Canals Regulations, Small Vessels Regulations and Collision Regulations apply in all historic canals.

It is the responsibility of pleasure boat operators to stay informed of and familiar with the regulations in effect in historic canals. Certain activities are prohibited in a canal. Users must demonstrate judgment and civic-mindedness on Parks Canada sites at all times.

The following list of regulations is not exhaustive:

• The nautical speed limit on canals is 10 km/h and the boat operator must control its wake;
• Domestic animals must be kept on a leash at all times;
• Excessive noise is prohibited on historic canals between 11 pm and 6 am;
• It is prohibited to fish less than 10 m from a lock or from an approach wharf, or on a bridge over the canal;
• It is prohibited to jump, dive, or swim in the canal and in the approach wharfs.

Visitors who ignore the regulations risk a fine, revocation of their permit, or legal action.