Peterborough is home to a world class, historically and mechanically significant man made attraction. The hydraulic lift locks within the city limits were first opened in 1904 and are the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world. What would it cost to visit such an important site in not only Canadian history but world history? If you’re not in a boat, it won’t cost you a dime.
In fact, the two greatest attractions in Peterborough, Ontario are free to visit. The historic Riverview Park and Zoo, which has been operating since 1933, is also void of charges.
Peterborough Lift Locks
Construction for the unique lift locks was approved in 1896 and the project was completed eight years later. Lock 21 of the Trent-Severn Waterway is fed by the waters of the Otonabee River. The dual locks are 19.8 metres or 65 feet of lift. Are far as locks go, regardless of whether they’re hydraulic or not, only the Strepy-Thieu Lift in Belgium is higher at 73.15 metres.
The Peterborough Lift Locks were named a National Historic Site by Canada in 1979. In 1987, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers named it a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
There are two identical tubs, or caissons. There is no external power needed to operate the system with gravity and the counterweight principle doing all the work. As one side goes up, the other side always goes down at the same rate. The above image and the three below show this function in various stages.
On the site, there is a visitor centre run by Parks Canada that was built in the 1980’s. There are is also ample grounds for picnicing and enjoying the view of the locks. A one lane tunnel runs behind the locks and can be travelled by pedestrians and offers a unique view of the locks.
The Peterborough Lift Locks operate from mid May to mid October. There is one much shorter traditional style lock between this site and Little Lake in the centre of town. Peterborough Lift Lock cruises are reasonably priced at as low as $22 per person for a two hour trip. The cruises start at a marina on Little Lake and travel up the two locks before turning back around.
In 1907, lock 36 in the Trent-Severn Waterway was built near Kirkfield, Ontario. The lock is identical in style but is only 14.9 metres in height. The Kirkfield lift lock marks the highest point in the waterway.
Peterborough, Ontario is a city with a metro population of nearly 120,000. Along with being a bit of a tourist destination, Peterborough is also a centre for higher education. Both Trent University and Sir Sanford Fleming College balloon the city’s population for a good portion of the year.
Originally established as Scott’s Plains in 1819, the name was switched to Peterborough when it was incorporated as a town in 1850. On July 1, 1905, Canada Day, Peterborough was incorporated as a city.
Riverview Park and Zoo
As for that other free attraction, the Riverview Park and Zoo is worth a look, especially if you’re travelling with young kids. The 55 acre park is operated by the City of Peterborough. Featured animals at the zoo include Camel, Emu, Wallaby and Monkey.
The zoo began operation in 1933 and open all year round from 8:30am until dusk. Along with the zoo, there is a large playground area, a splash pad, ample picnic facilities and a minature train. The train does come with a $2 per person cost but is well worth it. The train ride lasts around 15 minutes and takes passengers across the Atonabee River and through a wooded area.
There is also a F-86 Sabre fighter jet on display, just before the entrance to the miniature train.
Parents with kids will love this city in the summertime. There seems to be a park at every corner and vehicle free parkways run throughout, along the water. In the wintertime, there’s always high quality Major Junior hockey at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
The Peterborough Petes moved east from Kitchener for the 1956-57 season and are the oldest continuously operating team in the Ontario Hockey League. The franchise has been home to Hockey Hall of Fame members Bob Gainey, Wayne Gretzky, Larry Murphy and Steve Yzerman. Great NHL coaches like Scotty Bowman, Roger Neilson and Mike Keenan developed their skills with the Petes.
