With the Ottawa River, canal, and foothills of the Laurentians in the background, Grenville’s waterfront area is beautiful. For residents of Grenville and visitors to the scenic and historic area, there is now a place to sit and enjoy a coffee and light lunch.
Le Café du Canal officially opened on Friday, May 15. It is located at 59 Rue du Canal Nord in Grenville, right near the pier at the western entrance of the Grenville Canal and beside the boat ramp and park by Grenville Bay.
Suzanne Hocquard and Lisa Mosher own and operate the café. They are leasing the small building from the village of Grenville.
Hocquard and Mosher have previous experience in the food service business. In the past, they owned and operated a canteen. They have been friends and neighbours for years. Hocquard said she still remembers café’s from when she lived in France and thought something similar would be good for her hometown of Grenville. In February 2026, she and Mosher submitted their application and business plan to the village.
Grenville Mayor Pierre Thauvette said the café is exactly the kind of thing needed in the waterfront area and fits in with the village’s recreation and tourism objectives.
Le Café du Canal offers a range of coffee, tea, cold drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. The café is open seasonally from May to October 31. The location is a popular destination for pedestrians, cyclists, boaters, and for fishing.
“It’s the place to take in sunsets,” Hocquard said. Indeed, the Grenville pier usually attracts spectators each evening for the often-spectacular view when the sun goes down. In fall, the foliage on nearby hills is also usually amazing.
A terrasse beside the water at the café allows visitors to enjoy the view and a coffee or snack at the same time. And, since many people who visit the waterfront area bring pets along, Le Café du Canal is also a pet-friendly establishment where treats and water for four-legged customers are always available.
Le Café du Canal is open from 10 am to 8 pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 am to 8 pm on weekends. To stay updated about hours and special events, go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589204330484.
Photos: James Morgan
