Des Rapides Park (French: Parc des Rapides) is an urban park in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is located adjacent to the Lachine Rapids in the borough of LaSalle. It is considered by the City of Montreal as one of its large parks.[1][2]
| Des Rapides Park | |
|---|---|
| Parc des Rapides | |
 Canada geese along the shore of the park | |
 | |
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | LaSalle, Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Coordinates | 45°25′42″N 73°35′28″W / 45.4284°N 73.5911°W |
| Area | 30 hectares (74 acres) |
| Operated by | City of Montreal |
| Open | 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Status | Open all year |
| Public transit access |   De L'Église station with  58 STM Bus: 58 |
| Website | Parc des Rapides |
The park is 30 hectares (74 acres) large. It has been a migratory bird sanctuary since 1937, and is home to over 225 species of bird,[3] among these is the great blue heron, a protected species.
History edit
The site was subject to an archaeological excavation in 1984. The excavation uncovered various artifacts which proved the presence of the First Nations on Heron Island, Goat Island and the Boquet presque isle dating back over 2,000 years. It is believed that the area was used as a staging area for Iroquois fishermen.
The park contains the foundations of the old Lachine hydroelectric generating station, built in 1897 and demolished in 1948 as well as the ruins of a few water mills built between 1712 and 1869.
Amenities edit
Des Rapides Park contains bicycle paths, hiking trails as well as cross-country skiing trails in winter. The Vague à Guy, or Guy’s Wave, created by the Lachine Rapids, is accessible via marked paths to the water.[4] Part of the park stretches out into the water and is accessible only during posted hours.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Découvrir les grands parcs". City of Montreal (in French). Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- ^ "Parks and Nature". City of Montreal. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- ^ "Parc des Rapides". City of Montréal. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- ^ "Vague à Guy". Ville de Montreal (in French). Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "Parc des Rapides". Ville de Montreal (in French). Retrieved 28 June 2023.
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