Lachine is a charming and historic borough located on the southwestern tip of Montréal, right along the shores of Lake Saint-Louis. The heart of Lachine is the Lachine Canal, a historic waterway that was once crucial for trade and industry. Built-in the 19th century to bypass the Lachine Rapids, the canal became a major route for ships moving goods between Montreal and the Great Lakes. Today, the canal has been transformed into a peaceful spot for residents and visitors, with walking and cycling paths offering stunning views of the water and nearby parks.
Over the years, Lachine has shed its industrial roots and blossomed into a vibrant, residential community. Its location, just a short distance from downtown Montréal, makes it an appealing choice for people who want a mix of urban convenience and lakeside tranquillity. With its blend of affordable housing, cosy cafes, and local businesses, Lachine has become a place where people of all backgrounds can enjoy a relaxed yet connected lifestyle. The community also enjoys a rich calendar of cultural events, making it a lively and engaging neighbourhood year-round.
Lachine is also known for its beautiful parks and green spaces. With their fast-moving waters, the Lachine Rapids are a popular spot for kayaking and nature lovers. Meanwhile, the peaceful lakeside parks offer perfect spots to unwind, walk, or simply enjoy the stunning views. With its mix of history, natural beauty, and a growing sense of community, Lachine is a hidden gem that beautifully balances the old and the new.
1898 – Photograph of a construction site at the bottom of the Canal. Workers can be seen erecting earth embankments, possibly in preparation for the construction of a bridge.1916 – Lachine Canal.1916 – The Canal with buildings in the background.1920 – Photograph of the old mill.1924 – Photo of the Canal’s north bank, at the Wellington Bridge’s level (while the canal is emptied at this height).1928 – Photograph showing the Lachine crossing. A worker (centre) is pushing a wheelbarrow across a wooden walkway over a trench where pipes can be seen, probably for laying electrical wires.1928 – Photograph showing around ten workers at work during work carried out.928 – Photograph showing work to bury electrical wires across the Canal. It shows the canal—where the water level has been lowered—and workers working on muddy ground.1928 – Photograph showing workers at work during work carried out in the Lachine Canal.1930 – Photo of the backfilling work in the Canal. Workers are seen moving through mud, puddles, and materials and installations still in place at the bottom of the canal.1930 – Seen from the offices of the Grand Trunk Railways.1932 – The photo shows the construction of a concrete structure (probably a valve chamber) from which a main pipeline branches. The Canal can be seen in the background.1945- Photograph of a group of people standing at the front of a boat navigating the Lachine Rapids.1950 – Photograph of the Lachine Rapids.1950 – Photograph of the Rapids. It shows the mast of a boat and parts of the heads of several people.1955 – Photograph of Montreal taken from Mount Royal towards Lachine.1956 – Photograph of a lighthouse in Lachine. In the foreground, we see two canoes on the shore and one moored.1956 – Photograph of the Empress boat navigating the Rapids. It shows the many passengers gathered on the decks.1960 – Photograph showing an eastward view of the Canal at the Saint-Gabriel Locks in the Little Burgundy district.1969 – Photograph of the entrance to the Lachine Canal. The Port of Montreal can be seen in the background.
Find more photos from the Montréal archives on their website.
Dalia, a photojournalist hailing from Montreal, is deeply passionate about documenting events and sharing stories about people's lives. She is on track to graduate from Concordia University with a degree in journalism and a minor in art history. Currently, Dalia holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at her school's newspaper, The Concordian. Following graduation, she aims to secure a full-time reporting job at a major news outlet.
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