Nicholsons Lockstation

Nicholsons Lockstation includes two locks separated by an excavated channel, a unique configuration on the canal. © Parks Canada

(Upper and Lower)

69,4 km – 70,2 km

At Nicholsons, the lower lock and the upper lock are in an excavated channel that bypasses the river’s rapids and shallows. The lower lock is at the eastern entrance of the channel, and the upper lock is located near its middle. The Nicholsons spillway dam crosses the river at the western tip of the narrow island between the excavated channel and the river and creates a slackwater section to Clowes Lockstation.

Two manual operating winches. The winch on the left is used to raise and lower the sluice gate in the lock chamber. The other winch is used to open and close the lock gate. © Parks Canada

The king post swing bridge, which is balanced on a pintle and pushed by hand, carries a local road over the lock. © Parks Canada

Nicholsons Lockstation to Clowes Lockstation

The Nicholsons excavated channel and the beginning of the slackwater section leading to Clowes Lockstation. © Parks Canada

69,8 km – 70,5 km

A short slackwater section was created by the spillway dam at Nicholsons. It is the only place on the canal where the design of the slackwater system and locks required a vessel to cross against the current to reach a lock on the opposite bank of the river.

The navigation channel west of the upper lock at Nicholsons leads to a slackwater section and crosses the river below the Clowes dam. © Parks Canada