Lock 37 Bolsover (Trent-Severn) - Image 1
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Lock 37 Bolsover Trent-Severn Waterway

4.5
·75 reviews·Brock, Canada

Experience the charm of manual lock operation on the Trent-Severn Waterway, with friendly staff and free camping.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

See the locks in action

CrowdMedium
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Lock 37 Bolsover (Trent-Severn) - Image 1

Lock 37 Bolsover Trent-Severn Waterway

Best Time

Daytime

See the locks in action

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the charm of manual lock operation on the Trent-Severn Waterway, with friendly staff and free camping.

4.5
(75 reviews)

"The staff were awesome. Guided us on what to do and what to be aware of. And very pleasant and friendly."

Vertical photo
TIP

Respect the 15 km/h Speed Limit

Drive slowly on the road near Lock 37 for the safety of kids and pets. 🚗

Free Overnight Camping Available

Camp for free at the lock! Perfect for kayakers and boaters on a longer trip. ⛺

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 75 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lock Operation Experience

Lock Operation Experience

Lock 37

Witness the fascinating manual operation of Lock 37, a process that takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Friendly Lock Staff

Friendly Lock Staff

Lock 37

Experience the warmth of the amazing and attentive staff who are happy to share their knowledge.

Scenic Picnic Spot

Scenic Picnic Spot

Lock 37 grounds

Enjoy a relaxing picnic or barbecue with beautiful views in a well-maintained and immaculate setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Speed Limit

Cottagers and locals emphasize a strict 15 km/h speed limit on the road near Lock 37 due to children and pets. Boaters should also be mindful of this when approaching the lock.

Free Overnight Camping

Did you know you can camp overnight for free at Lock 37? It's a fantastic option for kayakers and boaters looking to break up their journey along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
See the locks in action
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More boaters and activity
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Respect the 15 km/h Speed Limit

Drive slowly on the road near Lock 37 for the safety of kids and pets. 🚗 Reddit

Free Overnight Camping Available

Camp for free at the lock! Perfect for kayakers and boaters on a longer trip. ⛺ Reddit

Chat with the Staff

The lock operators are knowledgeable and friendly – ask them anything! :smiley: Reddit

Watch the Lock Operation

It takes about 15 minutes for the water levels to change. Fascinating to watch! :stopwatch: Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Respect the 15 km/h Speed Limit

Drive slowly on the road near Lock 37 for the safety of kids and pets. 🚗 Reddit

Free Overnight Camping Available

Camp for free at the lock! Perfect for kayakers and boaters on a longer trip. ⛺ Reddit

Chat with the Staff

The lock operators are knowledgeable and friendly – ask them anything! :smiley: Reddit

Watch the Lock Operation

It takes about 15 minutes for the water levels to change. Fascinating to watch! :stopwatch: Reddit

Modernized Washrooms

The washrooms and showers have been completely redone and are very clean. 🚿 Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(75 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Lock 37 for its friendly and attentive staff, who make the lock operation experience enjoyable and informative. The free overnight camping is a significant bonus for boaters and kayakers. While the lock operation itself is a highlight, some may find the 15-minute transit time a bit long if they are in a hurry.

"As a cottager on this lock road, we have ALWAYS loved meeting boaters and hearing their stories over a cold one! We certainly do hope people continue to respect the speed limit (15) while driving down the road as there are many kids and dogs about. It’s a lovely lock, the staff are amazing and attentive, and the area is just gorgeous. What’s not to love?!"

Jessica White

"Very cool experience. We have a small 16' boat and took the kids through the lock for the first time.
It was fun!!!
The staff were awesome. Guided us on what to do and what to be aware of. And very pleasant and friendly.
Cost was minimal.
Did you know you can camp overnight for free at the lock? WOW
We met a guy on a kayak traveling from Georgian Bay to Buckhorn. He would camp overnight at each lock. 6 day trip for him. So cool.
Highly recommend you check out the locks even to just watch it on land. Very cool.
This was lock 37 and to get to Lake Simcoe there are another 5 locks in quick succession.
The other direction there's the Kirkland lock, 2nd highest in the world!!! Yup right here in rural Ontario.
The whole system is very cool and the staff know everything and are happy to share.
Woot woot"

Diane B

"Great employees. Cool lock that is operated manually. Be warned, it takes 15 minutes for the water to finish changing levels"

Cathi

What People Like

Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Free overnight camping
Scenic and well-maintained grounds

What People Dislike

15-minute lock transit time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lock 37 is located in Bolsover, Ontario, along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Access is typically by boat for those navigating the waterway, or by road for visitors wishing to observe. Be mindful of the 15 km/h speed limit on the road leading to the lock, as it's a residential area with many families and pets. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in all sources, visitors can generally access Lock 37 by road for observation. Parking availability might be limited, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially on weekends. Reddit

Yes, Lock 37 is accessible by kayak. Many kayakers use the locks as stops along their journey, with some even taking advantage of the free overnight camping facilities. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The cost to pass through the lock is minimal, and observing the lock operation from land is generally free. Free overnight camping is also available for boaters and kayakers. Reddit

Operating hours for the Trent-Severn Waterway locks typically align with the boating season, usually from late May to Thanksgiving. It's best to check the Parks Canada website for the most current operating schedule. Reddit

For recreational boaters, advance booking is generally not required for individual lock transits. However, during peak season, it's wise to be prepared for potential waits. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The lock operation itself, where water levels are changed, takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. This doesn't include any waiting time if other boats are transiting. Reddit

Visitors can watch the fascinating manual lock operation, enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the scenic grounds, and chat with the friendly and knowledgeable lock staff. The area is also great for fishing. Reddit

Yes, Lock 37 has recently modernized washrooms and showers that have been completely redone, making it a comfortable stop for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! You can camp overnight for free at Lock 37, which is a great perk for those traveling by boat or kayak along the waterway. Reddit

Lock 37 is part of a system. Heading towards Lake Simcoe, there are five more locks in quick succession. In the other direction is the Kirkfield Lift Lock, noted as the second highest in the world. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique experience of the manual lock operation, the picturesque waterway views, and the charming grounds. The interaction between boaters and the attentive staff also makes for great candid shots. Reddit

While drone photography can offer stunning aerial views, always check local regulations and Parks Canada guidelines regarding drone usage in and around the waterway and locks before flying. TikTok

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Lock 37 Bolsover Trent-Severn Waterway (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide