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Smiths Falls 
Detached Lock 31 
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(history)  SMITHS FALLS DETACHED Lock 31   (water map)  (road map)
Number of locks: 1 Total Lift: 2.6m ( 8.5 ft.) Lock Through Time: 15 min.*
Chart No: 1513 (Sheet 1) GPS:1 N 44o 53.755'    W 76o 01.630'
Chart Sales: No Lockstation Tel: (613) 283-0496
Washrooms: Yes2 Drinking Water: Yes3 Day Use Docking: Yes
Overnight Mooring: Yes Docking4 Upstream: 130m/425' Docking4 Downstream: 46m/150'
Ice: No Power: No Boater Camping:5 Yes
Boat Launch: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes BBQ Grills: Yes
Parking: Yes Public Telephone: No Self Guided Trail: No
Hwy Access: off Lombard St. Lock Connects: Rideau River to Rideau River
Special Notes: To ensure passage, boaters must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. The Abbott Street swing bridge has a clearance of 1.9m (6.2 ft). It will swing on demand except from June 12 to August 3 when the following swing times will be in force Monday to Friday; 08:45h, 09:30h, 10:15h, 11:00h, 11:45h. After 13:00h bridge will swing on demand.
Of Interest: A distinctive feature of this lock is the rather spectacular, raised bascule bridge. This Scherzer rolling-lift railway bridge was built in 1912-13 and was used until the rail line ceased operation in 1984. Since then it has been permanently kept in the raised position. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1983. This bridge is a clue that Smiths Falls was a major railway hub. The Smiths Falls Railway Museum is located just up the road from the lock.
Notes: Closest marina is at Rideau Ferry. The best tie-up is between the detached & combined locks.
* Time to actually go through the locks. Allow at least twice this time when trip planning. See Schedule Caveats.
1) GPS data should not be used for navigation. See the GPS page.
2) Washrooms are wheel chair accessible.
3) Check with lockstation staff for potability of water.
4) Includes both blueline and greyline docking - see Lockstation Docking Page.
5) Allows tent camping for those arriving by water and also for cyclists and hikers.


Smiths Falls Detached Lock
Smiths Falls Detached Lock looking East
A landmark as you approach the lock from the west is the Scherzer rolling-lift railway bridge (a type of bascule bridge), now in a permanently raised position. Built in 1914 it is now a Canadian National Historic Site. Once you pass through the detached lock, you will end up in the basin that lies beside Victoria Park, a favourite tie-up spot for boaters.
photo copyright © Canadian Hydrographic Service - used with permission
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