Ever watched surfers ride a wave in the middle of a city? Here at Parc de Dieppe you can see this. This urban park offers more than just scenic views. It tells a story of history and recreation.
Parc de Dieppe is located at the eastern tip of Cité du Havre. It is in Montreal’s borough of Ville-Marie. From 1992 to 2017, it was known as Parc de la Cité-du-Havre. The name changed in 2017 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
Despite its small size of only 7 hectares, Parc de Dieppe is considered a large park by Montreal. It provides stunning views. You can see the Old Port, downtown Montreal, and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. The park is also a great spot to watch the Montreal Fireworks Festival.
Nearby, you will find the Habitat 67 housing complex. It is a famous Montreal landmark built for Expo 67.
But there’s more to Parc de Dieppe than just pretty views. The park sits on land created for Expo 67. It extended and widened the former Mackay Jetty. This jetty once protected the port from spring ice and floods. The area became part of the Expo 67 site along with Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame. The area near the Concorde Bridge became Parc de la Cité-du-Havre.
In 2017, the park was renamed Parc de Dieppe. This honored the Dieppe Raid and the Canadian soldiers who participated. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre. It marked the 75th anniversary of the raid in Normandy, France. The park pays tribute to the soldiers’ valor and sacrifice.
Today, Parc de Dieppe offers more than just history. It is perfect for a walk. The park has paths for walkers and cyclists. There are picnic areas with tables and barbecues. People come here to fish. They catch walleye, bass, and even sturgeon.
Surfers and kayakers seek thrills here. Behind Habitat 67, a path leads to the St. Lawrence River. You can see the Victoria Bridge and the Champlain Bridge. Surfers ride one of Montreal’s largest natural waves. The water stays cold year-round. It is recommended to wear a wetsuit.
Even in winter, some surfers brave the icy waters. One surfer aimed to surf every day for a year, no matter the weather. The wave forms due to rocks in the river. Water hits these rocks and creates a compression. This forces the water to rise, creating a wave.
So, whether you’re here for the views, the history, or the surf, Parc de Dieppe offers something for everyone. Take a moment to appreciate this unique space. Remember the soldiers. Remember the Expo.