Imagine Jacques Cartier standing right here in 1535. He sailed up the St Lawrence River. Cartier believed he had found the Northwest Passage.
Welcome to the Lachine Rapids. These rapids are a series of strong currents on the Saint Lawrence River. They sit between the Island of Montreal and the South Shore. Interestingly they are near Lasalle not Lachine.
The Lachine Rapids stretch for about 4.8 kilometers. They presented a big challenge to ships in the past. Before the Lachine Canal was built ships had to be carried around these rapids. Even after the canal was built it was often easier to ship goods by rail to Montreal. Then the goods could be loaded at the city’s port. Because of the Lachine Rapids Montreal is still a major rail hub. It is also one of Canada’s largest ports.
The Lachine Rapids have large standing waves. The water volume and current stay steady. This is because of the permanent features in the riverbed. These features include shelf-like drops. The waves’ position doesn’t change with the seasons. However the size and shape of the waves do change.
Did you know that migratory birds use the islands in the Lachine Rapids? The city even maintains Des Rapids Park. The park serves as a bird sanctuary. It also provides a place for visitors to enjoy the rapids.
The first European to see the Lachine Rapids was Jacques Cartier. In 1611 Samuel de Champlain named the rapids Sault Saint-Louis. He named them after a young crewman named Louis who drowned here. Later the name was applied to Lac Saint-Louis. This name was used until the mid-19th century. Eventually the name of the nearby town Lachine replaced it. Lachine comes from the French name for China La Chine.
Champlain and Étienne Brûlé were the first Europeans to travel above the Lachine Rapids. This happened on June 13 1611. Brûlé continued upriver to live among the Algonquin people. Champlain did not travel further up the Ottawa River until May 1613.
Louis Jolliet had a canoe accident here in July 1674. His official report about the Mississippi River was destroyed. This accident made his fellow explorer Jacques Marquette more famous.
John McQuaid designed the first ship that could go through the Lachine Rapids. He was a shipbuilder and carpenter from County Armagh Ireland. Later he settled in Kingston Ontario.
Today you can enjoy whitewater rafting and jet boat trips on the Lachine Rapids. Whitewater kayaking and river surfing are also popular. They take place on a standing wave next to Habitat 67.
The Lachine Canal helps boats pass the Lachine Rapids. The canal opened in 1825. It let boats navigate the Saint Lawrence River’s rough waters. The canal played a big role in developing western Canada. Its location between the eastern and western parts of the Saint Lawrence led to many industries building here. This also helped the Port of Montreal grow. It made the city Canada’s first metropolis.
The Lachine Canal is now a National Historic Site of Canada. Today pleasure boats use the canal. They travel the 14 km from the Saint Lawrence to Lake Saint-Louis. Five locks lift boats over changes in water levels. These changes range from 12 to 15 meters.
The Lachine Canal was very important for industry. It helped the area become industrialized. Later it helped stabilize the urban blue-collar population. Now the canal attracts tourists. It also attracts people seeking a unique living environment.
The Lachine Canal has been discussed a lot throughout its history. People have talked about its construction its changes and its closing. They have also discussed conserving and reusing it. The canal is a visible reminder of Canada’s industrial history. It offers educational opportunities for those interested in this part of Canadian history.
So as you stand here remember the history and the importance of the Lachine Rapids. They shaped Montreal and Canada itself. They are more than just rapids. They are a symbol of exploration ingenuity and progress.