Paddling Route: Sparrow Lake to Big Chute Marine Railway

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Northern region 2-day route

On this beautiful and scenic 2-day paddling adventure on the Severn River, you will have the opportunity to stay overnight at Lock 43, Swift Rapids: the deepest single chambered lock on the system only accessible by boat

Route information

Difficulty: Beginner
Total distance: 28 km total; one way
- Day 1 - Sparrow Lake to L43 Swift Rapids – 14.5 km
- Day 2 - L43 Swift Rapids to L44 Big Chute – 13.5 km
Time to paddle: 2 days; 6 to 8 hours total
- Day 1 - 3 to 4 hours
- Day 2 - 3 to 4 hours
Number of locks encountered: 2
Environment: Lakes and open waters; sheltered Severn River

Facilities and services available along this route:

Lockage (required)
Accessible washrooms
Potable water
Information
Picnic area
Camping

COVID-19

Some lockstation facilities and services have changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and could affect your visit. Please visit our COVID-19 information page for more details when planning your trip.

Plan your trip

This is a one-way route that requires a personal shuttle to or from the put-in and take-out locations. Plan accordingly.

Put-in locations

Suggested:

Natural shoreline at Franklin Park on Sparrow Lake
Location: 1615 Kilworthy Rd, Kilworthy, ON

Other locations to put-in nearby:

Morrison Creek Landing Public Dock and Launch

Take-out locations

Suggested:

Natural shoreline at Lock 44 - Big Chute Marine Railway
Location: 7000 Upper Big Chute Rd, Coldwater, ON

Other locations to take-out nearby:

Riverhouse Restaurant (upper Big Chute Rd)
Severn Falls Marina & Metal Works Inc.

Camping

Night 1

Lock 43 - Swift Rapids
- Tent camping

Tent camping is available at most lockstations on a first-come, first-served basis, at the discretion of the lockmaster. Only campsites at Lock 8 can be reserved in advance.

Learn more about camping at lockstations

Paddling directions

From Franklin Park, follow the right shore and follow the buoys until you enter the Severn River
Follow the channel until you see Lock 43 - Swift Rapids
Follow the river to Lock 44 - Big Chute

Lockage

Lockage is recommended for several locks along this route. Portaging may be difficult.

Lockage is the process of raising or lowering boats and paddlecraft into connecting sections of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lockage takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. During seasonal Hours of Operation, paddlers can lock through any Parks Canada lock with the purchase of a valid lockage permit. Permits may be purchased upon arrival, or in advance online or by phone.

Purchase your lockage permits online

More information about lockage and paddling

Locks along this route

The status of facilities and services at lockstations listed below are subject to change throughout the navigation season. Please visit our 2021 Facilities and Services page for up-to-date status by lockstation.

Lock 43 - Swift Rapids

Washrooms: Yes (see Hours of Operation)
Potable water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Portaging: Intermediate; Canoe steps at the upper and lower reach; To get between upper and lower sides you must cross a footbridge over the lock, then a set of stairs and a ramp

Lock 44 - Big Chute Marine Railway

Washrooms: Yes (see Hours of Operation)
Potable water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Portaging: Not required for this route


Lock	Washrooms	Potable water	Camping	Picnic area	Portaging
Lock 43 - Swift Rapids	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Intermediate; Canoe steps at the upper and lower reach; To get between upper and lower sides you must cross a footbridge over the lock, then a set of stairs and a ramp
Lock 44 - Big Chute Marine Railway	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not required for this route

Wind conditions

The water flows from Sparrow Lake to Big Chute
Preferable wind conditions are from the east (tail wind)
Avoid north and south winds (cross winds); west winds (head-wind)

Hazards

Strong winds at certain sections along the Severn river with wider openings
Watch for powerboats and their wake

Avoid dams

Watch for dams at the following locations and be sure to navigate away from them:

To the left of Lock 43

Tourism information

Nearby communities and services

There are no towns or villages within walking distance of lock stations. There are a few waterfront dining options along the way.

Points of interest

Lock 43 - Swift Rapids
- Deepest conventional lock on the system (47 feet)
- Several good swimming spots
- A remote location, not accessible by car
- Stick close to the shore and explore coves/inlets
Tea Lake (south to the Severn River)
Lock 44 Big Chute Marine Railway

Regional tourism

The following regional tourism experts can help guide you towards great local experiences and businesses in the areas along this route. Visit their websites when planning your trip.