Poonamalie Lockstation

This aerial view of Poonamalie Lockstation, built in a long excavated channel, shows the expanse of Lower Rideau Lake, a slackwater created by the dam at Poonamalie. © Parks Canada

102,2 km – 104,7 km

The lock at the Poonamalie Lockstation is located mid-way along a 2,5-km excavated channel, which bypasses the rapids and shallows of the river. There is a series of earth embankment dams along the upper channel that, in combination with a water control dam, create the slackwater section known as Lower Rideau Lake and Big Rideau Lake. This important water control dam has been equipped with an electric mechanical gate to deal with the high volumes of outflow from the chain of Rideau Lakes.

The lock and buildings create a picturesque setting. © Parks Canada

Poonamalie Lockstation to The Narrows Lockstation

The Rideau lakes were deepened and widened by the construction of dams at Poonamalie. © Parks Canada

104,7 km – 132,4 km

The dams constructed at Poonamalie Lockstation to control the level of the Rideau Lakes resulted in substantial flooding of Lower Rideau Lake, creating areas of wetlands, bogs and marshes. Rideau Ferry, an historic crossing point, is at the entrance to Big Rideau Lake, the largest waterbody on the system. Murphy’s Point Provincial Park and three conservation areas, Rideau Ferry, Mill Pond, and Portland Bay, are located on the shores of this section of the canal.

After the lock at Poonamalie, the excavated channel leads to Lower and Upper Rideau lakes, 30 km of open water. © Parks Canada