Circumnavigate Ile Perrot

Trip Overview

Launch from the west end of Ste Anne-de-Bellevue, upstream of the locks into Lac de Deux Montagnes. Paddle west towards Terrasse Vaudreuil, crossing the north shore of Ile Perrot and weaving among the small islands and rocks. Just before you pass under the bridge of Autoroute 20, there is a small public access park on your left with a paddler-friendly floating dock suitable for landing to stretch ones legs. After the park, pass under the bridge (keeping more left) and head south towards Pointe des Cascades passing the eastern shore of Ile Perrot on your left and Dorion Vaudreuil on your right. Pointe des Cascades is a park that begins at the exit of the now defunct Soulanges Canal into the St Laurence and can also be identified by a small lighthouse and a long low concrete wall. It is the second of the few potential public access landings in this route and could be an alternative beginning point for the circumnavigation. As you enter the main channel of the St Laurence River, turn east paralleling the Great Lakes-Atlantic Ocean shipping channel. Pass the Beauharnois dam on your right and the south shore of Ile Perrot on your left. I was expecting more current in the channel of the St Laurence, but the dam and locks immediately upstream put the brakes of whatever current the river might normally offer here. There are not many obvious landing spots along this stretch but when you near the eastern tip of Ile Perrot you will see a historic windmill in a park called "Pointe de Moulin". This park is a third decent stopping place along the journey. There are restrooms and shade trees to picnic. But is not a good starting/ending point for the circuit unless you want to spend more than $20 for a park entry fee at the gate. Parking there is also problematic as the gates are locked when the park rangers are not there. As you round the eastern end of the island, you transition from the St Laurence River into the expanse of Lac St Louis. Wind can be an issue here. There is a mild eddy current that helps carry you back upstream along the northern edge of Ile Perrot. There is a channel for powerboaters parallel to the shore marked with red nun buoys and green can buoys. Do not linger in the channel as the powerboaters and jetskis are known to go fast, consume alcohol, play loud music and not spend too much energy watching out for paddle craft. You can use the rock littered shallows to protect yourself from fast moving power craft. Along the northern shore of Ile Perrot there are a few deep embayments. You can follow the shoreline or take the shortcut from point to point. Dowkers Island and one of the points form a narrows where the downstream current is perceptible. Avoid the two smaller islands as they are jealously guarded private land, but there are some good landing spots on the eastern edge of Dowkers Island, with some flat rock picnic spots and/or gravelly beach, depending on the water level. From Dowkers Island you can chose to remain along the northern shore of Ile Perrot or to cross over to complete your loop along the south shore of Montreal Island. Either way, as you head towards St Anne's, Lac St Louis will narrow and there are several sailing clubs and many personal watercraft frolicking in the area. Also, many power boaters will be heading to or returning from the bars and restaurants of Ste Anne de Bellevue. Remain alert. There are plenty of shore and dock landing spots are you near the locks of Ste Anne. The area is populated with bars and restaurants so you have the option of taking your reward for the day's paddle right then and there. Total distance: 19 miles/30 km Total time: 6hr