Peterborough Lift Lock

Peterborough Lift Lock is a hydraulic boat lift in Peterborough, Canada, consisting of two parallel water-filled chambers measuring 36.6 meters long and 9.7 meters wide. The chambers move vessels through a vertical distance of 19.8 meters and form part of a longer inland waterway.

Engineer Richard Birdsall Rogers developed this hydraulic system in 1896, and construction concluded in 1904 as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway system. The structure later received national recognition as both a historic site and engineering landmark.

The name honors the city through which this portion of the waterway runs, linking local identity to a working boat transport system. Vessels continue to glide through the filled chambers today while visitors watch the process from viewing platforms.

The visitor center opens from mid-May through mid-October and offers interactive displays about the operation and mechanics. Viewing areas around the structure allow clear sight of the chambers during operation.

Each chamber weighs 1,673 tons when fully filled with water and boats, using gravity and hydraulic pressure for propulsion. No pumps or motors keep the system running, but rather weight balance between the two sides.

Location: Peterborough

Length: 36.6 m

Width: 9.7 m

Part of: Trent–Severn Waterway

Address: 354 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON

Phone: +17057504953

Email: ont.trentsevern@pc.gc.ca

GPS coordinates: 44.30750,-78.30080

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28