Learn-to Paddle
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Discover paddlesports with Parks Canada at the Lachine Canal this summer!
Whether you prefer kayaking or paddleboarding, canoeing or a voyageur canoe, we have the perfect experience to get you started. Our qualified instructors will teach you everything you need to know before heading out on the water, from safety to basic techniques. Then, you'll paddle together on the calm and safe waters of the Lachine Canal. It's a great opportunity to discover Montreal's rich historical heritage and admire the city from a new perspective. Join us for an exhilarating adventure on the water!
Choose your Learn-To Paddle Experience
Canoe
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Canoe Experience
Meeting point: Saint-Gabriel Lock (lock No. 3)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Learn-To Paddle activity canoe experience takes place for groups of 2 paddlers, one of whom is a responsible adult. Children over 10 can be considered paddlers.
- 3 adults per canoe, or 2 adults and 2 children (5 years and over). Minimum 2 paddlers per watercraft.
Our introductory canoeing activity is the perfect opportunity to learn this exciting sport, whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced amateur. Join us for an immersive experience where you'll learn the rudiments of canoeing under the supervision of our experienced guides.
Equipment provided
- Canoe
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 21 to September 1, 2024.
Fees and reservations
Visit our Fees page to obtain the rates for the Canoe Experience on the Lachine Canal. Maximum $20 per watercraft.
Reservations open on June 1.
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register and pay the activity fee to Parks Canada staff.
- This activity is offered in French and English at different times. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages. Cliquez ici pour réserver votre activité en français.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Restrooms, refreshment stands and picnic tables are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock. Nearby Bixi station: Richmond / des Bassins.
- Learn-to canoe activity is aimed at beginners with little or no experience, a good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Animals are not allowed in the canoes.
How to get to the Learn-to Paddle activity: Canoe Experience
To get to the "Canoe Experience" activity by public transportation or by car, follow these Google directions.
Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Saint-Gabriel Lock. No parking on site. It is available on nearby streets.
Kayak
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Kayak Experience
Meeting point: Mill parking at Peel basin
Have you always dreamed of gliding across the water in total freedom, feeling the breeze caress your face and exploring the wonders of nature from a unique perspective? Our kayaking experience is for you! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you'll learn the basics of kayaking in the company of our experienced instructors.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Learn-to Kayak activity can be done solo or in pairs
- Solo kayak: minimum age required is 14 years old
- Twin kayak: kayaking in pairs can be done with 2 adults or 1 adults and one child (minimum age required 10 years old)
- Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Equipment provided
- Kayak
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from June 20 to August 31, 2024.
Fees and reservations
Visit our Fees page to obtain the rates for the Kayak Experience on the Lachine Canal.
Reservations open on June 1.
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register and pay the activity fee to Parks Canada staff.
- This is a bilingual activity. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Restrooms, refreshment stands and picnic tables are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock. No Bixi station nearby.
- Learn-to Kayak activity is aimed at beginners with little or no experience, a good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Animals are not allowed in the kayak.
How do I get to the Peel Basin?
To get to the "Kayak Experience" activity by subway or by car, follow these Google directions.
Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Mill area next to the bank of the Peel Basin. Paid parking is available. It is also possible to park in the surrounding streets.
Questions? Call us at 514-240-8693.
Paddleboard
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Paddleboard Experience
Meeting point: Mill parking at Peel basin
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Learn-to Paddlebord is a solo activity
- The activity is limited to people aged 14 and over
Ready to discover a new way of navigating in the heart of a big city? Our introduction to paddleboarding is the perfect way to learn this exciting sport! Join us for an enriching experience where you'll learn the basics of stand up paddle (SUP) under the guidance of our qualified instructors.
Equipment provided
- Paddleboard
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
Sunday to Wednesday, June 23 to September 1, 2024.
Tarification et réservation
Visit our Fees page to obtain the rates for the Paddleboard Experience on the Lachine Canal.
Reservations open on June 1.
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register and pay the activity fee to Parks Canada staff.
- This is a bilingual activity. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Toilets are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock. No Bixi station nearby.
- Learn-to paddleboard activity is for beginners and have little to no experience in the water. A good physical condition is necessary to paddle properly.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Animals are not allowed on the paddleboard
How do I get to the Peel Basin?
To get to the "Paddleboard Experience" activity by subway or by car, follow these Google directions.
Then, walk to meet the Parks Canada Learn-to Paddle team at the Mill area next to the bank of the Peel Basin. Paid parking is available. It is also possible to park in the surrounding streets.
Questions? Call us at 514-240-8693.
Voyageur Canoe
Details of the Learn-To Paddle activity - Voyageur Canoe Experience
Meeting point: Mill parking at Peel basin
The voyageur canoe, also known as the rabaska or the big canoe is a true symbol of tradition and exploration. With its imposing size and capacity to accommodate several paddlers, it offers an incomparable boating experience, perfect for adventure-seeking groups.
This historical activity will transport you back in time to discover the crucial role of the voyageur canoe, the preferred boat of fur traders in the 17th and 18th centuries. You'll also be invited to visit the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site to learn more.
- Duration: 2h30
- Maximum of participants per voyageur canoe: 15
- Paddlers aged 10 and over. Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- This activity is open to everyone aged 5 and over.
Equipment provided
- Paddle
- Personal floatation device
- Small waterproof bag to store your personal items
Date and schedule
Sunday to Wednesday, June 23 to September 1, 2024. 2 departures per day at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m..
Fees and reservations
To find out the cost of this activity and to make a reservation, please call us at: 514-637-7433
Important information
- Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins to register and pay the activity fee to Parks Canada staff.
- This is a bilingual activity. For safety reasons, each participant must have a good knowledge of one or other of these languages.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- You must bring your own water bottle, hat, sunscreen and snacks.
- Toilets are available nearby.
- Attention cyclists: bike racks are available for participants; bring your own lock.
- The activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Animals are not allowed on the voyageur canoe.
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