Gazing upon Écluse 2, do you sense the ghosts of ships that once sailed through these very waters? Écluse 2, also known as Lock 2, stands as a testament to Montreal’s rich maritime history, a gateway to the Lachine Canal and the heart of the continent. Located in the Old Port of Montreal, Écluse 2, along with its twin, Lock 1, served as the entry point for ocean-going vessels into the Lachine Canal. Imagine the hustle and bustle of trade as ships from far-off lands navigated through these locks, their cargo destined for the burgeoning city and beyond. Écluse 2 witnessed the transformation of Montreal from a small settlement to a major port city. Originally built in 1825, the first Écluse 2 was a mere 30 meters long and 1.5 meters deep. As trade flourished and ships grew larger, Écluse 2 underwent a series of enlargements. By 1885, it reached its current dimensions, capable of accommodating vessels far exceeding the size of its predecessors. But Écluse 2 is more than just a lock; it is a key component of the Lachine Canal system. This system bypassed the treacherous Lachine Rapids, opening up the St. Lawrence River and connecting Montreal to the Great Lakes. From the Maison des Éclusiers, the lock keepers’ house, one could gain a spectacular view of Old Montreal and Silo No. 5, further emphasizing the lock’s strategic location. Even today, as pleasure boats navigate the canal, Écluse 2 whispers tales of a bygone era, when it played a vital role in shaping Montreal’s destiny. Its presence in the Old Port serves as a constant reminder of the city’s industrial and commercial past, a past where Écluse 2 stood as a silent sentinel, watching the tides of trade and progress flow through its gates.
Parc Dickie-Moore
Who needs a time machine when you’ve got Parc Dickie-Moore? This little slice of Parc-Extension holds a century of Montreal