Davis Lockmaster’s House

Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Live like a lockmaster in this beautifully restored accommodation where historic construction meets modern comfort. From your own defensible stone house overlooking the picturesque Sand Lake, watch the boats come through as you lounge on your private deck. At the water's edge below, toast hot dogs on a cozy fire or take the canoe out for a paddle. You will be awed by the tasteful décor inside this vintage home, and with unlimited access to your own dock and the manicured grounds around the lockstation, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a vacation with your friends and family.


Getting here

The Lockmaster's House is located adjacent to Davis lockstation (Lock 38) situated on high land between Opinicon Lake and Sand Lake. It is a short scenic drive away from the villages of Elgin and Westport.

  • 45 minutes from Highway 401 Kingston
  • 1.5 hours from downtown Ottawa
Address

1822 Davis Lock Rd
Elgin, ON

Google maps


What to expect

The Lockmaster’s House at Davis is a beautiful private home that sits atop a hill above the lockstation grounds, surrounded by trees and water. Inside you will find a blend of old and new, with thoughtful modern spaces built in harmony with the existing frame of the original house. Historical artwork adorns the walls, while the kitchen boasts upscale appliances and the bathroom is a sanctuary of relaxation. From the outside deck you can watch boats arrive on Sand Lake below, while cooking a nice meal on the barbecue. The place comes stocked with unique board games and some good local literature, making the whole experiencing comfy and memorable.

Inside the cottage
  • 2 bedrooms; 1 pull-out couch
  • Luxurious clawfoot bath tub
  • Large dining room table
  • Modern kitchen appliances
  • Laundry facilities
  • Original stone walls
On the property
  • Large private deck
  • Propane BBQ and propane
  • Private driveway
  • Private dock w/ canoe
  • Fire pit and picnic table
  • Historic lockstation
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Book your stay

Reservations for The Lockmaster's House are managed by Rideau Lakes Cottages. For more information regarding reservations, rates and availability, visit their website.


Things to do nearby

Go paddling

Your own private dock and canoe awaits you at the foot of the hill below the Lockmaster’s House. Grab your life jackets and paddles from the house on your way out the door then head down for an afternoon or early morning paddle on the water. A shorter trip out onto Sand Lake lets you explore the shoreline at your leisure, or plan a full day trip up Opinicon Lake to Chaffeys Lock and the lockmasters museum.

Plan a picnic

A number of picnic tables are scattered about the lockstation grounds if you feel like sharing a lunch with some new friends or simply watching the boats go through the locks. Use your fully-serviced kitchen in the house to prepare some snacks, then take them down to the lockstation just a short walk away from your front steps.

Visit Chaffeys Lock

10 minutes away by car from the Davis lockstation you will find the historic Chaffeys Lock. Here you can visit a museum bearing history of the Rideau Canal as well as a popular nearby resort offering live music and dining. Don’t forget to bring your camera to shoot photos of the many interesting sights, like the one-lane swing bridge on your way in.

Visit Jones Falls

A short 15-minute drive South of Davis lockstation takes you to the historic Jones Falls lockstation where you will find a sprawling grounds scattered about with different historic sights and activities. Visit the blacksmith shop and hear the hammering of the forge, or explore Sweeney House and get a sense of life in the 1800s.

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