A few kilometres from downtown Shawinigan, Lac-à-la-Tortue holds a distinctive place in Canadian aviation history. Here, water was more than part of the landscape: it became a natural runway for a new way to fly, patrol vast territory and reach places that were otherwise difficult to access. More than a century later, the area still brings together a land airport, CSL3, and a water aerodrome, CSU7, in a community where aviation remains part of everyday life.
For Aéro Atelier, also located in the Lac-à-la-Tortue area on Chemin de la Vigilance, this history is more than a heritage marker. It reflects the roots of practical, demanding aviation and the piston engines that remain central to general and bush aviation.
1919: when La Vigilance opened a new route
The modern history of the site took shape in 1919. That year, the Curtiss HS-2L La Vigilance arrived at Lac-à-la-Tortue as part of early aerial forest-fire patrol operations. Parks Canada recognizes the event as a key starting point in the establishment of commercial bush aviation in Canada: pilot Stuart Graham carried out a pioneering forest-fire reconnaissance flight that demonstrated the value of aircraft for reaching and observing remote territory.
The success of this approach contributed to the establishment of an early civil seaplane base at Lac-à-la-Tortue and to the growth of forest patrol, mapping, aerial photography and transportation to isolated regions. The combination of necessity, geography and innovation helped make Lac-à-la-Tortue a foundational place in Canadian bush aviation.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada has formally recognized the historical significance of this development, and a commemorative plaque recalls the pioneering role of Lac-à-la-Tortue and the people involved in those early commercial operations.
One area, two environments: CSL3 and CSU7
Lac-à-la-Tortue is also distinctive because wheeled-aircraft and floatplane operations take place very close to one another, with separate aviation facilities in the same area.
CSL3: Lac-à-la-Tortue’s land airport
The Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) consulted for summer 2026 listed two paved runways at CSL3:
- 03/21: 3,000 ft × 40 ft;
- 16/34: 2,000 ft × 40 ft.
This gives the site a true land-airport component alongside the adjacent lake. The aeronautical information for the area also calls attention to seaplane traffic on the neighbouring water, reflecting the mixed nature of local operations.
CSU7: the historic water aerodrome
Only moments from CSL3 is CSU7, the Lac-à-la-Tortue water aerodrome. Aeronautical information consulted in 2026 listed services and facilities supporting floatplane operations, including 100LL and water-access infrastructure. Availability and operating conditions can change seasonally and should always be confirmed using current publications and operator information.
That infrastructure illustrates the difference between a lake occasionally used by seaplanes and an established water aerodrome designed to support arrival, launching and servicing of float-equipped aircraft.
A layout that tells the story of bush aviation
The immediate proximity of a land airport and a water aerodrome captures much of the evolution of bush aviation in Canada. Floatplanes made thousands of lakes and areas without prepared runways accessible, while wheeled aircraft benefited from the gradual development of regional aerodromes. At Lac-à-la-Tortue, those two realities meet in one aviation environment.
Bel-Air Aviation’s published history notes that a first land runway was operating by 1968 and that a second was added in 1974. The site evolved with aviation needs while preserving its close connection with seaplane operations.
The close proximity of land and water operations also requires careful preparation. Current aeronautical publications contain site-specific information and operating considerations, including information relevant to lake traffic and noise-sensitive procedures.
A living aviation site, not just a historical one
Lac-à-la-Tortue did not become a static museum after the pioneering years of bush aviation. Aviation activity continues in the area, and gatherings of pilots and aircraft keep the site connected to its history. Floatplanes, wheeled aircraft and ski-equipped aircraft all reflect the variety of Canadian general aviation.
For enthusiasts, this makes the area especially interesting: within a relatively compact setting, visitors can see several facets of Canadian general aviation and better understand why seaplanes played such an important role in the country’s development.
Aéro Atelier: engine expertise in the same aviation ecosystem
Aéro Atelier C.M. inc. is located at 1281 Chemin de la Vigilance in Shawinigan, in the Lac-à-la-Tortue area. Founded in 1980, the family-owned company focuses on piston aircraft engines, particularly Lycoming and Continental engines.
Our shop work includes overhaul, repair and inspection of Lycoming and Continental engines, along with services involving cylinders, magnetos, prop-strike inspections and exchange programs where applicable. Aéro Atelier focuses on engine work in the shop rather than general aircraft maintenance, allowing us to work in complement with AMOs and maintenance shops that entrust engines to us.
Being located at Lac-à-la-Tortue creates a natural link between our work and the aviation history of the area. The piston engines that powered general and bush aviation remain at the centre of our expertise today.
To learn more about our capabilities, visit our Services page or contact our team.
For pilots: history never replaces current flight information
The runway dimensions, services and configuration details described here are provided for historical and contextual purposes. They do not replace flight planning. NAV CANADA updates the CFS on a regular cycle, and current NOTAMs, AIP supplements, weather and other operational information must also be reviewed as appropriate.
Before any arrival at CSL3 or CSU7, consult current aeronautical publications, NOTAMs, weather information and, where required, information from the operator.
Lac-à-la-Tortue: a major chapter in Canadian aviation history
From the pioneering forest-fire reconnaissance operations of 1919 to today’s CSL3 and CSU7 aviation activity, Lac-à-la-Tortue reflects more than a century of adaptation in Canadian aviation. Few places show the continuity between early seaplanes, bush aviation, regional airports and the technical industry that still supports piston-powered aircraft today as clearly.
For Aéro Atelier, working in this area means operating close to a place that helped shape Canadian aviation. For pilots and enthusiasts who visit, Lac-à-la-Tortue remains what it has long been: a meeting place for water, land, machines and people brought together by flight.