Sitting on a 74-acre lot, Parc des Rapides is a verdant urban park in the heart of the LaSalle borough. One of the largest parks in the region, it is an important part of the town’s history and wildlife preservation.
The site underwent an archaeological excavation in 1984, where various artifacts from more than 2000 years ago were recovered. Those artifacts indicated that the area was occupied by Iroquois fishermen and proved the presence of the First Nations on the isle, making the park central to the town’s identity. The park is also home to the ruins of the old Lachine hydroelectric generating station from 1897 and some water mills from the 1700s and 1800s. The onsite bird sanctuary adds its ecological value.
The various recreational opportunities include cycling, hiking and skiing during the winter. Visitors can also view the mesmerizing Lachine rapids from here.
Photos: Google Maps, Krupal Patel; Google Street View, Anna Andrienko
1 Response
Good day, I am helping to save our park in Pierrefonds,Roxboro, Parc Cheval Rapides Du Rapides. I have lived in West Island 40 years. back then was rough and old like myself, but it was enjoyable. Cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing, that was GREAT. No dogs, now dogs allowed which was wonderful. We fished, flew kites, layed back and taking the sun, picnics, wow, now devestation. Where do you go to enjoy the sounds of the water, with 600 trees. There are lots of places, like the lining the streets, we had trees planted long ago on sources and Rivierea, lots died but never replaced, that sounds like a plan to me. We need to sit down and evaluate what is going on, and by the way thanks for the invitation to ask if this was good for the people. Will be there to ask why you are choking the life out of the park, everyone loves trees but not the way it was done. Will see you Tuesday, September 24th. Thank you