Lachine Attractions

Lachine, on the south-east bank of Montréal Island (in Lac St-Louis), got its name from the first pioneers who in the 17th c. made their way up the St Lawrence looking for a route to China (in French "la Chine"). It became an important staging post for conveying goods round the famous Lachine Rapids. Today it is an important industrial base. It offers plenty of opportunities for charming trips along the banks of the St Lawrence. The Lachine Canal, which was first begun as a way of getting round the rapids in the 17th c., was eventually dug in 1825. It is many years, however, since it was last used for shipping and nowadays forms part of a park which includes an Interpretation Center, telling the story of the canal and providing guided tours. In summer it is possible to ride along the park's 11 km (7 mi.) of cycletracks, while in winter there is cross-country skiing.