Hogs Back Lockstation

Hogs Back Lockstation marks the end of the excavated channels that began at the Ottawa Lockstation. © Parks Canada

8,4 km – 8,6 km

Up to Hogs Back, the Rideau Canal is an artificial waterway of excavated channels and a drowned swamp, Dows Lake. Hogs Back Lockstation marks the transition from excavated channel to the Rideau River. Access to the river was made possible by the damming of Hogs Back Falls. This resulted in the raising of the level of the river to create a slackwater section that boats entered after passing through the two locks. An earth embankment dam separates the locks and excavated channel from the natural river course and maintains the water level for navigation.

Hogs Back is the location of a spectacular set of waterfalls, which was bypassed by the excavated channel section. The Hogs Back locks were built to overcome the height of the falls.. © Parks Canada

Looking toward Hartwells from Hogs Back, the elevation rise can be clearly seen. © Parks Canada

Hogs Back Lockstation to Black Rapids Lockstation

8,6 km – 15,0 km

The construction of the dam at Hogs Back created a 6,4-km slackwater section to Black Rapids Lockstation. Immediately south of the dam, the inundation created a broad expanse of water called Mooneys Bay.

The dams at Hogs Back created a large slackwater section of the Rideau Riverknown as Mooneys Bay, a popular aquatic recreation area. © Parks Canada