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Lock 36: Kirkfield

Mile Marker: 169.4
Lat / Lon: N 44° 35.378' / W 078° 59.340'
Number of Chambers: One
Size: 10.2m x 42.4m
Tie Off: Tub Rail
VHF Channel: None
Phone: 705-438-3126
Schedule:
2024 Navigation Season:
Please note: Station opening and closing times, as well as first and last lockage, are not guaranteed and may be affected by water management duties, maintenance activities or other types of navigation interruptions.
May 17 to June 20
Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm Friday to Sunday and Victoria Day (May 20) 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
June 21 to September 2
Monday to Thursday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Friday to Sunday and Canada Day (July 1), Civic Holiday (Aug. 5), Labour Day (Sept. 2) 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
September 3 to October 14
Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm Saturday to Sunday and Thanksgiving (Oct. 14) 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Last Lockage
Follow these guidelines to maximize chances of being locked through at the end of the day:
- All vessels must arrive at the designated blue zone at last lockage time
- At swing bridges, the last bridge swing will be 10 minutes after last lockage time.
More Information
- Access to lockstations is prohibited between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am
- Lockstations are not staffed after-hours
- For emergencies after-hours, please call 911 for police, fire, ambulance
Amenities:
overnight mooring (with pass), washrooms, potable water, picnic area.

6 Boater Comments

These are observations from the boating community. Waterway Guide information is verified regularly and all efforts will be made to validate any new updates submitted here. Thank you for taking the time to share comments about your experience.

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Comment by: Jeffrey Brown, Sea Tiger, on May 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.0'

Lock 36, Kirkfield Lift Lock – top. One night 5/24/2024. Stopped her due to high winds. The eastbound approach has a curve which obstructs the lock until the lower pool. The westbound approach is long and straight providing advance visibility of traffic. Quiet with tree-lined scenery and a possible moose visit. The "grey" wall for overnight is long. I recommend an overnight at L36 Kirkfield Lift Lock.

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Comment by: Chris Ensing, Pau Hana, on Aug 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.4'

Still only the port side (when going down) is open. Tie up on the port side and get the info. We waited about 1 1/2 hours so we all had lunch.

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Comment by: Graeme Walker, Confirmed Aquaholic, on Jul 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Kirkfield lock is open, only a single unit is working however. ~20min to go down and ~50 minutes to go up. Phone ahead to find out schedule so you don't wait around. We've stayed at top and bottom, both very nice, windier at top. Be careful traversing Mitchell and Canal lakes as they are quite shallow.

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Comment by: Mark Dawes on Apr 26, 2023
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Spoke with the harbormaster at Big Chute Marina on 4/25/23. He shared concerns that the Kirkfield Lift Lock may open late. Apparently one of the lock doors malfunctioned at the end of the 2022 season. The lock is ready for the replacement door/door parts, but they haven't been delivered yet. He spoke highly of the maintenance crew's diligence and commitment to opening on time. However, this one would benefit from a double check.
- WG Editor Comment:
  
  The Parks Canada website states that repairs are underway there is no mention of a delay in navigation season opening.
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Comment by: Roger S. on Jul 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.6'

The prior comments still apply but the mentioned restaurant is closed. Very good wind protection below the lock. Room for 6-8 boats below the lock and about as many above. Need to walk up a flight of steps to take a dog to where there is suitable grass to do its business. Interesting placards about the lift lock and its construction.

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Comment by: Garry McClean, Watermark, on Feb 10, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Approach to the lock is from Balsam Lake and is narrow and long with few passing spots. Strongly suggest VHF radio monitoring, and lots of securite calls about location, size, and direction. Cannot overemphasise this!! Space for tie up below, very sheltered, nothing in area. There was a restaurant, not sure it is still going. From here to next lock about 1 hour, watch your depths and accelerate very slowly when entering canal lake. Space out larger boats to avoid dead heads that can get stirred up.

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