Paddle Sports

Do you enjoy canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)? From mid-May to mid-October, come and enjoy paddling on the calm waters of the Lachine Canal. The canal offers a wealth of activities for water sports enthusiasts. It's possible to bring your own non-motorized watercraft or rent a boat from a outfitters located near the Atwater footbridge.

Your own non-motorized watercraft

During the summer season, it's possible to bring your own non-motorized watercraft to enjoy water activities on the Lachine Canal. It's important to know that you must have a valid season pass in order to navigate your non-motorized watercraft. In addition, a lockage permit is required to pass through the locks.

Your watercraft must be in compliance with Transport Canada’s requirements, and be equipped with all the mandatory safety equipment. Refer to the Safe Boating Guide to learn more about boat safety.

Paddle board

Paddleboarding (SUP) is permitted in reach No. 2 (1.7 km), reach No. 3 (2.9 km) and reach No. 4 (7.3 km) of the Lachine Canal. Check out our "Paddleboarding Safety" page, and make sure you have the right equipment to have fun safely. Users must use the available boat ramps.

Paddleboards (SUP) are prohibited in the locks. Portage only.

Launching your watercraft

To launch your canoe, kayak or paddleboard, you can use the public docks along the canal, including the docks upstream and downstream from the locks. Parking spaces are available at the Notre-Dame and Saint-Pierre wayside stops.

Seasonal Permit

Non-motorized watercraft permit

To navigate on the Lachine canal, you must obtain a seasonal permit.

Permits are on sale at the following locations

• May 16 to June 18, Locks 1 and 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 19 to August 13, Locks 1, 3 and 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• August 14 to October 13, locks 1 and 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fees for non-motorized watercraft permit

See the rates page for the cost of a non-motorized watercraft permit. Please note that lockage fees are not included. One permit per user, regardless of the number of non-motorized craft owned (canoe, kayak, SUP).

This permit is valid at the Lachine and Chambly canals for the entire season.

 

Seasonal lockage permit for canoe and kayak

It is possible to obtain your seasonal lockage permit for canoes or kayaks online. Locking is not allowed for paddle boards. You must portage your paddlebord between reaches.

Information

Contact lock operators at lock No 1: 514-496-1536, lock No 5: 514-595-6594.

Watercraft rental service

You want to enjoy the peaceful waters of the Lachine Canal but you don't have a watercraft? You can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and even small electric boats at Aventures H2O.

Located on the south shore of the Atwater Footpath, this concession offers watercraft rentals, tours and lessons. For watercraft reservation, hours of operation and more information, go to Adventures H2O website.