Port Carling Locks and Swing Bridge

Please remain in your vessel and follow direction from staff, tap payment is accepted.

Reminders - Port Carling Locks and James Bartleman Park

Use of the large lock is by appointment only after normal operational hours
The Lockmaster may permit the use of the large lock for recreational boats without appointment when volume of traffic dictates
The lockmaster may at any time deny access to the facility or specify terms and conditions on which access may be permitted
A "Yearly Rate per Vessel/Yearly Pass" is for normal hours of operation only
A "Yearly Rate per Vessel/Yearly Pass" is not applicable to commercial vessels with a capacity of 20 passengers or greater
Passes may be purchased from the Lock Office or the District of Muskoka's Finance Department
Vessel registration number required to qualify for "Yearly Rate per Vessel/Yearly Pass"
Fees are collected for berthage from first Monday of May to last Friday in November
The Lockmaster may at any time deny dockage of any vessel or specify terms and conditions on which docking may be permitted
The lifting of the bridge outside normal operating hours is by appointment only

Large Lock

Construction of the original locks began in 1869 - the same year the village was named after John Carling, Ontario's first Minister of Public Works and Agriculture. When they were finished two years later, steamships were finally able to travel easily from Gravenhurst to the village of Rosseau.

Hours of Operation - 2025

May 5 to May 16

Monday to Friday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday - Closed

May 17 to September 1

Monday to Thursday - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday to Sunday - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

September 2 to October 13

Monday to Sunday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

October 14 to November 29

Monday to Friday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
* Weekend passages after Thanksgiving are by appointment only.

November 30

Closed for the season.

Fees - 2025

Full fee list - By-Law 2024-25 (Details on page 10)

Dimensions

Useable Length: 165'

Total Length: 165'

Total Width: 32.8'

Bridge Clearance

13' *Depending on the fluctuation in water level on Lake Muskoka.

Small Lock

Hours of Operation - 2025

Open 24 hours June 2 to Oct. 11.
*Use at your risk as of Oct. 12 - Low water levels can make the small locks challenging to maneuver through.

Fees - 2025

One-Way Passage - $14.00
Yearly Rate - $128.00
Day Pass - $20.75

*Please bring cash if you plan to use the small lock. Sometimes Lock attendants are overseeing other operations and are unable to assist you with debit or credit transactions.
Full fee list - By-Law 2024-25

Dimensions

Useable Length: 66'

Total Length: 84.9'

Total Width: 11'

port carling locks with people walking on docks and a boat

James Bartleman Park

The island park is the only park owned by the District of Muskoka and is named for former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and diplomat James Bartleman. It is located at 100 Joseph Street, Port Carling adjacent to the Port Carling Locks.

Port Carling Pavilion and Docks

Starting October 2024, the District of Muskoka will begin the restoration of the Port Carling Pavilion and docks to improve safety, accessibility, and extend their lifespan.

This project is essential due to aging structures and the need to ensure the Pavilion and docks continue to serve the community for years to come.

Upgrades

The upgrades will include:

Improved ramps and pathways to improve accessibility.
Reinforced structural supports for safety and durability.
A complete rebuild of the docks to handle increased use.
Installation of dark-sky compliant lighting to reduce light pollution.
Re-use of the existing timber crib foundation to minimize disturbance to important fish habitat and protect the biodiversity of the local Muskoka watershed.

We’re working to reopen the Pavilion and docks in Spring 2025, with the goal of having everything ready for next summer’s activities.