A few weeks ago we decided to visit Chambly for the first time. Equipped with our bikes, we explored the Chambly Canal – which offers 20km of biking trail along the canal (Richelieu River). The canal is linking Chambly and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and the path is part of Route Verte 1. The locks are a place to rest and to observe how they operate. This is a super interesting activity for kids to see. Vessels navigate in a narrow canal, with a 24-meter rise or fall in the river’s level.
The path is separated from car traffic along 16 of its 20 kilometres. Most of the path offers a crushed stone dust surface and is relatively easy for young kids to ride. The path was designed for carters and their horses to pull heavy merchandise in the 19th century.
Address – Centre nautique Gervais-Désourdy: 1577 avenue Bourgogne, Chambly, J3L 1Y8, QC
Region: Monteregie
Drive: east for 30 minutes from Montreal
The address above is for a designated parking area, limited parking at municipality parking rate (by the hour)
Open: mid April to mid November
Suitable for baby stroller
We parked at the designated parking. Once facing the Bassin de Chambly, we cycled to the right, towards the canal. We cycled for about 3km one way, passing by few locks and the kids started to be exhausted. We then saw a relatively big boat on its way to the Bassin de Chambly and we decided to follow it, heading back (total ride of about 6km by bike). The staff at the locks were very friendly and they were explaining to us how the locks work and we could see it in action.
Check the videos here:
We continued passing the parking for a short ride to see the small Park Martel, which offers signs with lots of information about the region and its history.
We are planning next time to visit Fort Chambly National Historic Site which is just nearby the canal entry. It is worth considering combining bicycle activity with the fort visit. Check the website to see more details and opening time: Fort Chambly National Historic Site.
Quebec Family Hikes 