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Richelieu River & Chambly Canal Travel on the Richelieu is a change of pace, whether from the open waters of Lake Champlain or the busy thoroughfare of the St. Lawrence. This trip is most often enjoyed by powerboats and sailboats under power, with their masts lowered on deck. North of Lake Champlain, the mountains, which have in many cases risen from the water’s edge in the journey north from the New York Harbor, now recede into the distance. This is historic country, with settlements, forts, and buildings dating from the 1600s. The highlight is, without a doubt, the Chambly Canal, with its hand-operated locks and bridges and its energetic and friendly staff. Much of the Quebec countryside is flat farming country, with only widely spaced mountains breaking the vista. Compared to the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, the Richelieu is quite narrow and shallow. This is the mildest climatic region in Quebec. There are many small villages, most have prominent cathedrals or churches facing the river. Nearly all of the villages have a public dock, although some are not suitable for today’s larger cruising boats. Bakeries, bar/terrasses (patios or decks) and excellent restaurants are common. This region is even referred to as the Region Gourmande in reflection of the high quality and variety of its many restaurants and the region's many orchards and vineyards. The distinctive Quebecois farmhouses with their graceful upturned eves are in the villages as well at farms along the rivers. North of the border, the river is broad (.5 miles or more) with shoal areas and wetlands along its mostly wooded shores. It reduces in width as it nears the city of St-Jean, where the navigation channel leaves the river to follow the 10-mile long Chambly Canal to bypass rapids in the river. The canal ends at the wide, shallow Chambly Basin where the route rejoins the Richelieu. The reconstructed, historic Fort Chambly overlooks the basin and is a popular attraction. North of the Chambly Basin the river is closely confined by narrow banks until it joins the St. Lawrence River at Sorel. There are many small villages between Chambly and Sorel and a single lock at St-Ours.
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