Dozens of Montrealers jumped into the Lachine Canal on Sunday to cool off, but above all to demand public access to the city’s riverbanks. The Grand Splash is an annual event that has been organized for the past 23 years by the Rivières Foundation, an organization that advocates for the protection and enhancement of the province’s waterways. Under clear skies, the swimmers—all wearing life jackets—began jumping in waves around noon as the temperature reached 26 degrees Celsius. Lifeguards watched over the participants from the docks, while children had fun splashing their parents. The most daring children dove in while doing somersaults, while others floated on inflatable animal-shaped rings. Parents could be seen tossing their children into the water from the docks, all amid a friendly and lively atmosphere. This summer tradition usually takes place at Montreal’s Old Port, but this year, the Rivières Foundation partnered with “On veut se baigner — Lachine” (We want to swim – Lachine), a citizen-led initiative calling for the creation of an open-water swimming area where the waters of the Lachine Canal meet Lake St. Louis. - This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 12, 2026.
