Lock 44 - Big Chute marine railway

Vessel restrictions are in place on weekends. For more information visit our Big Chute Status webpage.

Big Chute Marine Railway is a short drive from Coldwater. It is the only marine railway of its kind in North America. Big Chute has large grounds for picnicking and boater camping.

Getting here
  • Address: 7001 Upper Big Chute Rd, Coldwater, Ontario
  • Nautical chart: #2029 (more on Nautical charts)
  • Kilometer marker: 374.1 km (mile 232.5)
  • GPS: 44°53'05.8"N 79°40'28.2"W

Hours of Operation

Contact:
Navigational data
  • Lock length: 30.5 m (100 ft)
  • Lock width: 7.3 m (24 ft)
  • Average lift: 17.7 m (58 ft)
  • Max. mooring period: 2 nights
Vessel weight capacity
Operators whose vessels weigh more than 68t (75 tons), have a peculiar hull configuration or who foresee problems lifting the hull by sling, must contact Trent–Severn Waterway at 705-756-8802 at least 48 hours in advance of trip.
Facilities and services
History
Construction of the Big Chute lockstation
Constructed: 1917; 1923; 1978

In 1914 contracts were awarded to build locks to connect the Severn River to Georgian Bay with one of the locks being #44. Wartime shortages stalled the start of construction, but the first marine railway was built in 1917 and then replaced in 1923. The current marine railway was opened to the public in 1978 and has been instrumental in halting the spread of sea lamprey to inland lakes.

Tourism information
Google Street View
Videos
Parks Canada on Youtube