Located west of Montreal, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal connects Lake Saint-Louis and Lake des Deux-Montagnes. Opened in 1843, this waterway played an important commercial role in the shipping of lumber and the transport of immigrants. Today, the canal and its lock are used primarily by recreational boaters.
Featured things to do
Hours of operation
The national historic site is open every day of the year from sunrise to 11 pm. The navigation season runs from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving (mid-May to mid-October).
Free site acces.
Some fees apply for locking and overnight mooring.
Carillon Canal National Historic Site
Watch boats pass through the Carillon Canal lock, navigating a 20-metre drop in a single operation. Stop in at the museum to inspect an interpretive panel about the history of the Ottawa River’s 19th century travellers.
Carillon Barracks National Historic Site
Opened in 1843, the Sainte-Anne Canal was the main entry point for the waterway between Montréal and Kingston. Take a trip through 150 years of history by visiting the Museum, then go to the pier for a picnic and watch the lock in operation.
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
A veritable open-air museum, the Lachine Canal recounts the beginnings of industrialization in Montreal. Explore the ingenuity of this 1825 structure. Follow its urban course, sail through the locks by boat, and enjoy an oasis in the city.
Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site
The Coteau-du-Lac site is a natural stop for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. As the first fortified lock structure in North America, the canal is the direct ancestor of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site
Discover the strategies behind the significant day of October 26, 1813 when outnumbered Canadian troops defeated the invading American army. Ride 14 kilometres by bike or car across the actual battlefield!