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Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site, the perfect stopover in nature

Published on June 3, 2024 Attractions to discover

Discover this little-known gem in the Montérégie region, the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries in the middle of nature.

Mother and two children beside the campfire in front of a ready-to-camp unit

Photo credit: Parks Canada

Located halfway between Montreal and Trois-Rivières, the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site in Montérégie is the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries in the middle of nature. Nestled on Darvard Island on the Richelieu River, this little-known gem is the perfect spot to enjoy a family picnic, take a breather during a bike ride, or spend a few days amidst the natural beauty of this enchanting site.


A stay in the heart of nature in an oTENTik tent

Are you familiar with the oTENTik concept? These ready-to-camp accommodations offer the perfect combination of tent and rustic cedar cabin, allowing you to experience camping like never before as a couple or a family. All you need is your sleeping bag, pillows and food; everything else is provided for a comfortable stay. It’s the perfect option to spend a few days at the rhythm of the Richelieu River, in a natural setting that invites you to relax after a busy day exploring. And speaking of exploring, if you love observing wildlife, boating and cycling, you’ll truly fall for the charm of this site at the crossroads of the region’s well-known waterways and cycling networks.


A unique fishway

While you’re visiting or staying at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site, why not head over to the Vianney-Legendre fishway? Located on the other side of Darvard Island, this unique fish ladder has a window for visitors to observe the fish as they swim up the Richelieu River.


Mother and two children on the bridge at the canal

Photo credit: Parks Canada

A must-visit destination for boating enthusiasts

If you enjoy boating, you’re probably aware that the region is a popular destination for recreational boaters and that Parks Canada’s network of waterways in Quebec offers something for everyone, from beginner skippers to seasoned captains. Anyone exploring the local waterways will definitely want to check out this site along the way. Watching the boats pass through the Saint-Ours Canal lock, which first opened in 1849, is a spectacular experience! You can even moor at the docks for a night!


At the intersection of the most beautiful bike paths

Aside from being an ideal destination for family picnics or boating trips, the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site is also a prime destination for cycling enthusiasts. The site is located at the crossroads of the most beautiful bike paths in Montérégie, including the Au fil de l’eau, Cours d’eau et charmes ruraux, and Des Patriotes circuits.


Find out more

Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site

Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site

Categories

Historic site
Observation de la nature
Parc
Family
Nature and the outdoors
Art and culture

Regions

Montérégie

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