Highway 401 is an important road between Montreal and Toronto. This page list a number of interesting stops along the 401.
This page was started in Aug. 2022 but it is a living document and more information will be added in future.
Lancaster South: The Wharf
A beautiful view of the magnificant St-Laurence River.
GPS: 45.128242, -74.488251, 401 exit Lancaster/Alexandria
Tables and benches
Free parking
Access to the St-Laurence River, swimming possible
The town provides a portable toilet
Two gas stations in Lancaster near the HWY
Restaurants in Lancaster (in the north)
Lancaster South, map
View of the Wharf in Lancaster South
View of the St. Laurence River in Lancaster South
Near Lancaster South: Cooper Marsh
Walking trails and the possibility to observe animals (birds and turtles). One lookout with a view of the St. Laurence River.
GPS: 45.116749, -74.517998, 401 exit Lancaster/Alexandria
Tables and benches
Free parking
One lookout with a view of the St-Laurence River
Toilets
Cooper Marsh, map
Cooper Marsh picnic area and parking lot
Turtles at Cooper Marsh
Cooper Marsh map, click to see more details
Cooper Marsh history
Cooper Marsh, St Laurence River view
Charlottenurgh Park: sand beach
Nice sandy beach. A bit crowded on hot summer days.
GPS: 45.094112, -74.529080, 401 exit summerstown rd.
Adults pay entrance fee
Tables and benches
Toilets
Beach with fine yellow/brown sand
Floating line fences area where you can stand. Fortunately there is no life gard and you can just swimm outside in the deep area if you want.
Morrisburg has a large waterfront park. It's one of my favorite stops.
GPS: 44.894609, -75.180622, 401 exit Morrisburg
Free parking
Water access
Dock to launch a kayak
Picnic tables
Toilets
Small but beautiful beach for swimming
Ice cream store (sells also hot foods like hamburgers)
The historic Morrisburg waterfront looked very different from what you see today. The old locks and the municipal hydroelectric dam are now under water. You can find more information it here: https://morrisburgdivesites.com/lock-23-site-overview/.
