Probably the most notable feature on the Trent Severn Waterway is the Peterborough Lift Lock. Unlike a typical lock that consists of a chamber which has doors on each end and the water level is raised or lowered in the chamber, the Peterborough Lift Lock is more like an elevator for boats. There are two “tubs”, an upper and a lower. These tubs are raised and lowered hydraulically using water and gravity. Once boats are loaded into each tub, one extra foot of water is added to the upper tub; the extra weight forces the water-filled pistons to lower the upper tub and force the lower tub upwards. The lift is 65 feet and takes only about 90 seconds. Truly an engineering marvel that was completed in 1904 and still operates with the same components today.
After touring the museum and learning about the construction of the lock, we were invited to the control booth where I made the welcoming announcement on the PA system and Bev pushed the button to activate the transfer.
After leaving the Peterborough Lift Lock, the Otonabee River continues through Lakefield and on to the area known as the Kawartha Lakes region. At this point the Trent Severn Waterway passes through several lakes connected by rivers and canals. The lakes are popular vacation areas and many cottages line the banks and small islands of the lakes. There is actually a church on one island that is accessible only by boat! We visited the small towns of Bobcaygeon (overnight) and Fenelon Falls (lunch).
Having crested at 842’ above sea level, we now began our descent toward Lake Huron. The second descending lock is at Kirkfield. This lock, like Peterborough, is a hydraulic lift lock. Entering the upper tub feels as though you are sailing off the edge of the world, as you cannot see the water 48 feet below. Makes you wonder if the “world is flat” crowd is right!