Lachine Canal now boasts its first floating café-lounge in a refurbished bateau-mouche. The Canal Lounge has the best spot for people-watching, directly below Atwater Market, and will be there until October. Go for their “Plunger” coffee (your personal French press) served with a traditional Dutch stroopwafel cookie and feel like you’re in Amsterdam. Or go later for drinks with your BFF before heading to one of the many trendy restaurants in the neighbourhood. The decor is cozy chic – perfect for a Friday evening or weekend afternoon to lounge around on the canal.
I went last Friday – in the afternoon for coffee AND in the evening for happy hour. The two fab owners, Gurvan & Jeroen are so charming that you will surely want to go often! Both are flight attendants – one for KLM and the other for Transat – so you won’t need to worry if suddenly they need to evacuate the boat! You won’t have to worry about the bill either – the beverage menu is simple and the prices are very affordable. We paid only $5 for a glass of rosé!
The sugar is served in these cute little Dutch houses – which used to contain the Dutch gin, Bols – souvenirs for business class passengers of KLM.
There’s also a special spot on top of the boat – first come, first served! So get there early to grab this seat with the spectacular view. You may also notice a furry little friend perched in a rear window. Paco-James is the owner’s dog who keeps a watchful eye on the clients. Actually, he seems to think it’s HIS boat!
Le Canal Lounge
22, ave Atwater
(514) 451-2665
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Opening hours: 5pm – 11pm, daily – until October.
