Lock 36: Kirkfield

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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