Coteau-du-Lac – A Strategic Blockhouse Guarding an Important Canal
Just upstream of Montreal, on the mighty St. Lawrence river is a set of difficult rapids located between a clump of rapids. The industrious land of Upper Canada lies upstream of this river and downstream you have the metropolis of Montreal as well as Canada’s connection to the outside world, the Atlantic Ocean.
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History of the Site
An important native transit point, Coteau has always attracted a degree of attention. During the French occupation of Quebec, the primary form of transportation was the canoe, adopted from the aboriginals. The 17th century saw the french use this technology to travel great lengths across North America. As such it should be no surprise that their first attempt at a canal here was a short water filled chanel built inland close to the water, yet bypassing the rapids.
This was further improved by the English. The Coteau rapids were the most difficult to cross and as such they were the first to be improved by the British after the American Revolution. Seeing that their supply lines needed to be improved in case of war the British dug a three lock, 100m canal under the supervision of the engineer William Twiss. Work was begun in 1779 and after its completion several others were dug. The canal was protected by the blockhouse. Twiss was a brilliant engineer, he was trained at Gibraltar, building fortifications and continued his career building civil works and fortifications throughout Canada.
Visiting Coteau
When visiting the site, you will be directed to a parking area at the font of the National Historic Site. From here a path leads you around the blockhouse towards the water. A set of interpretive signs will give you background information during this walk. Surrounding the blockhouse on the landwards side is a earthen redoubt and the ruined foundations of several garrison buildings.
On the east side you have a small creek with an old stone mill now used for weddings.
At the base of the blockhouse you will find both canals, now dry and free of water flowing though them. Due to the construction of electrical dams, the water level has dropped and water can no longer flow though them.
The wooden blockhouse it a replica of the original that once stood here. At its base you will find the stone foundations of the original. At the point, facing the St. Lawrence, you will find a cannon.
Conclusion
Coteau-du-lac makes for a great day trip from Montreal or as a stop of point between Quebec and Ontario while driving down the 401. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sun.
