Lock 37 Bolsover Trent-Severn Waterway
Experience the charm of manual lock operation on the Trent-Severn Waterway, with friendly staff and free camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the locks in action
Lock 37 Bolsover Trent-Severn Waterway
Best Time
See the locks in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the charm of manual lock operation on the Trent-Severn Waterway, with friendly staff and free camping.
"The staff were awesome. Guided us on what to do and what to be aware of. And very pleasant and friendly."
Respect the 15 km/h Speed Limit
Drive slowly on the road near Lock 37 for the safety of kids and pets. :car:
Free Overnight Camping Available
Camp for free at the lock! Perfect for kayakers and boaters on a longer trip. :tent:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lock Operation Experience
Lock 37
Witness the fascinating manual operation of Lock 37, a process that takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Friendly Lock Staff
Lock 37
Experience the warmth of the amazing and attentive staff who are happy to share their knowledge.
Scenic Picnic Spot
Lock 37 grounds
Enjoy a relaxing picnic or barbecue with beautiful views in a well-maintained and immaculate setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Speed Limit
Free Overnight Camping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect the 15 km/h Speed Limit
Drive slowly on the road near Lock 37 for the safety of kids and pets. :car:
Free Overnight Camping Available
Camp for free at the lock! Perfect for kayakers and boaters on a longer trip. :tent:
Chat with the Staff
The lock operators are knowledgeable and friendly – ask them anything! :smiley:
Watch the Lock Operation
It takes about 15 minutes for the water levels to change. Fascinating to watch! :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect the 15 km/h Speed Limit
Drive slowly on the road near Lock 37 for the safety of kids and pets. :car:
Free Overnight Camping Available
Camp for free at the lock! Perfect for kayakers and boaters on a longer trip. :tent:
Chat with the Staff
The lock operators are knowledgeable and friendly – ask them anything! :smiley:
Watch the Lock Operation
It takes about 15 minutes for the water levels to change. Fascinating to watch! :stopwatch:
Modernized Washrooms
The washrooms and showers have been completely redone and are very clean. :shower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lock 37 for its friendly and attentive staff, who make the lock operation experience enjoyable and informative. The free overnight camping is a significant bonus for boaters and kayakers. While the lock operation itself is a highlight, some may find the 15-minute transit time a bit long if they are in a hurry.
"As a cottager on this lock road, we have ALWAYS loved meeting boaters and hearing their stories over a cold one! We certainly do hope people continue to respect the speed limit (15) while driving down the road as there are many kids and dogs about. It’s a lovely lock, the staff are amazing and attentive, and the area is just gorgeous. What’s not to love?!"
Jessica White
"Very cool experience. We have a small 16' boat and took the kids through the lock for the first time.
It was fun!!!
The staff were awesome. Guided us on what to do and what to be aware of. And very pleasant and friendly.
Cost was minimal.
Did you know you can camp overnight for free at the lock? WOW
We met a guy on a kayak traveling from Georgian Bay to Buckhorn. He would camp overnight at each lock. 6 day trip for him. So cool.
Highly recommend you check out the locks even to just watch it on land. Very cool.
This was lock 37 and to get to Lake Simcoe there are another 5 locks in quick succession.
The other direction there's the Kirkland lock, 2nd highest in the world!!! Yup right here in rural Ontario.
The whole system is very cool and the staff know everything and are happy to share.
Woot woot"
Diane B
"Great employees. Cool lock that is operated manually. Be warned, it takes 15 minutes for the water to finish changing levels"
Cathi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lock 37 is located in Bolsover, Ontario, along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Access is typically by boat for those navigating the waterway, or by road for visitors wishing to observe. Be mindful of the 15 km/h speed limit on the road leading to the lock, as it's a residential area with many families and pets.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, visitors can generally access Lock 37 by road for observation. Parking availability might be limited, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially on weekends.
Yes, Lock 37 is accessible by kayak. Many kayakers use the locks as stops along their journey, with some even taking advantage of the free overnight camping facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost to pass through the lock is minimal, and observing the lock operation from land is generally free. Free overnight camping is also available for boaters and kayakers.
Operating hours for the Trent-Severn Waterway locks typically align with the boating season, usually from late May to Thanksgiving. It's best to check the Parks Canada website for the most current operating schedule.
For recreational boaters, advance booking is generally not required for individual lock transits. However, during peak season, it's wise to be prepared for potential waits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The lock operation itself, where water levels are changed, takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. This doesn't include any waiting time if other boats are transiting.
Visitors can watch the fascinating manual lock operation, enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the scenic grounds, and chat with the friendly and knowledgeable lock staff. The area is also great for fishing.
Yes, Lock 37 has recently modernized washrooms and showers that have been completely redone, making it a comfortable stop for visitors.
Absolutely! You can camp overnight for free at Lock 37, which is a great perk for those traveling by boat or kayak along the waterway.
Lock 37 is part of a system. Heading towards Lake Simcoe, there are five more locks in quick succession. In the other direction is the Kirkfield Lift Lock, noted as the second highest in the world.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique experience of the manual lock operation, the picturesque waterway views, and the charming grounds. The interaction between boaters and the attentive staff also makes for great candid shots.
While drone photography can offer stunning aerial views, always check local regulations and Parks Canada guidelines regarding drone usage in and around the waterway and locks before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛶 Kayakers and Paddlers
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trent-Severn Waterway
Boaters often describe the experience of transiting locks as a highlight of their journey. The staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and expertise, guiding vessels smoothly through the process. For those without a boat, visiting a lock like Lock 37 provides a unique opportunity to witness this engineering marvel firsthand and appreciate the history of Canadian waterways.
Community and Local Life at Lock 37
The area around Lock 37 is also noted for its natural beauty, making it a pleasant spot for a picnic or a leisurely barbecue. The immaculate grounds and the dedication of the lock staff contribute to a welcoming environment. The recent modernization of the washrooms and showers further enhances the comfort for anyone spending time here, whether for a brief visit or an overnight stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit