Channel Nieuwpoort

In 1640, people spoke of the 'New River'; now the canal is commonly referred to as 'the vaart' by the inhabitants of Middelkerke. Officially: the Plassendale-Nieuwpoort canal.

The course of the canal largely follows the bed of the old Ieperleed. During its construction in the 17th century, around 800 workers were involved in the digging. The work was done with shovels, wheelbarrows, and planks that, after being driven into the ground, were pulled to loosen the earth. Workers then used the excavated soil to raise dikes on both sides of the canal.

Toerisme Middelkerke