Lock 15 — Lock 15 – Healey Falls

Lock 15 is the first of three locks at Healey Falls, situated on a 1.4 km (0.9 mi) artificial channel that bypasses the rapids on the Trent River approximately 11 km (7 mi) upstream of Campbellford, at KM 58.2 / Mile 36.2. It is a single standard lock — distinct from the flight pair (Locks 16 and 17) that follow immediately above it on the same channel. The setting is among the most picturesque on the lower TSW: densely wooded, pastoral, and dominated by the Trent River’s largest dam and hydroelectric generating station directly northeast. The area is noted as the site of an early First Nations battleground. Lock 15 accepts a port (west) side tie, and its quiet, tree-lined surroundings make it a favourite overnight stop with ample mooring walls and a maximum stay of five nights.

The contract for Lock 15 was awarded to Haney, Quinlan and Robertson in May 1910 — the only firm to win two contracts on the Ontario–Rice Lake section of the waterway. The project required extensive rock blasting and dredging to carve the bypass channel through the rugged terrain. The swing bridge close northwest of Lock 15 is normally open but has a critically low vertical clearance of only 1.2 m (4 ft) when closed — always confirm bridge status before approaching. The overhead power cable immediately southeast of the lock has a clearance of 14.9 m (49 ft). A rock ledge extends from the west shore midway between Locks 15 and 16 — stay in the marked channel to avoid this hazard.

Tie to the west wall above Lock 15 and walk the approximately ten-minute route up to the highway bridge, cross to the east shore, and descend to the Healey Falls viewpoint — one of the most rewarding short walks on the entire TSW. The falls are especially dramatic in spring or during high river flows, with the Trent pouring over a series of ledges. Above Lock 15 a small gravel launching ramp sits near the southwest corner of the basin (small boats only). The flight locks (16 and 17) follow immediately — be prepared for turbulence in the flight lock chambers and follow the locktender’s directions closely. Mooring is available above Lock 17 on the west wall, though noise from the adjacent hydroelectric generating station may influence overnight decisions. Facilities at Lock 15 include washrooms, potable water, camping, and a picnic area.

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📍 GPS: 44.369°N, 77.7742°W · 2211 11th Line W, Seymour Twp., Ontario, Trent Hills (Hastings), Ontario, ON · Get Directions ↗ · Street View ↗

For navigation, use CHS Chart #2021 — this map is for reference only and should not be used for marine navigation.

Boater Orientation Notes:

• Lock 15 is in an extremely rural, wooded area — zero commercial amenities within walking distance.
• Nearest town: Campbellford (~10 km south, ~10 min drive). Church-Key Brewing (~5 km) is the closest commercial stop.
• Walkable features: Healey Falls dam viewpoint (~800 m), Locks 16/17 flight lock (~400 m), and the lock station grounds.
• Lock station has fire pit, tent camping ($5.25/person/night, first-come first-served), washrooms, and mooring walls — no shore power.
• Dooher’s Bakery in Campbellford is a must-stop — voted Canada’s Sweetest Bakery. Expect lines on weekends; arrive early.

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Last Updated: March 18, 2026

Lock 15 is the lower lock of the Healey Falls group (Locks 15, 16, and 17). Honestly, 15 could be its own single lock and 16/17 should just be one numbered flight lock — but on the Trent-Severn they’re three. On the approach to 15, you’ve got big outflows coming down on your starboard side — major terrain, since you’re about to climb three locks in roughly a mile. The good news is there’s a big piece of land that juts out and blocks all of that turbulence from the actual lock entrance. As soon as you get past that point and into the entrance proper, no drama at all. HEADS UP: they want you on the port side at Lock 15 — same deal as Campbellford. No idea why, but get your fenders shifted over to port before you make your approach or you’ll have issues tying up. From Lock 15 up to Locks 16 and 17, the run is zero drama — it’s an enclosed basin between them, no current, no rapids. You might catch a bit of wind in there but it’s easily managed.

Weather data for navigation planning purposes only. Always check Environment and Climate Change Canada’s official marine forecast before making operational decisions. weather.gc.ca ↗