Brunel Locks

Brunel Locks were originally constructed of hewn timbers during 1873-76 on the North Branch of the Muskoka River between Mary’s and Fairy Lakes. Measuring 88.5 feet long, 24 feet wide, with a lift of 8 feet, the locks, together with the launching of the steamer “Northern,” 75 feet long with a 200-passenger capacity, reduced stage travel from Toronto to just 13 miles. In 1881, the first recorded year, 369 steamboats, 41 small boats, and 10 rafts were lifted or lowered. Steamboats continued to use these locks for 75 years. In 1989, the opening of these new locks once again linked Mary’s Lake with Fairy, Vernon, and Peninsula Lakes for navigation.

Ontario · Canada