Lachine Rapids

Montreal ( Montréal )

The Lachine Rapids are a series of rapids on the Saint Lawrence River, between the Island of Montreal and the south shore. They are located near the former city of Lachine. The Lachine Rapids contain large standing waves because the water volume and current do not change with respect to the permanent features in the riverbed, namely its shelf-like drops. Seasonal variation in the water flow does not change the position of the waves, although it does change their size and shape. The rapids contain a number of islands used by migratory birds.

In the past these represented a considerable barrier to maritime traffic. Until the construction of the Lachine Canal through Montreal, the rapids had to be portaged. Even with the canal, the difficulty was such that it was usually more convenient to ship goods by rail to Montreal, where they could be loaded at the city’s port. Montreal remains a major rail hub and one of Canada’s largest ports for that reason.

The Lachine Rapids are now passed by the South Shore Canal (Saint-Lambert and Côte Sainte-Catherine locks) of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Whitewater rafting and jet boat expeditions to the rapids are available in Montreal. Whitewater kayaking has become popular, along with river surfing, on a standing wave adjacent to the Habitat 67.


  Images



How to get there: Google Maps

Categories: Winter activities, Aquatic activities, Attractions, Sports and outdoor activities, Kayaking, Natural wonders, Wildlife observation, Hiking, Winter Family

Card created: 04/2012

Website: http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=5697,32927640&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

GPS coordinates: 45°25'43.59"N, 73°35'30.22"W

Download for your GPS: (.gpx)


(last modified: 01/1970)