Fort Senneville

Fort Senneville is a fortified post from the French colonial period that sits along the Ottawa River and features sturdy stone walls built for defense. The location sits at an advantageous position where waterways meet, making it well-positioned to monitor and control the surrounding area.

French settlers first built a wooden fort at this location in 1671, which was later replaced by a stronger stone version in 1692 under orders from Governor-General Frontenac. This shift from wood to stone construction reflected the growing importance of the site and the need for better defenses as the colony expanded.

The post served as a protective center for fur trading operations and French settlers spreading through the Montreal region. People relied on it to safeguard their commerce and establish their presence in new territories.

The ruins are on private land and are not typically open to the public, so it is wise to check local conditions before planning a visit. Since the site holds the status of a National Historic Site, preservation is assured, but viewing from public areas nearby is the most practical approach.

A stone windmill built in 1686 functioned as both a watchtower and a grinding facility, equipped with defensive features such as openings for firing weapons. This structure shows how the French combined military protection with practical everyday functions in a single building.