This Summer, the Lachine Canal is the Place to Be!

Parks Canada unveils its 2014 program

MONTREAL, May 26, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Parks Canada is proud to announce the opening of the 2014 season at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site—THE summer destination in the heart of Montreal. With outdoor activities offered everyday in an exceptional setting, delicious gourmet discoveries, and a thrilling events program, the whole city will move to the rhythm of the Canal this summer!

Outdoor discoveries for everyone
Among the new features this summer, the boat tour service on the Lachine Canal offered by Le Petit Navire will let you explore the Old Port of Montreal waterway up to the Atwater Market for a gourmet break. And for a stress-free experience along the Canal's 14-km path, one of the world's most beautiful urban circuits, My Bicyclette offers a range of quality bicycles and maintenance services. The popular Lunchs du canal will also return with food trucks installed in various spots along the waterway to serve creative gastronomy typical of Montreal. To see the city in a new light, H₂O Adventures offers a host of safe crafts, from the electric-powered boat to the kayak and pedalo. Everything you need for a truly fantastic experience!

A surprising cultural agenda and sporting calendar
All summer long, the banks of the Lachine Canal will come to life with a vibrant program of activities. On June 21 and 22, the Îlot Charlevoix will turn into an urban campground with the Learn-to Camp activity. Throughout the weekend, participants will get a chance to spend a night under the stars in the heart of the city, and enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities. Moreover, the event will take place at the same time as the Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal, which features folk and traditional music from here and abroad. Building on its 2013 success, the Nautical Fest will return on July 5^th and 6^th to introduce the general public to the pleasures of water sports. Several sporting events will also be held in the stunning scenery of the Canal, such as the Lachine Half-Marathon, and the Circuit Bleu Charles-Bruneau.

The events calendar has plenty of musical and festive surprises that will be revealed throughout the summer; watch the website and don't miss a beat!

Quick facts

• The highly entertaining 2014 season is awaiting visitors at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site!
• All summer long, the banks of the Canal will host a wide variety of fascinating events.
• With many outdoor activities offered daily, the Lachine Canal is THE summer destination in the heart of Montreal.

Quote
"This summer is sure to be fantastic at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site, and Parks Canada is inviting the public to rediscover this unique location in Montreal. Successful collaborations between Parks Canada and its partners along our historic canals continue to foster captivating recreational and tourist activities and contribute to the development of local economies."

Luc-André Mercier, Director, Quebec Waterways, Parks Canada

We're also on Twitter! @LachineCanal

Video with caption: "The Lachine Canal in the Heart of Montréal (CNW Group/Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways)". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3xbgTWvH7s

Image with caption: "The boat tour service on the Lachine Canal offered by Le petit navire (Parks Canada). (CNW Group/Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140526_C2760_PHOTO_EN_2262.jpg

Image with caption: "Bicycles and kayaks at the Lachine Canal. Everything you need for a truly fantastic experience! (Parks Canada). (CNW Group/Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140526_C2760_PHOTO_EN_2263.jpg

SOURCE: Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways

Contact, Audrey Godin-Champagne, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Quebec Waterways | Parks Canada, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]