Roger Kenner
Montreal, Qc,
Canada 2003
| Pte. Claire: Looking west towards head of Valois Bay |
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Pointe Claire's portion of Valois Bay begins at Sources Road. Almost immediately, begins a cluster of large condos and retirement homes. It is strange that these high rises were allowed to be built in the flight path to Dorval Airport which comes in right over the bay. Just behind the condos runs the expressway of Highway 20, cutting off Valois Bay from the northern half of Pointe Claire.
Lakeshore Road climbs up a bit, until it is about fifteen feet above the water. The road's edge runs along the cliffs and retaining walls. There are occasional stairs leading down to private lakeside lawns below.
There has long been a tiny restaurant nestled in along the cove. It was already there when Sheryl and I rode together out to Pointe Claire. I used to just ride by it, without givin it any notice, except to always reflect that I should make an effort to stop there one day. Then, in 2002, my hair stylist, Jason, bought the restaurant with his girlfriend. During 2002 rides, I would make a point of stopping, either on the way in or out or both, to enjoy a hot cup of cappucino. When not busy, Jason would sit with me out on the terrace. When I passed in 2003, I learned that he and this girlfriend were no longer together.
I discovered the most mysterious and interesting chapel, hidden way in the back of the grounds of one of the high-rise retirement homes, backing right up against Hwy 20.
| Pte Claire: Jason's Rest on Valois Bay | Pointe Claire: Morin Chapel |
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Lakeshore Road comes to a major intersection, where the Bay is closest to Highway 20, at which there is an exit and entrance to the eastbound lanes of the highway. On the lakeward side of the road is a small park, a hill-like structure, the canoe club, and a small parking lot.
From there, Lakeshore climbs up a bit more and circles back out along the western shores of Valois Bay. The landward side is faced with stately and historic houses. A few houses remain on the lake side, but clearly the city is slowly recuperating this space. Over the years, more and more small parks have sprung up.
The park at which I stop most often is a small, nameless one right at the point where Lakeshore Road makes a sharp turn westward, to cut across the point. The tiny park is little more than a wedge leading the lake. Beyond the grass, one can climb down to stand at the bottom of the cliff, right at the water' edge, and have a fine view of the whole of Valois Bay.
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| Pte Claire: Waterfront at Steward Hall estate |
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Lakeshore road leaves the water abruptly and cuts across a point. A couple of streets lead off to the south, down the length of the point. Recently, I explored these streets, but one can see nothing. All the waterfront is blocked by the large houses built along the street.
There is a moderate climb as one approaches Steward Hall. Steward Hall is a huge mansion whose grounds occupy most of the western side of the point. At some point, it became the property of the city and is now a park and cultural centre. I can recall when, back in the early 1980s, my friend Steven Hudson did a stint as night watchman at Steward Hall. I brought him out to work a couple of times. I used to always just pass right by, but recently have explored the parkland and have found the most interesting approach to the water - a great place to stop of a picnic!
From the top of the hill, one can race down and past the intersection and end of St. John's Road, providing one times the light correctly.
From the foot of St. John' Road, Lakeshore leads around a small cove, at the far end of which is a small point on used to stand the infamous Edgewater Hotel. I can remember this large wooden structure and its parking lot full of cars from early trips out this way.
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| Looking along cove towards St. John's Road from the new quai at Edgewater Inn location |
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Eventually the Edgewater Inn burned down and the lot remained vacant for many, many years. It became a large, dirt parking lot. Only recently has the city of Pointe Claire began re-grooming it as a park. At the end of the point, facing the small cove, they have built a small pier.
| Pointe Claire: The New Quai Where the Edgewater Inn used to be | |
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Coming around the point, Lakeshore Road enters the old village of Point Claire, where there are several blocks of narrow streets lined with trendy shops. Just inside of town is the turn off to the left, for the marina. (It was here that I met with Paula and she showed me her racing boat.) Out to lakeward extends the Point, with the historic church at the end.
| Pte Claire: Historic Church |
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Pointe Claire is known for its historic and landmark church, built at the end of a point jutting out into Lake St. Louis. The church serves as a beacon which can be seen for miles around.
From the end of the point, one has a clear view, both westwards, all the way to Beauharnois; and eastwards, all the way to the bridges at LaSalle.
| Pointe Claire: Open Water of Lake St. Louis Sighting Through Opening to Distant Beauharnois |
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| Pointe Claire: View East from Point: Dorval Island | Pointe Claire: View East at Valois Bay: Dorval Island |
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| Pointe Claire: View East - Bridges (Binocular View) |
Pointe Claire: Freighter on Lake (Binocular View) |
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West of the Village, one comes very quickly to the end of Pointe Claire. There is one small beach, where I have tried on several occasions to get a good photo of the famous church. It always looks so impressive to my eyes, but the photo never seems to turn out right. Similarly, there is a another vantage point a bit further west, just after turning onto the old Lakeshore Road in Beaconsfield.
| Pte Claire: Historic Church | |
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| from Pte Claire Line | from Beaconsfield Vantage Point |
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| Pte Claire: Historic Church | |
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| from Pte Claire Line | from Beaconsfield Vantage Point |
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| Pte Claire: Historic Church | |
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| from Pte Claire Line | from Beaconsfield Vantage Point |
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| Pointe Claire: Town Line (West) |
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