This summer, visit two national historic sites in the Montérégie region, Fort Chambly and Fort Lennox—two Parks Canada-administered forts located on the banks of the Richelieu River. The settlements are located along a corridor in Montérégie known as the valley of forts. The Richelieu Valley forts were erected to counter various 18th- and 19th-century threats. A cultural getaway bearing a valuable testimony to Quebec’s military history that will pique the curiosity of the whole family.
A great way for young people to learn about the environment and history while enjoying the outdoors. Adults will be captivated by the stories, while little ones gape at the grandeur of the monuments.
The Fort Chambly experience
Built in 1711, Fort Chambly is renowned for its remarkable 18th-century French-style architecture, its strategic location on the banks of the Richelieu River, and its crucial historic role defending the French colonies in North America against enemy attacks.
What to expect:
- The fort can be visited solo or with Parks Canada interpreters on a guided tour.
- Check out Smuggling, outsmart the exhibition and see how illegal trade helped forge ties between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
- Browse the display of uniforms worn by soldiers at that time and admire the finest artifacts found during fort excavations.
- Enjoy the green spaces of the surrounding park, trails and bike path with breathtaking water views.
The Fort Lennox experience
What sets apart Fort Lennox is its well-preserved, early-19th-century, British-style architecture and its location on Île aux Noix—a strategic island in the middle of the Richelieu River in the Montérégie region. Built between 1819 and 1829, the fort is a prominent example of British colonial fortification and defence in Canada.
What not to miss:
- Go on an outdoor guided tour of the fort with a Parks Canada interpreter.
- See the drawbridge, guardhouse, officers’ quarters, powder magazine, artillery and commissariat stores, the barracks and its artifacts, and the exhibition Passages, experiences of this island, showcasing the human history of this unique place.
- Take a boat across the Richelieu River to take in a breathtaking view.
- Take advantage of the island’s green spaces to observe local biodiversity and picnic on the waterfront, back on the pier.
Want to see more? The Montérégie region also boasts other national historic sites, including Coteau-du-Lac, the Chambly Canal and the Saint-Ours Canal. Visit the website of each national historic site for detailed information on hours and fees to help you plan your visit.
Useful tips
Parks Canada offers a variety of accessible activities:
- July 1 is free! Enjoy free admission to Canada Day celebrations.
- Admission to all Parks Canada sites is free anytime for youth aged 17 and under.
- Parks Canada offers free admission and program access to support persons travelling with a visitor with a disability. To celebrate families and diversity, Parks Canada is offering free admission to new Canadian citizens for one year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile app.
- Please note that Fort Lennox National Historic Site can only be accessed by taking a short, toll-free river shuttle (direct access with a personal boat is prohibited), and access to the ferry and island is limited for persons with reduced mobility. Fort Chambly National Historic Site is fully accessible to persons with reduced mobility and/or disabilities.
This article was commissioned by Parks Canada.
