Rollin' on the river
by Susan Campbell
LaSalle is a sprawling suburb located in Montreal's southwest quarter, halfway between the airport and downtown and recognized as one of the city's most important industrial sectors. The arrondissement of 74,000 residents is fairly sleepy in the winter; most of the action surrounds community and family oriented events like hockey and figure skating.
But come summer, the hibernation is over and everyone digs out of their respective burrows to head for the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Boasting miles of some of the city's cleanest, smoothest and most verdant bike paths right beside the rushing river, the routes along boulevard LaSalle attract everything from rollerblading moms pushing strollers to teens on tiny mini bikes and even seniors in motorized wheelchairs, all looking for a day out with a touch of nature. And it's easy to appreciate the many parks, picnic tables, shady spots, and wildlife along the way.
So, what is there to do besides ride? Great summer fun can be had in LaSalle, whether or not you want to explore on two wheels. And if you do, all of the attractions are easily accessible from the bike path. Let's roll!
LaSalle is named after French explorer Robert-René Cavelier de La Salle, the area's first seigneur; and the area's connection to its history is still visible today. Visit Moulin Fleming, where you can tour Quebec's only windmill of Anglo Saxon design. Dating back to 1816, the windmill has been restored to its original glory; its graphic representation is the official logo on all LaSalle city signage. Theatre presentations and interactive tours are presented on weekends.
If museums and historical sites aren't your thing, enjoy some heart stopping fun on the river itself. Les Descentes sur le St-Laurent offers Montreal's only rafting and jet boating adventures on the rapids. Prepare to get soaked.
The heart of LaSalle's summer action revolves around Parc des Rapides, where the incredible Lachine rapids are at their finest.
Looking for something more extreme? California-style surfing and kayak lessons are available at KSF Surfing. They practice on a huge rapid right beside the shore; just look for the constant knot of spectators. And yes, the water is clean.
The heart of LaSalle's summer action revolves around Parc des Rapides, where the incredible Lachine Rapids are at their finest. Incidentally, it would make more sense if they were called the LaSalle rapids, but the area used to be part of the Lachine parish and the name simply stuck. There's always something going on at the park, be it outdoor aerobics, cultural festivals, tango lessons, or line dancing. Look for the giant blue bandstand and you'll know you've arrived. You can also watch beach volleyball at the Knights of Columbus club where non-members can have a cool drink at their shaded snack bar.
Take a stroll through Ile aux Herons, a protected migratory bird sanctuary. This natural haven is the place to see many varieties of water birds in gorgeous surroundings that include a lovely waterfall.
All this activity is bound to make you hungry. The legendary LaSalle Drive-In serves fabulous frites and steamies. And Resto Café Crème across from Parc des Rapides serves up health food alongside snacks, ice cream and frozen margaritas. For a more formal meal, Ristorante Riventino next door is just the spot.
If you're in LaSalle on the St. Jean Baptiste or Canada Day weekends, join the community for big celebrations at Parc des Rapides with fireworks, bonfires and live bands. For a supposedly sleepy suburb, LaSalle really comes alive in the summer!
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Susan Campbell is a freelance writer specializing in travel and lifestyle. She resides in LaSalle, Quebec.
If you go
Ville LaSalle information
http://ville.montreal.qc.ca
Moulin Fleming
9675, boul. LaSalle
(514) 367-6439
Open May 5th-Aug. 26th
Tours: Sat. & Sun. 13h -17h
Theatre: Sundays 14h & 15h30 (weather permitting)
www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/lasalle
Les Descentes sur le St-Laurent
8912, boul. LaSalle
(514) 767-2230
Open 9h-18h daily, May to Sept.
www.raftingmontreal.com
KSF Kayaking and Surfing
The office is tucked away behind the bandstand at Parc des Rapides.
(514) 595-SURF
Hours and Days for lessons vary - call ahead or visit their website
www.ksf.ca
Parc des Rapides
Entrance on 6e Avenue and boulevard LaSalle
(514) 367-6540
Open year round, activities during summer only
http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/ |
Bird Sanctuary information:
Héritage Laurentien
(514) 367-6540
LaSalle Drive-In
8760, boul. LaSalle
(514) 365-6700
Open daily 11h-01h
www.lasalledrivein.com
Resto Café Crème
1, 8ieme Avenue
(514) 363-2581
Open daily 07-22h
Ristorante Riventino
7, 8ieme Avenue
(514) 366-0808
Open Tues -Fri. 11:30h - 23h, Sat. 17h - 23h. Closed Sun & Mon for private parties.
www.riventino.com |
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