Port Carling Locks and Swing Bridge

Hours of Operation

2023 Hours of Operation - Port Carling Large Lock
Monday to Thursday	8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday	8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
October 10 - November 7, 2023	Large Lock Closed - Small Lock Open
November 7 - end of November, 2023	Schedule T.B.D.

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

Large Lock - Planned Temporary Closure - October 10 to November 7, 2023

Why? This closure accommodates dry-dock inspections for the RMS Segwun and Wenonah II.
When? The historic Steamships have requested a full closure of the Large Locks for 4 weeks starting October 10, 2023 (the day after Thanksgiving) to November 7, 2023.
Where? The dry dock inspections are scheduled at the Large Lock - the Small Lock will remain open.
More information: The Port Carling Large Lock is the only location in Muskoka that can accommodate the needs of these historic vessels. Dry dock inspections are required by Transport Canada's Shipping Act, 2001, for passenger-carrying vessels like the RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II. These inspections ensure the operational safety of the vessels, the safety of passengers and staff, and compliance with Transport Canada's regulations. The closure of the Large Lock during this period allows for these essential inspections to take place, maintaining the safety of these iconic vessels. This also provides an opportunity for the District to inspect and maintain the Large Locks themselves, contributing to asset management plans and capital budget projections. This request was received at Engineering and Public Works Committee, read the Dry Dock Report.

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.

Large Lock - Hours of Operation and Fees

Large Lock closed October 10 - November 7, 2023 and will reopen until the end of November, or when weather permits. The Small Lock will remain open during the closure.

Hours of Operation - 2023 Season
Monday to Thursday	8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday	8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fee Summary 2023

Fee Summary

One-Way Passage (Commercial)- $130.00; One-Way Passage (Personal) - $12.75

Yearly Rate - $1202.92

Day Pass - $19.00

Full fee list (including commercial/barge fees, etc.) - bylaw 2022-28,

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

Small Lock - Fees and Hours of Operation

Summer Hours 2023

Open 24 Hours

Fee Summary

One-Way Passage - $12.75

Yearly Rate - $117.50

Day Pass - $19.00

*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 2022-28

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.