Beaver Lake (Montreal) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Beaver Lake Lac aux Castors  (French)
View of Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake Lac aux Castors  (French) Location in Montreal
Location	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Coordinates	45°29′56″N 73°35′49″W / 45.49889°N 73.59694°W / 45.49889; -73.59694
Type	Artificial
Max. length	0.24 km (0.15 mi)
Surface elevation	172 m (564 ft)

The Beaver Lake (also known as Lac aux Castors in French) is a beautiful artificial lake located on Mount Royal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was created in 1938 from what used to be a swamp. A famous architect named Frederick Todd designed this lovely spot.

The lake got its name because workers found an old beaver dam while they were building it.

Discover Beaver Lake: What's It Like?

Beaver Lake is shaped a bit like a four-leaf clover. It's about 200 meters (656 feet) long and 150 meters (492 feet) wide. For many years, people loved to ice skate on the lake in winter. However, since 2017, skating now happens on a special artificial rink nearby.

The area around the lake is perfect for all sorts of fun activities. In winter, you can go skating and sliding. When summer arrives, the wide-open lawns are great for relaxing and playing.

A Look Back: History of Beaver Lake

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  Workers adjusting the lake in 1938

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  Skaters on the lake in 1940

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  Walkers in 1945

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  Ducks stand next to a shelter on a raft floating on the lake

The Beaver Lake Pavilion: A Special Building

The Beaver Lake pavilion was officially opened in 1961.

The Beaver Lake pavilion is a unique building located on the west side of the lake. It was built between 1956 and 1958 and opened in 1961. Architects Hazen Sise and Guy Desbarats from the firm Arcop designed it.

At the time, this building was considered one of the most modern and interesting in Montreal. It had a cool wavy roof and very large windows. The pavilion was updated and renovated between 2005 and 2007.

Inside the pavilion, you'll find a restaurant called The Pavilion.

In 2007, the Ordre des architectes du Québec (which is like a professional group for architects in Quebec) gave an award for excellence in architecture. This award went to architects Pierina Saia and Réal Paul, along with the City of Montreal. They received it for their great work in preserving and restoring the historic Beaver Lake pavilion.