Docks and Boat Launching Ramps

Châteauguay River flows through the city which also borders on Lake St-Louis and St. Lawrence River offering many different ways to access the waters.

In spring, when the water level is right, various access facilities are available.

Special On the Docks program

Keep abreast of updates concerning outdoor activities on the website and social media!

Commissioning Period

The docks are installed from May and remain in service until October.

High water level at Reid boat launching ramp

Update: Friday, June 24

Due to the high water level of the Châteauguay River, we invite boaters to be careful when using the Reid boat launching ramp, in order to avoid accidents and damage to boats.

The opening of the Higgins boat launching ramp is still postponed. The anchors for the installation of the dock near the ramp are submerged, which complicates the installation.

Docks

Many docks are put at the disposal of fishermen and other nature lovers and to put all small boats (canoes, kayaks, etc.) in the water.

Two docks at de la Commune park , in proximity of Saint-Bernard Island.
One dock at Marcel-Seers park
One dock at Joseph-Laberge park

dock

Boat launching ramps

Boat launching ramp and dock

Motor boats

Two ramps are available to boaters:

Descente Reid , located on Boulevard Salaberry Nord, near Rue Reid, at the foot of de la Sauvagine bridge.
Descente Higgins , located on Boulevard Salaberry Nord, at the corner of Rue Higgins.

Pricing and regulations

Free for Châteauguay residents. Only the driver’s license or the Passeport-loisir is accepted for identification purposes.
Only one boat is identifiable per address.
A rate of $40 per visit applies for non-residents, valid for the day. This fee provides access to the water via the two municipal ramps; parking is not charged. Season passes are not available.
A rate of $250 applies for a seasonal vignette. Season vignettes are available in person at the Centre culturel G.-P.-Vanier for non-residents as of April 18.
It is expected that all users of the ramps will agree to abide by the guidelines, which are contained in a service contract that must be signed at the time of the first pass of the season.
Only boats of 25 feet and less are allowed.
Security guards will be present to ensure compliance with the various rules and regulations. Penalties can range from denial of access for the season to minimum fines of $200.

View an example of the 2022 Boat Launch Ramps Service Agreement (French only).

Non-motorized boats

Other than docks, the Nautical Centre allows water sports enthusiasts to launch their paddle boats and sailing boats (less than 3.7 m (12 ft) during the nautical centre’s opening hours.

Châteauguay Nautical Centre on interactive map

Light paddle watercrafts can access the water at la Pointe Nautique. City attendants assist citizens during opening hours.

Pointe nautique on interactive map

Access is free for Châteauguay residents and non-residents are charged a $5 flat fee.

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