Champlain Bridge estacade
The Champlain Bridge estacade is a wooden and concrete pier extending roughly 2 kilometers into the St. Lawrence River, connecting Île des Sœurs to the seaway dike bicycle path network. The structure comprises 72 piers of varying sizes supporting a deck about 8.5 meters wide, designed for both pedestrians and cyclists.
It opened in 1965 and became a popular spot for people seeking river views and outdoor recreation. The pier initially served as a cargo loading and unloading point, evolving into an important urban recreational connection to the waterway.
The pier is open for walking and cycling from April through December, with LED lighting at night for safety and visibility. Access is available from both Île des Sœurs and the seaway dike side through approach sections.
The structure was built with 72 individual piers, some stretching over 16 meters long, engineered to withstand river currents and storms. This remarkable engineering feat often goes unnoticed by casual visitors enjoying the scenic views.
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