Nassau Mills Lock 22 - Image 1
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Nassau Mills Lock 22

4.6
ยท144 reviewsยทPeterborough, Canada

A picturesque stop on the Trent-Severn Waterway, offering fascinating lock operations and ideal picnic spots.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

May - October mornings

Watch boats in action

CrowdLow
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Nassau Mills Lock 22 - Image 1

Nassau Mills Lock 22

Best Time

May - October mornings

Watch boats in action

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque stop on the Trent-Severn Waterway, offering fascinating lock operations and ideal picnic spots.

4.6
(144 reviews)

"This is a great roadside canal picnic spot with clean washrooms and well-manicured grounds."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a Picnic Basket ๐Ÿงบ

Ample picnic tables and BBQ facilities make this a great spot for an outdoor meal. Enjoy the scenery!

Check Lock Operating Hours โฐ

The lock operates seasonally. Confirm hours with Parks Canada before your visit to see boats in action.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 ยท 144 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

๐Ÿ‘ถ Good for kidsโ™ฟ Wheelchair accessible๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Watching Boats Navigate the Lock

Watching Boats Navigate the Lock

The Lock Chamber

Witness the fascinating engineering as boats are lifted or lowered, a core experience of the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Scenic Picnic Area

Scenic Picnic Area

Grounds surrounding the lock

Enjoy a meal amidst well-manicured grounds with plenty of picnic tables and shade.

Visitor Information & Staff

Visitor Information & Staff

Visitor Booth

Friendly Parks Canada staff are available to answer questions and share insights about the lock system.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While Lock 22 is accessible year-round, the lock operations are seasonal. For the best experience watching boats navigate, plan your visit between May and October when the Trent-Severn Waterway is fully operational. Check Parks Canada for exact dates.

Picnic Perfect

Nassau Mills Lock 22 is a fantastic spot for a picnic. With ample tables, shade, clean washrooms, and even a fire pit, it's well-equipped for a relaxing outdoor meal. Bring your own BBQ or enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Best Times

When
May - October mornings
Why
Watch boats in action
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for picnics
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#thebigchute #thebigchutemarinerailway #muskoka #engineering #lakelife #marinerailway #trentsevernwaterwaylocks
@yoyengka
87.2K likes โ€ข 2.7M views

Pack a Picnic Basket ๐Ÿงบ

Ample picnic tables and BBQ facilities make this a great spot for an outdoor meal. Enjoy the scenery! Reddit

Check Lock Operating Hours โฐ

The lock operates seasonally. Confirm hours with Parks Canada before your visit to see boats in action. TikTok

Bucket list item: Big Chute โœ… This was hands down the best way to end our journey on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Iโ€™m still amazed by this piece of equipment, and the Parks Canada staff who operate it are just as impressive. As uneasy as it is to be on your boat while itโ€™s lifted out of the water and carried over land, the staff made us feel so comfortable and confident. Their clear instructions an...
@cruisincasa
48.2K likes โ€ข 783.9K views
Lock 43 in the trent Severn waterway is the deepest lock at 47ft #trentsevernwaterway #muskokalakes #werunthewater #yamaha
@ridinwithmaria
47.5K likes โ€ข 2.6M views

Friendly Staff Assistance ๐Ÿ‘

Parks Canada staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the lock system. Reddit

Wheelchair Accessible Facilities โ™ฟ

The site is well-maintained and offers accessible parking and facilities for all visitors. Reddit

This is cool!! #boatlife #foryourpage #trentsevern #fyi #coldwater #northernontario #fypใ‚ท #fypppppppppppppp
@ladywithcamera
6.7K likes โ€ข 161.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a Picnic Basket ๐Ÿงบ

Ample picnic tables and BBQ facilities make this a great spot for an outdoor meal. Enjoy the scenery! Reddit

Check Lock Operating Hours โฐ

The lock operates seasonally. Confirm hours with Parks Canada before your visit to see boats in action. TikTok

Friendly Staff Assistance ๐Ÿ‘

Parks Canada staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the lock system. Reddit

Wheelchair Accessible Facilities โ™ฟ

The site is well-maintained and offers accessible parking and facilities for all visitors. Reddit

Learn About the Waterway ๐Ÿ“š

Great place to learn about the Trent-Severn Waterway and its engineering marvels. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(144 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Nassau Mills Lock 22 for its excellent picnic facilities, clean restrooms, and well-kept grounds. The opportunity to watch boats navigate the lock is a major draw, enhanced by the friendly and informative Parks Canada staff. It's a highly recommended spot for a relaxing family outing or a scenic stop.

"This is a great roadside canal picnic spot. There are lots of tables for you to set up. Plenty shade and there are very clean washroom facilities to use.

We brought a small propane bbq and grilled food with no issues. There are garbage bins available and the grounds are well manicured. There also appears to be a fire pit available to use.

All in all this was a great place for a family picnics."

Jay K

"I was left unattended by my partner and with only a push bike to travel on, I did the most appropriate thing I could think of as a full grown adult... After visiting the local Tim Hortons for a spot of tea and a bagel I cycled my way to lock 22.

What can I say other than it's clean and very well presented a great spot to watch the happy boater navigate through the lock!"

Liam Easton

"First time visiting Lock 22 on our way to bicycle paths near Trent University.
Public facilities are on site and well maintained. The park area is also very well kept with picnic tables available, tourist brochures and maps and there's also a spot for a camp style fire.
Great timing for us ro visit as we watched small vessels enter the lock and wait for navigating. The Parks staff was very friendly.
This is a great place for family picnic with ample parking and wheelchair accessible parking."

Shawn Christo

What People Like

Great picnic spot
Clean facilities
Fascinating lock operation

What People Dislike

Seasonal operation

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

Nassau Mills Lock 22 is conveniently located near Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. It's easily accessible by car with ample parking available. For those arriving by bicycle, it's a pleasant stop along nearby paths. Reddit+1

Yes, there is ample parking available at Nassau Mills Lock 22, including designated wheelchair-accessible parking spots. Reddit

Absolutely! Lock 22 is a great stop for cyclists, with paths leading to the area and bike racks potentially available. It's a scenic route to enjoy the waterway. Reddit

The most engaging way to experience the lock is by watching boats navigate through it. The Parks Canada staff are also a great resource for understanding the process. Reddit

Yes, Nassau Mills Lock 22 is a key part of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, a 386-kilometer canal system connecting Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. TikTok+1

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

Generally, visiting the lock area and grounds to watch the operations is free. However, if you plan to transit the lock with a boat, there are associated fees. TikTok

The lock operates seasonally, typically from May to October. It's best to check the official Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date operating hours and dates. TikTok

The picnic facilities, including tables and washrooms, are generally free to use for visitors. It's a great amenity for a day out. Reddit

Yes, there is a fire pit area that suggests opportunities for camping, making it a unique spot to stay overnight and experience the lock. Reddit

While the grounds are accessible year-round, the lock operations are seasonal. For the full experience of watching boats, plan your visit during the operational season. TikTok

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿž๏ธ Onsite Experience

You can watch boats navigate the lock, enjoy a picnic with provided tables and BBQ facilities, learn about the waterway from friendly staff, and explore the well-maintained grounds. Reddit+1

Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for family picnics with clean facilities, ample space, and the fascinating sight of boats moving through the lock. Reddit

Yes, fishing is mentioned as one of the amenities available at Lock 22, offering another way to enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit

The washroom facilities are described as very clean and well-maintained, making it a comfortable stop for visitors. Reddit

While Lock 22 is an excellent picnic spot, there are also mentions of nearby Tim Hortons for a quick bite before or after your visit. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

Capture the action of boats entering and exiting the lock, the impressive engineering of the lock itself, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding park and waterway. TikTokInstagram

While drone usage regulations can vary, the open space and scenic views around Lock 22 could offer great aerial photography potential. Always check local drone laws. TikTok

Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. Watching the lock in operation during these times can yield dramatic shots. TikTok

You can photograph the lock staff, especially if they are interacting with boats or providing information. Always be respectful of their work and privacy. Reddit

The small vegetable garden tended by staff offers a unique and charming photo opportunity, showcasing the care put into the site. Reddit

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Nassau Mills Lock 22 (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide