The canal was the first work of its kind in North America, and is a National Historic Site of Canada, which also includes the remains of a fort and reconstructed blockhouse.

The American War of Independence (1775–1783) revealed a number of serious flaws in the British defence system.

The western frontier of the Canadian colony was protected by the military outposts on the Great Lakes.

Troop and merchandise transport via the Saint Lawrence River was seriously slowed by the rapids located upstream from Montreal.

To accelerate shipment of military supplies westward, Governor Frederick Haldimand ordered for a canal to be dug at Coteau-du-Lac.