Canada's China Speaks French (mostly)

Located on the Island of Montreal, Lachine means China in French and apparently named in mockery of its then owner Robert Cavelier de La Salle who explored the interior of North America, trying to find a passage to Asia. When he returned unsuccessful, he and his men were derisively named les Chinois (Chinese). The name was adopted when the parish of Saints-Anges-de-la-Chine was created in 1678, with the form Lachine appearing with the opening of a post office in 1829.

Ville de Lachine is far different from the China on the other side of the world. This tiny town of 65% French origin could be Montréal’s best-kept secret. Lachine’s remarkably vibrant culture and rich heritage, including its museums and concert hall, the Vieille brasserie (old brewery), and the heritage buildings lining the Lachine Canal and Lac St-Louis.

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Ville de Lachine --------------------------China (中国)