Categories
Pictures Places Uncategorized

The Lachine Rapids

Down at the south-east point of the Isle of MontrĂ©al, the St. Lawrence river goes over a series of rock shelves creating the Lachine Rapids. Early European vistors like Jacques Cartier thought the St. Lawrence was the fabled Northwest Passage, but the rapids stymied their forward progress — nearly a hundred years passed between their initial encounter with the rapids and the time when European explorers continued their exploration of the river beyond.

Historically, these rapids marked the end of easy transportation up the river. One of the reasons Montréal became an important port was that it was easier to build rail lines to the city than to portage freight around the rapids and continue by ship (later, the Lachine Canal was dug to allow shipping around the rapids, and later still, the South Shore Canal of the St. Lawrence Seaway). Today, the only folks traversing the rapids are whitewater rafters, kayakers, and similar thrill-seekers.

Along this area of the river is the Parc-des-Rapides, so I thought I’d pay it a visit. Upon approach, you can see the rapids, but they don’t really look like much, just a flattish band of white in the river. It was almost disappointing. This is such a big deal?

This is the famous rapids? Really?

Of course, once you go out onto the promenade in the park, it becomes much clearer what you’re dealing with. Oh yes. This is a big deal!

Closer view of the rapids

Those standing waves are over 1 meter/3 feet tall! I could imagine shooting the rapids in a raft or something heading downstream, but it’s easy to understand why heavy cargo ships would be unable to continue upstream here.

The Parc-des-Rapides is built on the site where there was once a hydroelectric plant. It’s now a bird sanctuary and set of walking trails. Now in the first week of July, the wild roses are blooming, berries are getting ripe, and all manner of interesting creatures are visible if you’re patient.

There were also lots of red-winged blackbirds, ducks, and a few egrets and cormorants in the distance. In one bramble, while I was sitting quietly, I was observed by a skittish brown mouse. It declined to have its portrait taken.

Last, but not least, I encountered the grumpy judgemental Old Marmot of The Rapids. Sadly, I was deemed unworthy, and was chased away.

2 replies on “The Lachine Rapids”

Ooo – how big is that grumpy old marmot? In US measurements, s’il vous plait. You got a good shot before she charged you.

The Marmot of Judgment was pretty chonky.
In US measurements? Like 600 caliber?
I’m guessing about 15-18 inches long, and stocky. I’d bet it weighed easily five pounds.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.