Port Carling Locks and Swing Bridge

The Port Carling Locks are rich in history and are the source of the town's nickname, "Hub of the Lakes".

Port Carling Locks Reopening for Summer Season with Restrictions in Place

The Port Carling Locks is reopening for the season on Monday, May 3, 2021 with restrictions in place to protect the health and safety of staff and the community.

Large Locks - Fees and Hours of Operation

Summer Hours:

Monday to Thursday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Boaters are to remain in their vessel while using the large locks and follow directions from Locks staff.

Fee Summary:

One-Way Passage - $12.00

Yearly Rate - $111.00

Day Pass - $18.00

Full fee list (including commercial/barge fees, etc.) - bylaw 2020-37, as amended by By-law 2021-22.

Operation of the large lock and lift-bridge outside of normal hours is by appointment only and fees apply.
24 hours notice is required. After Labour Day weekend, operations will be subject to weather and/or water conditions.

Small Locks - Fees and Hours of Operation

Opening on Saturday, June 5, 2021

One-Way Passage - $12.00

Yearly Rate - $111.00

Day Pass - $18.00

Full fee list - By-law 2020-37, as amended by By-law 2021-22

Self-Serve, 24/7 as of Saturday, June 5, 2021
- facilities not sanitized
- practice physical distancing
- respect onsite signage

Large Locks

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.

Small Locks

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.

Rules and Usage 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

Dimensions: Large Lock

Useable Length: 165'

Total Length: 165'

Total Width: 32.8'

Dimensions: Small Lock

Useable Length: 66'
Total Length: 84.9'
Total Width: 11'

Bridge Clearance

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