Kingston Mills Lockstation

At Kingston Mills Lockstation, the terrain dictated a complex layout for the lockstation. The original falls were dammed and the water controlled to support mills and now a powerhouse. © Parks Canada

195,0 km – 195,5 km

At Kingston Mills Lockstation, the Cataraqui River descends from Colonel By Lake to the Cataraqui Estuary, over a series of rocky ledges. A high stone arch dam with a weir, is located across the original course of the river at the head of the falls. Long earthen dams on each side of the stone arch dam hold back the water of Colonel By Lake. The locks were built in a side channel west of the main channel of the river. The upper lock is attached to the south end of the stone arch dam. Below the upper lock, a large basin used for steamship repair still exists. The lower three locks are constructed in flight, with the lowest lock ending the canal at the level of Lake Ontario.

The lower lock at Kingston Mills is the final lock on the Rideau Canal. From here, the Cataraqui River flows directly to Lake Ontario. © Parks Canada

The blockhouse at Kingston Mills dominated the surrounding terrain. It has been restored to tell the story of its military use. © Parks Canada

The natural river course was blocked by this stone arch dam and 1,4 km of earth embankment dams to create the slackwater section known as Colonel By Lake. © Parks Canada

The turning basin between the upper lock and the flight of three locks was used for repairing steam ships. © Parks Canada

Kingston Mills Lockstation to Lake Ontario

The navigable route of the Cataraqui River below Kingston Mills is narrow but soon winds its way into the Cataraqui marsh. © Parks Canada

195,5 km – 202,1 km

The Cataraqui River flows south from the lockstation under Highway 401 and through a large wetland (the Cataraqui Marsh), before it empties into Lake Ontario at Kingston (population 126 000).

The Cataraqui River estuary broadens into the marshes and then enters the City of Kingston where it forms the inner harbour. © Parks Canada