Big Chute

Big Chute is 8 miles from Port Severn. The waterway runs through heavily wooded country in a generally north western direction.

The marine railways at Big Chute tell a tale of engineering that are an integral part of the heritage of the Trent-Severn Waterway. The Severn River rushes through a narrow chute of pre-Cambrian granite, the marine railway has been in operation since 1917. The giant sized carriage and tracks were installed adjacent to the still-operational smaller railway 1977.

Although replacing the marine railway with a conventional lock would have been simpler, the land portage obet the 17.7 meter height of land was necessary to prevent the possible migration of the parasitic sea lampry into the Lake Simcoe fishery.

The Big Chute Railway carries boats over a 17.7 m height of land on a giant traveling carriage. Boats, floated on to the partially submerged car, are cradled by a variety of slings. A unique double track uses an offsetting cam principle to keep the carriage nearly level at all times, save for a slight tilt to facilitate loading and offloading. The larger Big Chute Marine Railway was installed to carry the increased size and volume of traffic using the Waterway.

For more info:  Big Chute - Parks Canada