Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock

This remarkable feat of engineering—the Peterborough Lift Lock (Lock 21)—is a unique hydraulic boat lift located in Peterborough, Canada. As part of the Trent-Severn Waterway system, the lock is rightfully considered one of the most impressive monuments of early 20th-century technical ingenuity.

The lock's main feature is that it is the highest hydraulic boat lift in the world. It is capable of lifting vessels to a height of 19.8 meters in just one cycle. The mechanism operates on the principle of balancing two chambers: when the upper chamber is filled with a slightly larger amount of water, it becomes heavier and descends, pushing the lower chamber upward.

A special visitor center is open to tourists here, where you can not only watch the boats moving but also try your hand as a captain using interactive simulators. This site is a must-visit for everyone who appreciates technical history and large-scale architectural solutions.

To contact the attraction's administration or for up-to-date event information, you can use the following contact details:

The main attraction for visitors is watching the hydraulic mechanism in action. The sight of massive concrete chambers smoothly rising and falling along with the boats is mesmerizing. In the visitor center, be sure to explore the interactive exhibits that explain in detail the laws of physics behind the lock's operation.

If you find yourself here in winter, you'll see the lock from a completely different perspective. The canal below the lift transforms into a massive natural skating rink, where locals and tourists alike enjoy skating surrounded by the structure's historic walls.

Walking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails along the Trent-Severn Waterway. This is a great opportunity to take in the scenic views of rural Ontario and see other parts of this grand water system that connects the Kawartha Lakes to the city's business center.

The Peterborough Lift Lock is located at 2320 Ashburnham Dr (220 Hunter Street East also serves as a landmark). Since the lock is situated in the central part of Peterborough, reaching it is easy by car or taxi.

The site is on the Otonabee River and is a key link in the Trent-Severn Waterway. If you are traveling on your own or a rented boat, you can arrive directly by water and experience the lock firsthand.

For those preferring public transport, it is recommended to take Peterborough city buses heading to the eastern part of the city, or order a taxi from the center, which takes only a few minutes. A walk from central neighborhoods is also a pleasant option in good weather.

The design for this grand structure was developed by Richard Birdsall Rogers, who traveled to Europe in 1896 specifically to study advanced hydraulic systems. Construction took place from 1896 to 1904—an era when the builders' primary tools were steam, horsepower, and tireless human labor.

The scale of the work is impressive: to prepare the foundation on Armour Hill, workers excavated about 76,000 cubic yards of earth. To ensure the structure's stability, the hydraulic pistons were sunk 75 feet into the bedrock, and massive granite blocks weighing up to ten tons were used as supports.

One of the main technological highlights was the use of 26,000 cubic yards of unreinforced concrete. At the time, the Peterborough Lift Lock was the world's largest structure built of this material without the use of steel reinforcement. In 1979, the lock was rightfully designated a National Historic Site.

A standard tour of the Peterborough Lift Lock and a visit to the information center usually takes 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to watch the process of boats being lifted or lowered, explore the interactive exhibits, and take memorable photos of the massive structure.

If you plan to do more than just see the lock—such as walking along the canal, having a small picnic nearby, or visiting adjacent parks—it's worth setting aside half a day. In winter, your stay might be longer if you decide to go ice skating on the frozen canal.

The attraction is open to visitors throughout the week. The opening hours are as follows:

• Monday — Thursday: 09:00 – 17:30
• Friday — Sunday: 09:00 – 18:30

Please note that the operation of the lift mechanism itself may depend on the navigation season and weather conditions.

Exploring the area around the lock will allow you to delve deeper into the region's history and enjoy the beauty of Canadian nature. Many sites related to the development of the waterway and the city's history are located nearby.

Many points of interest are within walking distance or a short drive away, making the Peterborough Lift Lock an excellent starting point for a day trip.