Hochelaga Archipelago, River archipelago near Montreal, Canada
The Hochelaga Archipelago is a group of more than 200 islands where the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers meet in southwestern Quebec. The largest islands now hold major urban areas and communities with millions of inhabitants.
Early European explorers encountered established Iroquoian settlements here, communities that had lived in the region for centuries. These meetings set the foundation for what would become major European settlement and shaped the area's story since.
The name comes from Indigenous languages and likely refers to beaver paths or strong rapids in the Iroquoian tongue of the people who first lived here.
The islands are connected by bridges, roads, and public transit, so moving between them is straightforward. Visitors can navigate like in any city while enjoying water views and changing landscapes throughout the journey.
A small hill on the main island is the highest point across the entire archipelago and offers views spanning the whole island group. From the top, you can see how all the islands are woven through the two rivers.
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