Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls | Captain Dustin’s Guide to the Trent-Severn Waterway

Overview — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

Lock 34 sits at Kilometre 247.2 (Mile 153.6) on the Trent-Severn Waterway, positioned on an island in the heart of downtown Fenelon Falls within the City of Kawartha Lakes. The lock connects Sturgeon Lake to Cameron Lake via the Fenelon River, providing a hydraulic lift of 7.2 metres (24 feet) — one of the larger single-lock rises on the waterway. Often called the “Jewel of the Kawarthas,” the village wraps around both sides of the lock, placing boaters within steps of restaurants, shops, and services. A dramatic waterfall on the lower side of the lockstation is visible from the south wall, making this one of the most scenic lock approaches on the entire system. Parks Canada CHS CEN309

The original flight lock at Fenelon Falls was approved by the Government in 1882 and the contract awarded to A.F. Manning, with construction completed by 1885. That flight lock was replaced by the current single concrete lock in 1964. The lock operates hydraulically and fills from the bottom, reducing turbulence felt by vessels in the chamber. A fixed highway bridge (Highway 121) with 25.7-foot vertical clearance spans the approach immediately before the lock. Downstream, a former CNR railway swing bridge — no longer in use and permanently open — crosses the Fenelon River near the Cameron Lake entrance. Note that there is no Lock 33 on the main channel; Lock 33 (Lindsay) is located on a side trip only, and the numbering jumps directly from Lock 32 (Bobcaygeon) to Lock 34 here at Fenelon Falls. Parks Canada conducted archaeological investigations at the site in 2023 in preparation for planned improvements to the dam, lock, and control building — boaters should monitor Parks Canada notices for any construction-related operational changes. Parks Canada TSW Database

Lock 34 is one of the busiest and most popular stops on the Trent-Severn Waterway, with a maximum mooring period of two nights due to high demand during the navigation season. Shore power is available on the upper lock’s north wall, though the south wall does not have electrical hookups. The south wall does offer a quieter setting with a grassy area and views of the falls. Potable water and washrooms are available at the lockstation. Downtown Fenelon Falls is within easy walking distance in either direction — a grocery store sits roughly three blocks south, and the LCBO is about three blocks north. Boat traffic is controlled by traffic signal lights at each end of the lock, and boaters should exercise caution approaching from below as strong currents develop when the lock is being pumped out. The massive limestone walls feature large, steep steps — have fenders and lines ready for the 24-foot rise. Parks Canada CHS CEN309

Official Name	Lock 34 — Fenelon Falls Parks Canada
Lock Number	34
GPS Coordinates	44°32’09.9”N 78°44’14.6”W Parks Canada
Street Address	3 Colborne Street, Fenelon Falls, Ontario Parks Canada
KM Marker	247.2 km Mile 153.6 Parks Canada
Region	City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Water Body	Fenelon River (Sturgeon Lake to Cameron Lake)
CHS Nautical Chart	#2025 CHS
Nearest Municipality	Fenelon Falls (City of Kawartha Lakes), Ontario
Historic Construction	1882–1885 (A.F. Manning); replaced 1964 Parks Canada
Lock Phone	(705) 887-3001 Parks Canada
Email	trentsevern@pc.gc.ca

Parks Canada — Lock 34 ↗
Parks Canada Hours ↗
Transport Canada ↗
CHS Charts ↗
AGLCA ↗
Waterway Guide ↗

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Navigation Notes — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

⬆ Upstream Approach — Northbound (Ascending toward Kirkfield)

⚠ Expect congestion and limited maneuvering room after the lock. The village sits on both sides of the channel immediately above the lock. On peak summer weekends the north wall fills early and vessels queue in a constrained reach. Depart slowly and with full awareness of moored boats and pedestrian traffic. Loading priority is safety-based, not first-come.

⚠ Highway 121 bridge — 25.7 ft (7.8 m) clearance. Fixed highway bridge spans the approach channel immediately south of the lock. Confirm air draft before entering the lock from below. This is the only bridge on the approach — clear it before the lock entry signal.

Hydraulic bottom-fill lock — 24 ft rise through limestone walls. Lock 34 fills from the bottom, reducing turbulence compared to gate-valve locks. Still a 24 ft rise — have fenders set and lines tended throughout. The limestone step walls are steep and large; ensure crew is prepared for the full rise. Traffic signal lights control entry at each end of the lock.

⚠ Strong currents during lock pump-out. When the lock is being emptied southbound, current builds in the lower approach reach. Do not approach the lock mouth until the signal is given and gates have opened.

BELOW LOCK: Blue line on north wall. No additional mooring at blue line.
South wall below: finger dock, mooring on both sides.
Above lock: North wall has shore power and water (15–20 boats). South wall has no power.
Max mooring: 2 nights. Arrive early on summer weekends — north wall fills before noon.

⬇ Downstream Approach — Southbound (Descending toward Lake Ontario)

⚠ Expect congestion and limited maneuvering room approaching the lock. Southbound vessels arriving from Cameron Lake enter the Fenelon River and face a narrow, busy channel approaching the lock. On peak weekends, boats stage above the lock in a constrained reach. Hold slow speed well before the lock and watch for vessels manoeuvring off the north wall.

Former CNR railway bridge — permanently open. The old CNR railway swing bridge near the Cameron Lake entrance is permanently open — no clearance restriction. Use the daymarkers to navigate the departure channel from Cameron Lake into the river section.

Hydraulic bottom-fill lock — 24 ft descent through limestone walls. Descending southbound, the hydraulic system produces a smoother drop than gate-valve locks. Tend lines throughout; limestone step walls are steep.

ABOVE LOCK: Blue line on south wall. Staging for southbound lockage.
North wall above: 15–20 boats with shore power and water. South wall no power.
Max mooring: 2 nights. Shore power and potable water available.
Southbound exits to Sturgeon Lake. Highway 121 bridge: 25.7 ft fixed clearance on departure.

Current Hazard	⚠ Expect congestion and limited maneuvering room after the lock. Fenelon Falls is one of the most popular stops on the TSW. On peak summer weekends the channel above and below the lock fills with waiting vessels. Departing the lock into the upstream channel requires careful speed management and vigilance for vessels already moored or manoeuvring nearby. ⚠ Highway 121 bridge — 25.7 ft (7.8 m) clearance. The fixed highway bridge spans the approach channel immediately south of the lock. Confirm air draft clears 25.7 ft before proceeding. This bridge must be transited before entering the lock from below. ⚠ Strong currents during lock pump-out. When the lock is being emptied, currents can develop in the lower approach. Boaters staging below the lock should hold their position and not approach the lock mouth until the gates open and the locktender signals.
Wind Exposure	Varies by location
Commercial Traffic	None
Peak Congestion	Moderate during peak summer
Operating Season	Mid-May to mid-October — confirm annually at parks.canada.ca

Lock Technical Details — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

Parameter	Metric	Imperial
Lock Number	34
Average Lift	7.32 m	24 ft
Chamber Length	36.6 m	120 ft
Chamber Width	9.7 m	32 ft
Maximum Draft System-wide	1.8 m	6 ft
Gate Type	Hydraulic (bottom fill)
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	✔ Available
Potable Water	✔ Available
Pump-Out	✗ Not Available
Operator	Parks Canada — Environment and Climate Change Canada
Lock Phone Parks Canada	(705) 887-3001

Nearby Anchorages — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

▲ Above Lock

Cameron Lake — Cranberry Bay & Sackett Bay › 4–18 ft · ~3 km

▼ Below Lock

McConnell Island › ~11 km

Little Bob Channel › 7–12 ft · ~16 km

Sturgeon Lake — Bobcaygeon Area › 4–11 ft · ~18 km

Parks Canada overnight tie-up also available at Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls — maximum 2 nights. See §3 for permit details.

Marina & Fuel Services — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

⛽ Fuel is available in the vicinity of Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls. See marina listings below for location and fuel type.

▲ Above Lock

Fenelon Falls Marina — Website ↗

📌 Adjacent from lock

🌊 Depths: 3/6 ft (approach/dock)

📞 (705) 887-6921

Pump‑Out 20 transient

▼ Below Lock

Sturgeon Lake Marina — Website ↗

📌 ~10 km from lock

🌊 Depths: 5/4 ft (approach/dock)

📞 (705) 793-1176

Floating ⛽ Gas 5 transient

Birch Point Marina — Website ↗

📌 ~20 km from lock

🌊 Depths: 6/5 ft (approach/dock)

📞 (705) 738-2473

⛽ Gas

Location Map — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

📍 GPS: 44.5365°N, 78.734°W · 3 Colborne Street, Fenelon Falls, Ontario, 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.

Nearby Town & Amenities — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

🚖 Taxi / Transit
☎ Kawartha Lakes Taxi — (705) 878-0001 — Based in Lindsay; serves Fenelon Falls. Call ahead. Also does deliveries. 🔗
☎ Poppa Ed’s Taxi — (705) 878-4343 — Lindsay-based; serves City of Kawartha Lakes including Fenelon Falls. 🔗
Uber listed as available but driver availability may be very limited — do not rely as sole option. No local in-village taxi.

Boater Orientation Notes:

Fenelon Falls — the “Jewel of the Kawarthas” — is an excellent provisioning stop with nearly all amenities within walking distance of Lock 34.
Expect large crowds on summer weekends. North wall above the lock (15—20 boat capacity with power and water) gets crowded early — arrive before noon.
Max mooring: 2 nights. South wall below the lock is a finger dock with mooring on both sides.
Several businesses are seasonal (Victoria Day to Thanksgiving). The Beer Store and Canadian Tire are at the far walkable range (~700—800 m south on Lindsay St).
Slices N’ Scoops (directly across from the lock) and Murphy’s Lockside Pub (beside the lock) are boater favourites.

🛒 Grocery

Name	Directions	Phone	Rating	Distance	Access
Country Cupboard Health Food Store 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-6644	⭐ 4.8	100 m	Walkable
Fenelon Falls Farmers’ Market 🔗	Let’s Go!	N/A	⭐ 4.8	600 m	Walkable
LCBO 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-3220	⭐ 4.2	350 m	Walkable
Sobeys Fenelon Falls 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-3611	⭐ 4.0	500 m	Walkable
The Beer Store 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-3222	⭐ 3.8	700 m	Walkable

🍴 Restaurants

Name	Directions	Phone	Rating	Distance	Access
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. and Waterbridge Cafe 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 215-9898	⭐ 4.2	100 m	Walkable
Murphy’s Lockside Pub and Patio 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-1100	⭐ 4.3	100 m	Walkable
Slices N’ Scoops 🔗	Let’s Go!	N/A	⭐ 4.3	50 m	Walkable
The Cow and Sow Eatery 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-5111	⭐ 4.2	200 m	Walkable
The Little Pie Shack 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 928-5341	⭐ 4.3	350 m	Walkable
The Locker at the Falls 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-6211	⭐ 4.4	150 m	Walkable
Ziraldo’s Italian Restaurant 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-3322	⭐ 4.5	300 m	Walkable

🏛 Local Interests

Name	Directions	Phone	Rating	Distance	Access
Colborne Street Gallery 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-0997	⭐ 4.9	200 m	Walkable
Fenelon Falls (Waterfall Lookout)	Let’s Go!	N/A	⭐ N/A	50 m	Walkable
Garnet Graham Beach Park	Let’s Go!	N/A	⭐ 4.5	500 m	Walkable
Lock 34 Island Park	Let’s Go!	N/A	⭐ N/A	50 m	Walkable
Maryboro Lodge Museum 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-1044	⭐ 4.7	500 m	Walkable
Victoria Rail Trail	Let’s Go!	N/A	⭐ 4.6	500 m	Walkable

🔧 Support & Services

Name	Directions	Phone	Rating	Distance	Access
Canadian Tire 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-3310	⭐ 3.8	800 m	Walkable
Fenelon Cleaners and Solar Coin Laundromat	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-2472	⭐ 4.0	400 m	Walkable
Fenelon Falls Home Hardware 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-3181	⭐ 4.5	700 m	Walkable
Pharmasave Fenelon Falls 🔗	Let’s Go!	(705) 887-2320	⭐ 4.4	300 m	Walkable

Last Updated: March 18, 2026

Captain Dustin’s Tips — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

🧭 Skipper Intelligence Pending

Captain Dustin’s on-the-water cruising intelligence for Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls is being compiled from first-hand experience and verified field sources. Expect docking strategy, overnight notes, congestion timing, and local supply intelligence. Check back soon.

Hazard Warnings — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

⚠ Site-Specific Hazards Pending

Shoal locations, rock hazards, and current data for Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls are being compiled from CHS CEN309 and current Notices to Mariners. Check notmar.gc.ca for active advisories. CHS

Always verify active Notices to Mariners at notmar.gc.ca before transiting this area. High water conditions reduce all clearance values — confirm with Parks Canada lock staff during elevated water periods.

Live Weather — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

📍 Centered on: 44.5365°N, 78.734°W
🌞 Default layer: Wind (ECMWF model)
🌡 Toggle temperature, rain, and radar via the layer selector (top right)
🔍 Zoom level: 12 (regional waterway view)
📡 Data source: Windy.com / ECMWF forecast model

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 ↗

Video Guide — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

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Lock 34 — Lock 34 – Fenelon Falls

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🛒 Grocery

🍴 Restaurants

🏛 Local Interests

🔧 Support & Services