Lock 32 Bobcaygeon sits at KM 222.4 on the Trent-Severn Waterway, placing northbound Great Loop cruisers well into the Kawartha Lakes region with 31 locks now behind them since departing Trenton on the Bay of Quinte. From here the route crosses Sturgeon Lake toward Fenelon Falls and the final ascending locks before reaching the summit at Kirkfield Lift Lock, where the waterway begins its descent toward Georgian Bay. Bobcaygeon’s central village location makes it one of the most popular provisioning and rest stops on the entire Loop transit through Ontario. Learn more at AGLCA: https://www.greatloop.org/
Lock 32 Bobcaygeon is located at KM 222.4 on the Trent-Severn Waterway, positioned on the Bobcaygeon River between Pigeon Lake to the east and Sturgeon Lake to the west. This lock holds a singular distinction as the first lock ever constructed on the waterway, with the original structure dating to 1833. Situated in the heart of the village of Bobcaygeon — pronounced “Bob-KAY-jun” — the lock runs directly through the centre of town, placing boaters within steps of shops, restaurants, groceries, and essential services. CHS Sailing Directions identifies Lock 32 as one of the busiest locks on the entire Trent-Severn Waterway, a claim easily confirmed during peak summer weekends when the approach walls and blue-line moorage fill early in the day. CHS CEN309 §57
The original lock was built in 1833 under the authority of the Inland Water Commission, appointed by Sir John Colborne, marking the beginning of organized improvements to the natural waterway connecting Lake Ontario with Georgian Bay. The lock was subsequently rebuilt in the 1850s with the support of lumber baron Mossom Boyd, whose family was instrumental in the development of Bobcaygeon and the surrounding timber industry. The present structure was rebuilt again in the 20th century, positioned just west of the original lock site. The adjacent Bolton Street swing bridge — the oldest swing bridge on the Trent-Severn — was originally built in 1921 by McGregor & McIntyre of Toronto and underwent a major three-year rehabilitation from 2020 to 2023, reopening to vehicular traffic on October 20, 2023. The swing bridge has a vertical clearance of just 3.4 m 11 ft when closed, and operates in conjunction with the lock. Parks Canada CHS CEN309 §58
Boaters approaching Lock 32 will find overnight moorage available both above and below the lock, with a maximum stay of two nights. Below the lock, the north wall offers space for several vessels with 30-amp shore power and potable water connections. Above the lock, moorage is available on both walls on concrete and fixed wooden docks, though power is not available on the upper walls. Bobcaygeon’s village centre is immediately accessible on foot, with supermarkets, a bakery, liquor and beer stores, pharmacy, hardware store, and a public library offering 24/7 WiFi all within easy walking distance. Gordon Yacht Harbour Marina, located 0.3 km northeast of the lock on Front Street East, provides fuel, pump-out, repairs, and transient slips for those needing full marina services. Boaters should plan to arrive early during peak season — this lock’s central location and comprehensive amenities make it one of the most sought-after overnight stops on the waterway. Parks Canada TSW Database
| Official Name | Lock 32 — Bobcaygeon Parks Canada |
| Lock Number | 32 |
| GPS Coordinates | 44°32′20.61″N, 78°32′47.56″W [VERIFY — Parks Canada] CanalPlan |
| Street Address | 1 Main Street, Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0 [VERIFY — Parks Canada] |
| KM Marker | KM 222.4 Mile 138.2 CHS CEN309 |
| Region | Kawartha Lakes |
| Water Body | Bobcaygeon River (Pigeon Lake — Sturgeon Lake) |
| CHS Nautical Chart | #2025 CHS |
| Nearest Municipality | Bobcaygeon (City of Kawartha Lakes), Ontario |
| Historic Construction | 1833 — First lock on TSW; rebuilt 1850s (Mossom Boyd); rebuilt 20th century Parks Canada |
| Lock Phone | (705) 738-2391 [VERIFY — Parks Canada] |
| trentsevern@pc.gc.ca |
| Parameter | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Number | 32 | |
| Average Lift | 1.52 m | 5 ft |
| Chamber Length | 47.9 m | 155 ft |
| Chamber Width | 9.7 m | 32 ft |
| Maximum Draft System-wide | 1.8 m | 6 ft |
| Bridge Clearance CHS | 6.7 m | 22 ft |
| Gate Type | Standard mitre | |
| VHF Channel | Channel None | |
| Operating Season Parks Canada | Mid-May to mid-October | |
| Max Mooring Period Parks Canada | 2 nights | |
| Permit Required | Yes — 1‑888‑773‑8888 or parks.canada.ca | |
| Electricity | ✗ Not Available | |
| Potable Water | ✔ Available | |
| Pump-Out | ✗ Not Available | |
| Operator | Parks Canada — Environment and Climate Change Canada | |
| Lock Phone Parks Canada | (705) 738-2912 | |
▲ Above Lock
▼ Below Lock
▲ Above Lock
▼ Below Lock
📌 Adjacent from lock
🌊 Depths: 7/5 ft (approach/dock)
📌 Adjacent from lock
🌊 Depths: 6/4 ft (approach/dock)
📌 ~27 km from lock
🌊 Depths: 10/8 ft (approach/dock)
📍 GPS: 44.5415°N, 78.5485°W · Bolton St, Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0, City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, ON · Get Directions ↗ · Street View ↗
For navigation, use CHS Chart #2023 — this map is for reference only and should not be used for marine navigation.
☎ Kawartha Lakes Taxi — (705) 878-0001 — Based in Lindsay (~30 min). Serves broader Kawartha Lakes area including Bobcaygeon. Call ahead. 🔗
☎ Kawartha Lakes Shuttle Services — Licensed shuttle based in Bobcaygeon. Airport and hub transfers. Verify current operating status before relying on this service.
☎ Uber — Nominally available but driver availability may be very limited, especially off-season. Have a backup plan. Lyft is NOT available. 🔗
Boater Orientation Notes:
- Bobcaygeon is extremely walkable from Lock 32 — nearly all amenities on Bolton St or King St within 500 m.
- Seasonal cottage-country village — many restaurants and shops operate May—October only with reduced hours or closures in winter.
- Lock mooring limited to 2 nights, first-come first-served — the lock is very popular in summer.
- Lock 32 was the first lock built on the TSW (1833). Historic swing bridge at Bolton/Main St operates with the lock.
- Kawartha Dairy (89 Prince St W) is a must-stop — iconic Ontario ice cream, ~600 m walk from the lock.
🛒 Grocery
| Name | Directions | Phone | Rating | Distance | Access |
| Bobcaygeon Butcher Shop | Let’s Go! | (705) 731-1049 | ⭐ N/A | 350 m | Walkable |
| Bobcaygeon Convenience & Gas (Shell) | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-3553 | ⭐ N/A | 800 m | Walkable |
| Bobcaygeon Foodland 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2282 | ⭐ 4.1 | 400 m | Walkable |
| LCBO 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2591 | ⭐ N/A | 350 m | Walkable |
| The Beer Store 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-3596 | ⭐ N/A | 300 m | Walkable |
| Village Gate Variety Plus | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-1088 | ⭐ N/A | 1.2 km | Walkable |
🍴 Restaurants
| Name | Directions | Phone | Rating | Distance | Access |
| 72 Bolton Sports Cafe | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2900 | ⭐ N/A | 450 m | Walkable |
| Bobcaygeon Inn | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-5433 | ⭐ 3.5 | 150 m | Walkable |
| Daylight Diner | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-6609 | ⭐ N/A | 500 m | Walkable |
| Eggsmart | Let’s Go! | (705) 731-0101 | ⭐ N/A | 200 m | Walkable |
| El Patio 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-1500 | ⭐ N/A | 350 m | Walkable |
| Godfathers Pizza | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2600 | ⭐ N/A | 550 m | Walkable |
| Graz Restobar 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-6343 | ⭐ 4.4 | 200 m | Walkable |
| Kindred Coffee | Let’s Go! | N/A | ⭐ N/A | 450 m | Walkable |
| Lakeside Chinese Cuisine | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-6886 | ⭐ N/A | 250 m | Walkable |
| Lock 32 Pub & Restaurant | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-4200 | ⭐ N/A | 300 m | Walkable |
| Luigi’s Pizza | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2223 | ⭐ N/A | 350 m | Walkable |
| The Grilled Cheese Hideaway | Let’s Go! | (705) 821-2137 | ⭐ N/A | 350 m | Walkable |
| Tim Hortons 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-6668 | ⭐ N/A | 1.2 km | Walkable |
| Wheatsheaf Cafe | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-9696 | ⭐ N/A | 500 m | Walkable |
| Wing House | Let’s Go! | (705) 430-5555 | ⭐ N/A | 550 m | Walkable |
🏛 Local Interests
| Name | Directions | Phone | Rating | Distance | Access |
| Beach Park and Boardwalk 🔗 | Let’s Go! | N/A | ⭐ N/A | 200 m | Walkable |
| Boyd Heritage Museum 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-9482 | ⭐ 4.5 | 200 m | Walkable |
| Kawartha Dairy 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-5123 | ⭐ 4.6 | 600 m | Walkable |
| Lock 32 and Swing Bridge 🔗 | Let’s Go! | N/A | ⭐ N/A | On-site | Walkable |
| Bobcaygeon Wilderness Park | Let’s Go! | (705) 324-9411 | ⭐ N/A | 2 km | Short Drive |
| Kawartha Settlers’ Village 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-6163 | ⭐ 4.5 | 1.5 km | Short Drive |
🔧 Support & Services
| Name | Directions | Phone | Rating | Distance | Access |
| Home Hardware 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2107 | ⭐ N/A | 600 m | Walkable |
| Jermyn Lumber | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2421 | ⭐ N/A | 500 m | Walkable |
| Village Gate Pharmasave | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2372 | ⭐ N/A | 1.2 km | Walkable |
| William Street Coin Laundry | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2739 | ⭐ N/A | 450 m | Walkable |
| Barrs BMR / Just Ask Rental 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-2351 | ⭐ 4.5 | 3 km | Short Drive |
| Buckeye Marine 🔗 | Let’s Go! | (705) 738-5151 | ⭐ N/A | 3.5 km | Short Drive |
Last Updated: March 18, 2026
Shoal locations, rock hazards, and current data for Lock 32 – Bobcaygeon are being compiled from CHS CEN309 and current Notices to Mariners. Check notmar.gc.ca for active advisories. CHS
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 ↗