Montréal Sights

Parc des Rapides

#13 of 657 things to do in Montréal

#275 of 27205 things to do in North America

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: kids, nature, outdoor activities

  • Address
    • cnr Blvd LaSalle & 6e Ave
  • Transport
    • De l’Église, then
    • 58
  • Phone
    • 514 367 6540

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Lonely Planet review for Parc des Rapides

This space on the St Lawrence is the spot to view the Lachine Rapids (and the jet boats that ride them). The park attracts hikers, anglers and cyclists who pedal the riverside trail, and it’s a renowned bird sanctuary –located on a small peninsula, with what’s said to be Québec’s largest heron colony. The 30-hectare sanctuary is an important site for migratory birds, with some 225 species passing through each year. Some information displays relate the history of the rapids and of the old hydroelectric plant on the grounds. You can rent kayaks and sign up for classes where you’ll learn to surf or kayak the Lachine Rapids – scaredy-cats need not apply. Kayak Sans Frontières can get you in the water. Another adrenaline-rushing experience can be had with Rafting Montréal, a jet-boating and rafting outfit located 2km west of the Parc des Rapides.

 

Traveller reviews for Parc des Rapides (1)

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    A unique place to discover

    BonhommeVert recommends this,

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    This site is truly unique, it is a bird sanctuary located on the remains of one of the first hydroelectric installations in North America. It is one of the most popular places for birding in Montreal. Il is also a major fishing site that both provides interest for the sport and gives a food source for hundreds of Montreal residents. It is said to be the most popular site for river surfing in the world and one of the most popular sites in the world for river kayaking. It is also the best place for looking at the Lachine Rapids, the largest urban rapids in North America. Managed by an environmental group called Héritage Laurentien www.heritagelaurentien.org there are many community efforts accomplished on the site with the help of volunteers including scientific fishing done every Sunday from May to October (in 2011, at 1:30pm). Visitors get to see some of the fish collected as part of the inventory prior to them being released. Kids love this and all that it costs is a voluntary donation.

    Good for: kids, nature, outdoor activities

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