The Fur Trade At Lachine National Historic Site

Visiting The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site: Montreal, Canada – Guide, Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site, located at the western tip of Montreal Island, is a cornerstone of Canadian history and an essential stop for visitors interested in the nation’s early economic and cultural development. This unique heritage site immerses visitors in the fur trade era—a period crucial to the birth and growth of Montreal and Canada from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Thanks to its strategic position near the Lachine Rapids, the site served as a pivotal transshipment hub where furs and goods moved between Indigenous trappers, French Canadian voyageurs, and European merchants.

At the heart of the site stands a meticulously restored stone warehouse built in 1803, preserving the industrial and architectural heritage of the time. Today, the site offers engaging exhibits, guided tours, interactive activities, and scenic walking or cycling opportunities along the Lachine Canal and St. Lawrence River. Whether you are a history buff, a family looking for an educational outing, or a traveler seeking to experience Montreal’s storied past, this guide covers everything you need to know—from ticketing and hours to travel tips and nearby attractions.

For the latest details, consult the official Parks Canada website and explore digital enhancements like the Audiala app for an enriched self-guided tour (Parks Canada, Lonely Planet).

Origins and History of the Fur Trade at Lachine
The Historic Lachine Warehouse: Construction and Restoration
Key Players and Cultural Impact
The Lachine Canal and Transportation
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, Tours
Museum Experience: Exhibits and Activities
Outdoor & Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips and FAQs
Conclusion
References

Origins and History of the Fur Trade at Lachine

The fur trade at Lachine began in the 17th century, spurred by European demand for beaver pelts and other furs used in high-fashion felt hats. Montreal’s Lachine area, at the edge of the Lachine Rapids, became a strategic launch point for expeditions into North America’s vast interior. Since the rapids blocked further navigation by large ships, goods and furs were transferred between canoes and ships here, making Lachine a vital transshipment point.

By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Lachine had established itself as the main departure point for seasonal canoe brigades. Each spring, voyageurs set out westward, returning in late summer with furs collected from Indigenous partners across thousands of kilometers—a rhythm that shaped Montreal’s growth and fortune (Parks Canada).

The Historic Lachine Warehouse: Construction and Restoration

Built in 1803 by Alexander Gordon, a former North West Company clerk, the stone warehouse was originally designed for storing and forwarding furs and trade goods. Its location on the banks of the Lachine Canal and near the St. Lawrence River allowed easy access to both water and land transport networks. The building’s architecture—rectangular, one-storey, with hipped roof and fieldstone walls—exemplifies early 19th-century Canadian industrial design.

After a fire in the late 20th century, Parks Canada led a careful restoration from 1978 to 1984, reconstructing the warehouse using original stone and period-appropriate materials and restoring features like dormers, windows, and doors. Today, the warehouse stands as a rare survivor of Montreal’s fur trade era and a designated National Historic Site (WhichMuseum).

Key Players and Cultural Impact

The fur trade’s history at Lachine is defined by collaboration and competition:

North West Company: Operated the warehouse as a major depot, dispatching goods and voyageurs westward.
Hudson’s Bay Company: Acquired the warehouse in 1833, operating until the fur trade’s decline in 1859.
Indigenous Peoples: Supplied furs, acted as guides, and were essential trade partners.
Voyageurs: French Canadian canoe men who transported goods across the continent.
European Merchants: Managed commercial aspects and supplied goods for trade.

After the warehouse’s commercial use ended, it was acquired by the Sisters of Sainte Anne and repurposed, reflecting changes in the local economy (Lonely Planet).

The site’s cultural legacy is highlighted through educational programs and exhibits that explore the relationships and exchanges among Indigenous peoples, European traders, and voyageurs.

The Lachine Canal and Transportation

The opening of the Lachine Canal in 1825 transformed Montreal’s economy by allowing ships to bypass the dangerous Lachine Rapids. This innovation contributed to the city’s industrial boom and led to a decline in traditional canoe-based fur trade. Nevertheless, the Lachine warehouse remained a symbol of the region’s role as a commercial gateway to the Canadian West (TripSavvy).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, Tours

Address

1255 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Lachine, Montreal, Quebec, H8S 2M2

Getting There

Car: Parking available adjacent to the site (wanderboat.ai).
Bicycle: Accessible via the Lachine Canal bike path.
Public Transit: Multiple bus routes from downtown Montreal (STM).

Visiting Hours (2025)

Seasonal Operation: Open from June 14, 2025, to early September 2025
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed outside summer season or for maintenance; check official hours)

Tickets and Admission

2025 Season: Free admission from June 20 to September 2, 2025 (Parks Canada)
Special Programs: Fees may apply for guided tours, workshops, or events

Accessibility

Main exhibition area is wheelchair accessible; some areas of the historic warehouse have uneven flooring. Contact staff in advance for detailed information.
Restrooms and accessible washrooms available.

Guided Tours & Events

Seasonal guided tours are available; booking in advance is recommended.
Annual Lachine Fur Trade Festival and other events feature historical reenactments, workshops, and performances (Places and Things to Do).

Museum Experience: Exhibits and Activities

Inside the restored stone warehouse, visitors encounter:

Exhibits on the Fur Trade: Artifacts, trappers’ tools, fur pelts, trade goods, and period clothing
Interactive Displays: Hands-on opportunities to handle pelts, try on costumes, and participate in educational activities
Family-Friendly Activities: Drawing stations, tactile exploration, and interpretive programming for children (canadareviewers.com)

The museum’s compact size makes it ideal for visits lasting 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers enhance the experience with historical insights and stories (whichmuseum.com).

Outdoor & Nearby Attractions

The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site is surrounded by parkland and waterfront paths, perfect for:

Picnicking: Tables and grassy areas along the canal (canadareviewers.com)
Cycling and Walking: Scenic Lachine Canal paths
Fishing: Allowed with adherence to local regulations

Nearby Attractions Include:

Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Musée de Lachine
Parc René-Lévesque
Local cafes and restaurants such as Il Fornetto, Nonnina, and Pasta Andrea (wanderboat.ai)

Visitor Tips and FAQs

Practical Tips

Check Hours: Always verify opening dates before planning, as the site operates seasonally.
Combine Your Visit: Pair with nearby attractions or a canal bike ride for a half-day outing.
Weather: Most exhibits are indoors; bring sun protection or rain gear for outdoor activities.
Food: No on-site café, but nearby markets and picnic spots are available.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes
Water, snacks, and camera
Weather-appropriate clothing

Rules

Pets: Service animals permitted; check for other pet policies.
Cycling: Allowed on canal paths but not inside the museum.
Children: Supervision is recommended near water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Open seasonally from mid-June to early September, typically 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Parks Canada).

Q: Is admission free?
A: Admission is free for summer 2025; special events or tours may have separate fees.

Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Main areas are accessible, but some historic features may pose challenges; contact staff for assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially during peak season. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Can I picnic on site?
A: Yes, picnic areas are available along the canal and in adjacent parkland.

Q: What’s the best way to get there?
A: By car, bike, or public transit; parking and bike racks are available.

Conclusion

The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site is a vital destination for anyone eager to explore Montreal’s roots and Canada’s fur trade legacy. Its well-preserved warehouse, interactive exhibits, and riverside setting offer a memorable, educational, and scenic experience. With accessible facilities, engaging programming, and proximity to other major attractions, it’s perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and travelers alike.

For the most current information on visiting hours, tickets, and events, consult the official Parks Canada website. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app, and enjoy the opportunity to delve into a pivotal chapter of Canadian history.