Lachine Canal, Montreal

The Lachine Canal traverses the southwestern part of the Island of Montreal, covering a distance of 14.5 kilometers. Prior to the canal's construction, there existed a body of water called "Lac Saint Pierre," which was depicted on Montreal maps from 1700, 1744, and the 1761 map titled "The isles of Montreal. As they have been surveyed by the French engineers."

The name of the canal, Lachine, originates from the French word for China, "La Chine." European explorers aimed to discover a passage from New France to the Western Sea and, subsequently, to China. Consequently, the region where the canal was built was named Lachine.

Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, the canal holds the official designation of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site of Canada. The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site is situated near the western terminus of the canal.

With the opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Lachine Canal lost its industrial significance. However, the canal was revitalized as a leisure and recreational space. In 2002, leisure boats were permitted to dock along the canal, and in 1977, a bike path spanning the entire canal was established.