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ERNEST LAPOINTE

Donated by Jean-François Vézina, MMQ Coll.


Winter navigation

For a long time, navigating the St. Lawrence River in winter was deemed impossible, save for the daring few who knew how to manoeuvre an ice canoe.

Ice canoe race between Montmagny and île aux Grues, in 1956
1977.71.14, MMQ Coll.

The main purpose of the first icebreakers was to break up ice jams and prevent flooding in the spring.

The CHAMPLAIN icebreaker on the St. Lawrence River, in December 1919
1981.0.74, Donated by François Bourgault, MMQ Coll.

Building the ERNEST LAPOINTE

Audioguide correction: The ERNEST LAPOINTE was the Canadian government’s eleventh icebreaker.

The ERNEST LAPOINTE under construction in the fall of 1939
1988.0.125, MMQ Coll.

The ERNEST LAPOINTE was the first icebreaker to be built by Chantier Davie Canada located in Lévis (Lauzon), Quebec. The vessel was launched on February 5, 1941, one year behind schedule due to the War.

Are you wondering how the hull of a ship was riveted?

Watch this video clip showing how the hull of the S.S. JOHN W. BROWN was repaired the traditional way.