After almost a century of construction, the Trent-Severn’s linkages, consisting of over 40 locks, some 50 km of man-made canals, approximately 150 dams and countless areas that were altered by dredging or flooding, created a fully-navigable system. Completed in 1920, the different phases of construction are obvious throughout the waterway with different designs and age of construction.
Construction began in 1800s as a commercial/military shortcut across central Ontario. The waterway links lakes and rivers, crossing from the Lake Ontario watershed across the height of land and into the Lake Huron (Georgian Bay) watershed at the western end of Balsam Lake.
The system contains traditional locks, flight locks which pair one or more locks, two hydraulic lift locks at Peterborough and Kirkfield and a marine railway that carries boats on a carriage out of the water.
Completed in 1904, the Peterborough Lift Lock claimed fame as the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world and largest unreinforced concrete structure. The second lift lock at Kirkfield was opened in 1907.
The Big Chute Marine Railway, an impressive boat lift at lock 44, removes boats from the water and carries vessels up to 30 m (100 ft) it was added 1917.
Both the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association and the Great Lakes Cruising Club have harbour guides available to members. Parks Canada provides detailed information on each region and lock.
Posts from the Trent-Severn:
- Go While the Going is Good
- Marooned at Big Chute
- Signs of Fall
- A Hard Day
- Unexpected Company
- Hastings
- Campbellford
- Peterborough
- Lakefield
- Bobcaygeon
- Fenelon Falls
- Buckhorn
- Orillia
- Swift Rapids
Moon Dance IV 