big chute marine railway

sandral798

We decided to check out the Big Chute Railway after leaving Port Severn.I am so glad we did not miss this amazing engineering feat! Luckily shortly after arriving , we had the opportunity to see the railway in action - it was an awesome experience! Absolutely amazing to see that huge rail car slip under the water, pick up a boat( up to 100 feet), quietly climb out of the water and across the road then descend down the ravine to slip the boat into the water on the other side.I will remember this for along time!

oneworldlytraveller

On a hot summer's day, we arrived by car to see the only overland segment of the Trent Severn Waterway.The area is gorgeous, with lakes, rives, forests and some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth - the latter known as the 'Canadian Shield.'Watching the marine railway scoop up boats of all sizes and carry them over the rocks before depositing them safely up or down to continue their journey was fascinating, and made us wonder why there was never a lock built instead.Information boards explain that several attempts were begun, but by having this break in the otherwise contiguous watercourse, certain marine life is prevented from expanding their territory - specifically a type of lamprey eel.Speaking of wildlife, over 18 species of completely unique living things make this place home.The local area is not heavily developed, so except for a fairly basic store/marina/restaurant and some free parking - don't expect much else except a beautiful vista.Worth a visit if you are nearby, and definitely worthwhile if you are travelling by boat!

jand555

A lock well worth visiting! There is a lot of info about the railroad at the facility. A really nice viewing area as well. There were 2 of us on the way down--our little 20' and a very large 40+ foot boat, both of us on our first time at the Marine Railway. Park personnel were extremely patient and kind with us and we were both loaded quickly and safely, without anybody feeling stupid or belittled due to lack of experience.

VitorF439

wife and myself love it there, the boats, the water, it's a nice place to visit, bring the kids and friends too.

petitecritique

My husband and I journeyed to Big Chute on the recommendation of a fellow hotel guest. We were not disappointed. I wasn't expecting much, but was so impressed and astounded. I had no idea what a 'marine railway' meant. Nor did I care, to be honest! This lift carries boats on cradles while it drives across the road on tracks and places the boat back in the water on the other side! I guess this was more economical than installing some locks as the elevation between the waterways is significant.There is an information center with video by Parks Canada. Also remnants of the original system are still on site. You can also checkout the Big Chute Power Generation Station right beside the tracks.We were lucky enough to see a number of different sized vessels be transported from one side of the road to the other...good timing I guess.

PickeringRoadTripper

Railway boat transport from lake to lake over the road. Boats sit on a sling and carried over. There is a small visitor's center. Bathrooms. Also a viewing deck up 2 flights of stairs. Beautiful scenery driving into area. Many motorcyclists go through the area.

rickied415

Was here today and it is something everyone should enjoy. Seeing boats going up and down the railway was something to see nothing like it

SurreyGirl27

Having spent time on the canal system we just had to visit the Big Chute and were not disappointed; a truly unique engineering system that has stood the test of time and asit is off the beaten track it is not at all touristy. My only complaint is that the facilities were not clean and when we told the staff they seemed disinterested.

CanProf

You are unlikely to be just passing by so you have to make the effort to go here. But if you are on the 400 north of Port Severn it is a very easy drive on a well-maintained road, no possibility of getting lost. And well worth it. The Peterborough Lift Locks ("bathtub" locks) are the better known Trent Severn attraction but I actually think this is more interesting. The word "unique" is much overused but this comes close. The process of getting boats up and in from one body of water to the other is fascinating and the site itself is attractive. You can get a fairly good look at the mechanisms that make it all work if you are a serious gear-head and enjoy the scenery if you aren't. Admittedly there is nothing else there so you are committing a bit of your time to this one attraction. If you are in the area though, this and Lock 45 at Port Severn can very nicely be combined.

bob55russell

A lot of other reviews here are certainly right when they say that this place is "out of the way" when you drive to it. However once you get here it certainly is worth it when one takes the time to watch the employees make this lifting device work. You get to see different sizes, makes & models of boats that people use in their leisure time. I am also amazed on the number of international boats that use this interesting site as well.

stephenw164

We visited here recently and were greeted by friendly staff who were warm and welcoming. That's where the nice experience ended. Facilities are not very nice. Inside needs a renovation (or a good cleaning), outside the deck overlooks a dilapidated marina shop. Fuel truck was refilling gas pumps and it smelled bad so we stayed inside until it left - waitress explained we should be thankful we weren't there when they pumped the septic. Food wasn't very good and was overpriced. Hamburger was undercooked. Mouse turds in the kids highchair, etc... Had a great time at the Big Chute, just wish there were more eating options.

mini

We stopped here and took a look at the Big Chute Marina in Ontario. This is a way for boats to get from lake to lake.

The_Bystander

The Big Chute marine railroads themselves are splendid, interesting, historic, well maintained and clean like all the TSW lock stations. As one of the taxpayers who financially support Parks Canada,the operator, it irks me to see their management not taking greater opportunity to profit from our assets. Canada is desperate for tourist attractions and The Big Chute Marine Railway ought to be renowned. We frequently take guests out to see it.The operators of the TSW would do well to check out how the Falkirk Wheel, a lift lock in Scotland, and a compatible attraction,is run. The Falkirk Wheel must be a cash cow. There is a nice pub there at Falkirk with a good restaurant, for 16 UK pounds you can go up and down the Wheel in a "bateau Mouche", even through a tunnel dug under a Roman Wall, they have a museum and a lovely gift shop too, ample parking for cars and buses for hundreds of visitors who come to see it.

368allison111

Great place to visit. The only marine railway in North America.Quite unique. We have taken our boat over the chute. Lots of fun.

AJC936

No ships were going through when we visited, but we still found the site extremely interesting and educational. There are several informative panels covering the history of the marine railway and the technical aspects of the lifts. It's a little off the beaten path, but worth the trip if you're interested in seeing a one-of-a-kind engineering feat.