The Soulanges Canal is an abandoned shipping canal in Quebec, Canada. It follows the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, bypassing the rapids between Lake Saint-Louis and Lake Saint-Francis. It superseded the first Beauharnois Canal which was on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence. It is 23 kilometres (14 mi) long and had a 4.3 metres (14.1 ft) draught. Five locks measuring 85.3 m (280 ft) x 14 m (46 ft) give a total rise of 25 meters (82 ft).
Operation of the Soulanges Canal was powered by a small hydro electric generating station. "Le Petit Pouvoir" is located near the middle of the canal and provided power for the motorized lock gates, electrical operation of the swing bridges, and illumination for the entire length of the canal at night. It was the first canal in the world to have its entire passageway lit by night, allowing round-the-clock operation. It opened in 1899 and remained in operation until 1958 when it was in turn superseded by an enlarged Beauharnois Canal which is now part part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Today, a popular 35km cycling path follows the route of the canal. |
