Canal Chambly National Historic Site of Canada

Learning Experiences

Lockeeper operating bridge number 4 © Parks Canada / Jean Mercier

Running along the west bank of the Richelieu River, the Chambly Canal is nearly 20 km long and links Chambly with Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Nine locks allow boats to bypass the many rapids and negotiate a change in height of nearly 24 m between the Chambly basin and the Upper Richelieu.

Opened in 1843, this canal soon became a powerful driving force for the economy, allowing uninterrupted navigation between Lake Champlain and the Chambly basin. It was also part of the huge network of waterways in eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Located on the axis of the Richelieu and Hudson Rivers, the Chambly Canal, with the Saint-Ours and Champlain Canals, linked Sorel to New York.

All along the route, which is dotted with many of the original lockmasters' or bridge-operators' houses, you will be fascinated by the manual operation of all these locks, which are authentic replicas, and the bridges, which turn, slide or pivot. Imagine what it was like for our ancestors, whose only means of crossing the rapids was by portage or tow line, using a bark canoe!

Come with your family, your friends or even your school and enjoy a visit at the Chambly Canal National Historic Site of Canada.

For more information about our guided visits and special activities, take a look at the "Activities" section of this web site or contact us.