As of now, the Rive-Sud Nautical Station covers the whole of the greater Longueuil area. The main bodies of water for the region are along the south shore of the St-Lawrence River from the St-Lambert lock to Boucherville, including the Boucherville islands, and the sector to the west of the St-Lambert lock up to the western limits of Brossard. All the islands in this area are part of the Nautical Station as well. The shores of other waterways in the area are also included. Overall, the territory is spread over many kilometres.
Given the scope of water related activities in this populated area an the will of its members to play an even greater role, this Nautical Station could be expanded to the limits of the town of Varennes to the east and to the western side of the town of Ste-Catherine to the west. This would be well suited to the boating reality of our region.
Area Description
At the heart of the Blue Network of the Rive-Sud Nautical Station is the St-Lawrence River. Used by commercial shipping and pleasure boaters, it is the entryway to the continent, as far as the Great Lakes, connecting them to the Atlantic and the world. The St-Lawrence is opened to navigation year round from the Gulf of St-Lawrence all the way to Montreal.
The shoreline area of the greater Longueuil along the St-Lawrence represents more than 28 kilometres (excluding the islands). Urban development and commercial shipping have transformed life and the environment over time, but the St-Lawrence is attracting more and more people to its shores and its features because of good access points with more to come. This area offers a variety of nautical activities mixing an urban setting with a natural ones. The St-Lawrence plays an important role in everyday life here since it serves as a freshwater source for cities. It is also the pride and joy of boaters of all types. Access to the River for boaters in the area is mostly from private marinas and shoreline parks such as Léon-Gravel Park and Parc des Vélos in Brossard, Marie-Victorin Park and Ilot de la Baronnie in Old Longueuil and the Rivière-aux-Pins Park in Boucherville.
Marinas, yacht clubs, sailing and kayak clubs, kite surf schools and boating businesses (boat dealers, ship stores, training schools) are part of the Nautical Station. The broad scope and number of these activities show the importance of a fair sharing of the waters in a harmonious manner in this rather narrow part of the St-Lawrence.
Here, you’ll find boaters plying the waters on powerboats of all types as well as sailors having fun on a windy day or people enjoying the scenery in small boats. It is an area well suited for long time boaters as well as those who are enjoying their first experiences on the water. The widespread use of the waters of the area reflects the need for coordinated actions, but also the need for making information available for all as to the importance of sharing these waters in a respectful way. The presence of commercial shipping also makes boating safety awareness an even greater concern for all boaters as pointed out by safety advocates.
Anyone who is into canoeing or kayaking should put to his agenda a trip on the Blue Route of discovery of the St-Lawrence and the Boucherville islands. From the water, the scenery of the City of Montreal or Old Boucherville is second to none. You can also enjoy it on one of the small cruise ships operating in the area. If you prefer to stay firmly on land, you can grab your fishing gear and find a great spot along the shore. Nautical activities on the South Shore are not only varied and many but easily accessed. This in itself is quite noteworthy in an urban setting.
A cycle path covering many kilometres – the Green Route – gets you through the whole territory, some of it leading you along the St-Lawrence shores. The La Riveraine brings you to the heart of greater Longueuil and its hidden treasures. Water taxis make daily trips between Longueuil, Montreal and the Boucherville islands. Others offer connections between popular destinations: between the Old Port of Montreal and the Port de plaisance Réal-Bouvier marina, to and from the René-Lévesque promenade and the Île Charron Park, between the Boucherville dock to the National Park of Boucherville Islands and finally between the Bellerive promenade in Montreal to Charron island. Another access for bicycles is in St-Lambert with its multipurpose overpass opened from April to October. This gives access to the cycle paths of the St-Lawrence Seaway landing (to Côte-Sainte-Catherine or Champlain Bridge boom) and to the Jean Drapeau Park. Passage may be interrupted at times for ships locking through at St-Lambert.
There is no better scenery than one viewed from or on the water and there is nothing like going for an on the water excursion to feel like an explorer! A fantastic adventure awaits and you’ll discover an area rich in beauty that is transformed by the light of day and weather, a changing scenery that you’ll never tire of.
The Rive-Sud Nautical Station also includes in its territory numerous parks like the vast Îles-de-Boucherville Park managed by the SEPAQ. This and other parks offer access to secluded wooded areas where peace and tranquility reign. Early risers can make the most of the calm and serenity of these parks by the water with their fauna and flora to be observed in superb conditions.
The Rive-Sud Nautical Station is a place where boating activities are an important asset. While being of an urban nature first, it is also benefiting of the natural surroundings of one of the great rivers of the world. This is a place where you can enjoy nature during the day and go to a fine restaurant in the evening in minutes.
Here, you’ll be charmed by city life and year-round natural and cultural attractions. It is the best of both worlds. Strategically located at the crossings of main highways, the greater Longueuil area has a lot to offer.
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