Nassau Mills Lock 22
A picturesque stop on the Trent-Severn Waterway, offering fascinating lock operations and ideal picnic spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Watch boats in action
Nassau Mills Lock 22
Best Time
Watch boats in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque stop on the Trent-Severn Waterway, offering fascinating lock operations and ideal picnic spots.
"This is a great roadside canal picnic spot with clean washrooms and well-manicured grounds."
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Ample picnic tables and BBQ facilities make this a great spot for an outdoor meal. Enjoy the scenery!
Check Lock Operating Hours ⏰
The lock operates seasonally. Confirm hours with Parks Canada before your visit to see boats in action.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Grounds surrounding the lock
Enjoy a meal amidst well-manicured grounds with plenty of picnic tables and shade.
Visitor Information & Staff
Visitor Booth
Friendly Parks Canada staff are available to answer questions and share insights about the lock system.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Picnic Perfect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Ample picnic tables and BBQ facilities make this a great spot for an outdoor meal. Enjoy the scenery!
Check Lock Operating Hours ⏰
The lock operates seasonally. Confirm hours with Parks Canada before your visit to see boats in action.
Friendly Staff Assistance 👍
Parks Canada staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the lock system.
Wheelchair Accessible Facilities ♿
The site is well-maintained and offers accessible parking and facilities for all visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Ample picnic tables and BBQ facilities make this a great spot for an outdoor meal. Enjoy the scenery!
Check Lock Operating Hours ⏰
The lock operates seasonally. Confirm hours with Parks Canada before your visit to see boats in action.
Friendly Staff Assistance 👍
Parks Canada staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the lock system.
Wheelchair Accessible Facilities ♿
The site is well-maintained and offers accessible parking and facilities for all visitors.
Learn About the Waterway 📚
Great place to learn about the Trent-Severn Waterway and its engineering marvels.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ 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. +1
Yes, there is ample parking available at Nassau Mills Lock 22, including designated wheelchair-accessible parking spots.
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.
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.
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. +1
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
The picnic facilities, including tables and washrooms, are generally free to use for visitors. It's a great amenity for a day out.
Yes, there is a fire pit area that suggests opportunities for camping, making it a unique spot to stay overnight and experience the lock.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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. +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.
Yes, fishing is mentioned as one of the amenities available at Lock 22, offering another way to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The washroom facilities are described as very clean and well-maintained, making it a comfortable stop for visitors.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. Watching the lock in operation during these times can yield dramatic shots.
You can photograph the lock staff, especially if they are interacting with boats or providing information. Always be respectful of their work and privacy.
The small vegetable garden tended by staff offers a unique and charming photo opportunity, showcasing the care put into the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic basket and perhaps a portable BBQ to make the most of the facilities. It's a safe and engaging environment where children can learn about engineering and waterways while having fun outdoors. The friendly staff can also add to the positive experience by answering curious questions.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Allocate an hour or two to fully appreciate the lock operations and enjoy the amenities. It's a convenient location, easily accessible by car, and provides a refreshing change of pace from driving. Don't forget your camera to capture the unique sights!
🛶 Boaters and Water Enthusiasts
Even if you're not transiting, the area around Lock 22 offers a pleasant spot to dock temporarily, enjoy the scenery, or have a meal. The paddle dock provides easy access for kayakers and canoeists looking for a rest stop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Lock 22
Visitors often express awe at the scale and precision of the lock operations. It's a chance to witness firsthand how maritime infrastructure facilitates travel and commerce. The lock is not just a functional piece of engineering but also a historical landmark, representing a significant achievement in Canadian waterway development.
For those interested in the mechanics, observing the gates open and close, the water levels change, and the boats maneuver provides a captivating experience. It’s a practical demonstration of physics and engineering in action, making it an educational as well as entertaining stop.
A Boater's Perspective on the Trent-Severn
The Parks Canada staff play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transit. Their professionalism and guidance help boaters feel secure throughout the process. The camaraderie among boaters is also a notable aspect, with many sharing tips and experiences along the waterway.
Lock 22, like other locks on the system, offers a chance for boaters to pause, interact with staff, and appreciate the surrounding scenery. It's more than just transit; it's an integral part of the boating adventure on this historic route.
Picnicking and Relaxation at Lock 22
Visitors often bring their own BBQs to grill food, enhancing the outdoor dining experience. The presence of garbage bins ensures the grounds remain tidy, and the availability of a fire pit adds to the ambiance, especially for evening visits.
The peaceful setting, combined with the gentle hum of the lock operations and the natural beauty of the waterway, creates a serene environment. It’s a perfect place to unwind, enjoy a meal, and soak in the local atmosphere.
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