Big Chute Marine Railway
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the rugged beauty of Ontario, Canada, the Big Chute Marine Railway is an engineering marvel and a unique feature of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Unlike traditional locks that lift or lower boats in water-filled chambers, the Big Chute Marine Railway operates on a different principle, carrying vessels over land between two water bodies.
This remarkable contraption was originally constructed in 1917 as a temporary solution to bypass the unnavigable stretch of water at the Big Chute. However, it became such a vital component of the waterway that a more permanent structure was built in 1923. Today, the railway is a key attraction for boaters and tourists alike, offering a one-of-a-kind experience as boats are transported on a carriage over a steep incline, from the Severn River to Gloucester Pool.
The operation is simple yet fascinating. Boats enter a large cradle, which is then securely fastened. Once in place, the entire assembly moves along a set of tracks, powered by cables, and traverses the rocky terrain separating the two bodies of water. The cradle gently lowers the boats into the water on the other side, completing the transfer.
Ontario