Our entry into Canada also comes with entering the Chambly Canal System. Built during the time of the Erie and Champlain Canals, the Chambly was constructed to allow cargo to get around the shallow shoals of this part of the Richelieu River. The locks and canals have been designated a national historic site and the locks and water valves are all still operated by hand. We traverse the whole constructed part of the canal system in one long day that includes 6 locks and 7 bridge openings. Whew!
At the end of the day we stay at the free docks in the heart of the provincial town of Chambly, Quebec. The weather is cool and dry, the grass in the park is lush. We get ice cream in the local shop by waving and pointing because our Francais is not so good, oui oui mon ami?
One of the swing bridge openings we needed to open to make our way to Chambly.
Here's the river the canal goes around, big, fast and shallow.
Happy Happy, happy at the end of a long day of locking through.
Of course we save the best for last. A sequential series of 3 locks down to the level of Lake Chambly.
The historic locks have been restored and proudly maintained.
This piano is in the public plaza in Chambly. Over the several days we were here we saw a number of folks from school kids to this guy just coming up and playing for the heck of it. What a place!!!