Lachine Canal

"The Lachine Canal flows from the historic buildings of Old Montreal, past the gentrified glass condo buildings of Griffintown, and through the hipster neighborhood of St. Henri before flowing into the industrial areas of Angrignon and Lasalle. Because it cuts through so many residential neighborhoods, you'll get a real glimpse of how Montrealers spend their downtime. On warm summer days, there isn't a better place to go for a jog or walk in the city. If you have time, try Adventures H2O's water activities: kayaks, paddle boats, electric boats, or canoes. You'll find them right behind the Atwater Market, where you can stop for a snack before or after your adventure. Book ahead online." - Todd Plummer

"Running for more than eight miles through the southwest part of the island of Montréal, the Lachine Canal is a window onto the city's industrial history, reborn in recent decades as a place where nature and the city meet. Originally opened in 1825, the canal, with its five locks, allowed ships traveling between the upper St. Lawrence River and the sea to avoid the treacherous Lachine Falls. (Before the canal opened, ships would typically off-load their cargo at the village of Lachine, which would then be loaded onto another ship on the other side of the falls.) The canal's banks would soon be filled with small factories, but by 1950 the area had started to decline, in part due to the success of the railway. In 1970, it was closed to shipping completely. Recent efforts to clean up the canal have been successful, and now bikers and walkers take advantage of the paths that line it, while many of the former factories and warehouses have been converted into luxury lofts and condos. In 2002, the canal was opened to boats again—pleasure crafts, not barges—that travel its length. If you decide to explore the canal, the Atwater Market was one of the early projects to redevelop the area, and it remains a great place to buy all the items needed for a picnic."

"Urban Kayaking in Montreal The trend of urban kayaking has not escaped Montreal . Living on an island, Montrealers appreciate new ways to get out of the city—in this case via the beautiful and serene Lachine canal, just a stone's throw from the core of downtown. Head to H2O adventure for an afternoon of fun and discovery along the historic waterway, whose history goes back to the late 17th century. Few things beat paddling down the canal on a sunny day before stopping at the Atwater market to grab farm-fresh picnic goods. Indeed, a glorious way to enjoy what Montreal has to offer!"