Kirkfield Lift Lock 36
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Kirkfield Lift Lock 36

4.7
·527 reviews·Kawartha Lakes, Canada

Witness a unique dual hydraulic lift lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway, a marvel of engineering and a fascinating stop for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Boat transit times

See the locks in action!

CrowdMedium
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Kirkfield Lift Lock 36

Kirkfield Lift Lock 36

Best Time

Boat transit times

See the locks in action!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness a unique dual hydraulic lift lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway, a marvel of engineering and a fascinating stop for all ages.

4.7
(527 reviews)

"Really impressive structure and seeing the locks operate was a big hit with the kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Boat Schedules

To see the locks in action, check the Trent-Severn Waterway schedule for boat transit times.

Parking Fee

A small fee is collected upon exit. Keep some cash handy for the kiosk.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 527 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hydraulic Lift Lock

The Hydraulic Lift Lock

Witness the impressive dual hydraulic lock system lifting and lowering boats simultaneously. A truly unique engineering marvel.

Interactive Educational Displays

Interactive Educational Displays

Learn about the fascinating mechanics and history of the locks through engaging illustrations and information boards.

Picnic and Rest Area

Picnic and Rest Area

Enjoy a break with picnic tables and accessible washrooms, perfect for a family stop during a road trip.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Kirkfield Lift Lock 36 is a unique hydraulic lock system that's fascinating to watch. Arrive when boats are scheduled to pass through for the full experience. Check the Trent-Severn Waterway schedule beforehand to maximize your visit.

Parking and Access

There's a large parking lot, accommodating even buses and trucks with trailers. A small fee is typically collected upon exit. The area, including picnic spots and restrooms, is wheelchair accessible, making it a convenient stop for all visitors.

Best Times

When
Boat transit times
Why
See the locks in action!
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for viewing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Check Boat Schedules

To see the locks in action, check the Trent-Severn Waterway schedule for boat transit times. Reddit

Parking Fee

A small fee is collected upon exit. Keep some cash handy for the kiosk. Reddit

Wheelchair Accessible

The entire area, including picnic spots and restrooms, is wheelchair accessible. Reddit

Educational Fun

Great for kids! The displays explain how the locks work, making it educational and fun. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Boat Schedules

To see the locks in action, check the Trent-Severn Waterway schedule for boat transit times. Reddit

Parking Fee

A small fee is collected upon exit. Keep some cash handy for the kiosk. Reddit

Wheelchair Accessible

The entire area, including picnic spots and restrooms, is wheelchair accessible. Reddit

Educational Fun

Great for kids! The displays explain how the locks work, making it educational and fun. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(527 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Kirkfield Lift Lock 36 for its impressive and unique hydraulic lock system, finding it fascinating for all ages. The educational displays and accessible amenities like picnic areas and washrooms are also highlighted as significant positives, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop.

"This is a fun spot to stop for a break. The hydraulic lock system is very unique and fun for all ages watching the boats get lifted and lowered at the same time. There are nice washrooms available and picnic tables."

Paul Vos

"Really impressive structure and seeing the locks operate was a big hit with the kids. Lots of cool explanations and illustrations of how the locks work and you can see the awesome mechanisms from all sides. Really something else to see it."

Artem Safarov

"If you're driving through Kirkfield, via land, this is a great place to stop to see the locks in action. We were very impressed by how quickly the locks raise and lower the boats. There is a small self-guided tour on the property, with some interesting facts on information boards.

There is a large parking lot, big enough for buses to park and trucks with trailers. Upon arrival there is a kiosk that asks you to pay $2 upon exit.

This is a great place to stop and have a picnic on your journey. There is a small picnic area beside the locks that is wheelchair accessible, as well there are wheelchair accessible bathrooms."

Courtney Juneau

What People Like

Unique hydraulic lock
Educational displays
Accessible facilities

What People Dislike

Occasional fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kirkfield Lift Lock 36 is easily accessible by car via land routes. There is a large parking lot available, capable of accommodating buses and trucks with trailers. Reddit

Information on public transport accessibility is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the lock. Consider local bus routes if available, but confirm schedules in advance.

Kirkfield Lift Lock 36 is located along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point, but it's a notable landmark when traveling through Kirkfield.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a small fee collected upon exit, typically around $2. It's advisable to have cash ready for the kiosk. Reddit

The locks operate during the boating season. To see them in action, it's best to check the Trent-Severn Waterway schedule for boat transit times. Reddit

No advance booking is typically required for general visitors. The fee is collected upon exit, and the main attraction is watching the locks operate. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. However, the entry fee is generally quite low, making it an affordable stop. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is witnessing the unique dual hydraulic lift lock in operation. You can also explore educational displays about its mechanics and history, and enjoy the picnic area. Reddit

Absolutely! Kids are often fascinated by the engineering and the process of boats being lifted and lowered. The educational displays also make it engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

Yes, there are picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a break during your journey. The area is also wheelchair accessible. Reddit

Yes, there are washrooms available on-site, which are also wheelchair accessible. Reddit

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether a boat is transiting and how much time they spend at the educational displays. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities are from the viewing platforms around the lock chamber, capturing the boats ascending or descending. The surrounding landscape also offers scenic shots. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. Capture the impressive engineering and the unique operation of the hydraulic locks. Instagram

You can get close-up shots of the massive gears and hydraulic systems, as well as wider shots showing the entire lock chamber and the boats within it. TikTok

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