Big Chute: Explore North America’s Only Marine Railway

The Trent-Severn Waterway connects Lake Ontario to Huron’s Georgian Bay. This now National Historic Site is made up of 42 lockstations (where boats are raised or lowered for easier navigation of the narrow waterway). Each of the Trent-Severn Waterway’s 42 historic lockstations has its own story behind them.

Credit: To Do Canada

Among the more unique 42 lockstations is #44, or the Big Chute Marine Railway. This is the site of the only marine railway ever built in North America, and like all of the other lockstations, it is still in operation today.

Exploring Lock 44 & The Big Chute Marine Railway

Many of the lockstations along the Trent-Severn Waterway offer scenic spaces for picnics, washroom facilities, or access to trails. The Big Chute Marine Railway is an outdoor display of the once-operational railway which ran across the waterway. Interpretive signage offers more historical information on the railway and the site in general. What is unique about the Big Chute Marine Railway is that it transfers the boats between two water bodies at an elevation change of about 60 feet (18 m) on an inclined plane. It is a fascinating watch.

Walk the trail beside the rail lines and see the rail operate, transferring the boats between the ridge that separates the Six Mile Channel and Severn River. Follow the rail car on the trail (plenty of stairs) to the Six Mile Channel, and for a different view of the lockstation and see boats unload and continue on their journey towards Gloucester Pool and Georgian Bay.

Parks Canada operates a campground at Lock 44 and many other lockstations. These campgrounds do not permit drive-up or car camping but walk bike, or boat-in camping.
There is also a visitor centre at the location and a designated parking lot a few meters away.

Paddling the Trent-Severn Waterway

Those who want to paddle any part of the Trent-Severn Waterway will need a lockstation permit. In addition, camping permits can also be purchased in advance. In total, the entire Waterway can take up to a month to traverse in a canoe or kayak. Those wanting to make an afternoon or day trip in their boat can always paddle between lockstations.

When paddling toward the Georgian Bay, Lock 44 and the Big Chute Marine Railway are the second-last stop. Lock 45 is in Port Severn, and getting here from Lock 44 is an overnight trip.
The experience of crossing the lockstation is something in and of itself, as the Big Chute raises boats quite high overhead.

There are paddle routes around the Big Chute Lockstation, which create 5-10km loops as well.

Hiking Trails near Lock 44

There are more ways to experience the beautiful landscapes you’ll encounter while on the water, or the trails and picnic areas around Lock 44.

Trails lead north from the lockstation and follow the shores of Six Mile Lake. Those after a longer hike can make a 10km loop around the shores, while an 8km out-and-back trail also cuts through the middle of the loop. This hiking area is exceptionally pretty during the fall.
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park, which is to the west of Big Chute, has 2.5km of scenic hiking trails. Plus, the park offers other activities with boat rentals, a beach, a boat launch, picnic shelters, and a campground.
The Macrae Lake Conservation Trail, on the same highway as Six Mile Lake PP, is about 6km out-and-back. This hike leads to exceptional views of Macrae Lake from atop a 31m cliff.
Honey Harbour (gateway to Georgian Bay Islands National Park) is only 20 minutes from Big Chute.

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Dining Options near the Big Chute

Find several places to stop and dine along the Big Chute Road, such as Big Chute Restaurant at the Big Chute Marina, Bozco’s Pizza, The Old Familiar, or the Riverhouse Restaurant.

Port Severn has several options, no matter your cravings. Additionally, Port Severn is home to several resorts and inns with their own on-site restaurants or cafes.

Planning your Trip – Big Chute Marine Railway

What: The only marine railway ever built in North America, located at the Trent-Severn Waterway’s Lock 44, lifts boats 60 feet over a ridge between the Severn River and Gloucester Pool. Operated since 1917, it now handles boats up to 100 feet long.

Road Trip: Drive the Trent-Severn Waterway

Best time to go: May (Victoria Day weekend) to October (Thanksgiving Monday) to see the railway in operation and for paddling and camping

Cost: day use is free

Location and how to get there: access using Highway ON-17 north from Coldwater, or White Falls Road east from Port Severn.

Big Chute Marine Railway is located: