Parks & gardens
Lachine Canal
Lachine Canal
The Lachine Canal is a 14.5 km waterway running through southwest Montreal, connecting the Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis. Travelers visit this area to walk or cycle along the paved paths that follow the water, providing a route away from city traffic through industrial and residential zones.
Getting There
The canal is accessible from the city centre via public transit or by foot starting from the Old Port. Depending on which section of the waterway you wish to visit, the trip typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from the downtown core.
Time Requirement
The amount of time needed depends on the activity. A short walk along a specific section can take one to two hours, while cycling the full length of the canal requires a half-day.
When to Visit
The paths are most used during the spring, summer, and autumn. In winter, the canal freezes, though the paths remain accessible for walking. The area becomes crowded with locals and tourists on weekends and during sunny afternoons.
Nearby Attractions
The canal's location allows for easy combination with other sites in the southwest and central areas of the city:
- Parc Angrignon (2 km)
- Saint Joseph's Oratory (3.7 km)
- Montreal Holocaust Museum (3.9 km)
- Canadian Centre for Architecture (4.5 km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors