At the far western end of the Trent-Severn Waterway, just before the river meets Georgian Bay, boats stop floating and ride a railway instead. The Big Chute Marine Railway at Lock 44 and the small lock at Port Severn (Lock 45) are two of the most unusual stops on the waterway, and they sit a short drive apart off Highway 400. This guide covers how the railway works, what you can see without a boat, and what is open nearby. It is November, so most of it is closed until spring.
Closed for winter: the 2026 season has ended
Parks Canada's 2026 hours for Trent-Severn lockstations ran from May 15 to October 12, 2026 (Thanksgiving Monday). The marine railway and Lock 45 are not moving boats now. Watch the Trent-Severn hours page for 2027 dates before you plan a spring or summer trip.
For reference, the 2026 timetable looked like this:
- May 15 to June 18: Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 3:30 pm; Friday to Sunday and Victoria Day, 9 am to 6:30 pm.
- June 19 to September 7: Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 5:30 pm; Friday to Sunday and statutory holidays, 9 am to 6:30 pm.
- September 8 to October 12: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 3:30 pm; weekends and Thanksgiving, 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Parks Canada says opening and closing times are not guaranteed. They can change because of water management, maintenance or other interruptions to navigation.
How the Big Chute Marine Railway works
Parks Canada describes Big Chute as "the only marine railway of its kind in North America." The boats don't pass through a chamber of water. Instead, they're carried over land. According to the Township of Georgian Bay, staff use slings and a large carriage to lift boats nearly 60 feet over a ridge between the Severn River and Gloucester Pool. The boats are then lowered back into the water on the other side. Parks Canada lists the average lift as 17.7 m (58 ft).
A short history
Parks Canada says contracts to build locks connecting the Severn River to Georgian Bay were awarded in 1914. Wartime shortages delayed the work, so the first marine railway was built in 1917 and then replaced in 1923. The current railway opened to the public in 1978. Parks Canada also credits it with helping to halt the spread of sea lamprey to the inland lakes.
Notes for boaters
Big Chute has overnight mooring with a two-night maximum, boater camping, washrooms, potable water and a picnic area. Parks Canada asks owners to call the Trent-Severn Waterway at 705-756-8802 at least 48 hours before their trip if a vessel weighs over 68 tonnes (75 tons), has an unusual hull, or might be hard to lift by sling. For a wider look at boating this coast, see our Georgian Bay day on the water guide.
Watching Big Chute without a boat
You don't need a boat to enjoy Big Chute. The Township of Georgian Bay notes an observation deck where visitors can watch the carriage at work and see staff climbing up and down ladders as they set the slings. The station has large grounds for picnicking, and Parks Canada lists visitor information on site. The lockstation is at 7001 Upper Big Chute Road, which Parks Canada describes as a short drive from Coldwater.
Come in season and during operating hours, and bring a picnic. Boat traffic varies, so be ready to wait for the next lift.
Port Severn and Lock 45
Downstream, Port Severn and Lock 45 mark the Georgian Bay end of the waterway. Depending on your direction, it's either the first lock or the last. The lockstation is at 175 Port Severn Road North, at kilometre 387.1 of the system.
Parks Canada says Lock 45 is the smallest lock on the Trent-Severn. When wartime shortages slowed the Severn works, the nearly finished lock was completed as a small "temporary" lock, and it is still in use. It is 25.6 m (84 ft) long and 7.0 m (23 ft) wide, with an average lift of about 3.7 m (12 ft). Its length limits the size of boat that can travel the whole waterway.
The Township of Georgian Bay says the Lock 45 Welcome Centre has information about the waterway and offers self-guided visits during lock hours. Boaters should take care west of the lock, where the channel narrows as it passes under Highway 400. In high water, expect buffeting currents below the lock.
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park (summer season)
Just off Highway 400 near Port Severn, Six Mile Lake Provincial Park is a good summer base for this area. Ontario Parks lists three sandy beaches (one for pets), three hiking trails, a boat launch, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and more than 200 car-camping sites. Its 2026 season ran from May 8 to October 13, and winter camping isn't offered. The park is at 2024 Joe King's Road, Port Severn.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park via Honey Harbour
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is a quick boat ride from Lock 45. Parks Canada says the park's 63 islands can only be reached by boat, and Beausoleil Island is the only one with visitor facilities. Without your own boat, you go through Honey Harbour: take Highway 400 to exit 156, then follow Honey Harbour Road (Muskoka District Road 5).
Parks Canada points day visitors to Landmark Cruises for trips to Beausoleil Island. Cabin and oTENTik guests get boat transport from the Honey Harbour launch point at 2611 Honey Harbour Road. Campers must book their own licensed water taxi. The park is about 166 km, roughly two hours, north of Toronto. These are summer and fall services, so check Parks Canada for the coming season before you plan.
Indigenous presence on these waters
These waters are part of a much older story than the locks. The Williams Treaties First Nations are seven Nations: the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Scugog Island First Nation, the Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation and Rama First Nation. On their own site, they describe their traditional territories as lying "primarily in the Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario watersheds." To learn more, start with the Nations' own sources, and see our overview of Indigenous Muskoka: peoples, treaties and places.
Where to stay and eat
Most visitors stay along Port Severn Road or on Gloucester Pool. Two options we confirmed through their own websites:
- Christie's Mill Inn and Spa, 263 Port Severn Road North, has rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar, Christie's Waterfront Restaurant.
- Severn Lodge, 116 Gloucester Trail, is an all-inclusive family resort on Gloucester Pool.
Neither website lists a current seasonal schedule, so contact them directly about winter availability and restaurant hours.
Planning tips
- Timing: For the best chance of seeing the railway at work, visit in summer. The longest hours run from late June to Labour Day.
- Off-season: Between mid-October and spring, the railway and Lock 45 aren't moving boats, and Six Mile Lake Provincial Park is closed for the season.
- Fees: Admission is free for youth 17 and under at Parks Canada places, though other fees may apply. Check current fees with Parks Canada.
