Lachine to Montreal

Clear this morning, about 50 degrees F. Calm winds. Ran the diesel generator about one hour this morning for hot water, a little force-air heating, and battery charging. Left the dock to start the canal at 9am. In the map above, we entered the canal from the west at the lower end of the solid red line.


One of the key reasons we wanted to 'do' the Lachine canal and waterway system is because of the historical significance this canal made not only for Montreal but for Canada. The canal 'bridged' the Lachine rapids which were a severe and dangerous impedement to the exploration and settling of Canada. Opened in 1825, and widened twice in the 1800s, this is the first set of canals leading to the Great Lakes that preceded the St. Lawrence Seaway. Today, the restored canal cuts right thru the center of Montreal, is 12 kilometers long and there are five locks and 23 bridges.



These two photos I took last night where we tied up at the Lachine floating blue line docks. Rain had ended.


Tamara talking with our lock operator. We noticed--since on the Ottawa River--all the operator have a portable wireless device where they punch in our boat name, registration number and lock permit info. I guess we're being tracked!


Converted factories and warehouses are now urban condos and apartments along the canal.


Our first 8 foot bridge up ahead. We slow to about 1 mph--just in case we touch and have to stop. Of course, I trust Canada Parks folks but was perplexed with a diagram they handed out. This diagram, shown below, notes the bridges at 8 feet 0 inches. Well, if we could enter the canal with the maximum air draft of 8 feet 0 inches, wouldn't we then scrap the underside of all these 8 foot bridges? There's clearly some 'fudge factor' in the actual clearance for these low bridges--but they aren't telling us what that is. They did acknowledge this fudge factor: they said two boats passing each other under the bridges could create a bit of pitching. Therefore these bridges are a bit higher than 8 feet 0 inches but it'll remain a mystery.


Lachine bridge and lock diagram


I believe we cleared the bridge underside by 1 to 2 inches.


Stopped at Atwater Market for a bit of grocery shopping. Better know your French.


Official website for the vendors, merchants and growers at "Marche Atwater" here:
http://www.marche-atwater.com/



Final lock on the Lachine; here the lock operator--again--punches our info into his trusty handheld computer.


Exiting the Lachine at around 2:30 or so, we pass by the Habitat 67 housing development that were built for the Montreal expo back in, of course, 1967.


Arriving at the modern Port D'Escale marina in the old town section of Montreal along the St. Lawrence River. As you can see, the season is virtually over...less than a dozen boats here.


We walked around the old town of Montreal on this fine and clear day in September.


Intriguing bikes and bike rental kiosks all over the city. About CAD$5 a usage. The idea is that you ride to another location in the city and drop off the bike in the nearest kiosk there. I think they give you 30 minutes. And if you want to use it longer, you can, but it'll cost you.


Now getting dark in one of the narrow streets in old town.