Old Slys Lockstation

Because a series of locks was required to overcome the falls and rapids at Smiths Falls, the canal starts its ascent at Old Slys, through two locks placed at the end of an excavated channel. © Parks Canada

95,0 km – 95,4 km

Old Slys Lockstation is located on the north side of the Rideau River, with the locks at the western end of a 400-m excavated channel. A stone arch dam across the river creates a slackwater section between Old Slys and Smiths Falls Combined Lockstation. A water control weir is located at the south end of the dam.

A view of the two locks at Old Slys with a high-level railway bridge in the background. © Parks Canada

The defensible lockmaster’s house has been conserved in its original 1838 form. Many others had a second storey added. © Parks Canada

Old Slys Lockstation to Smiths Falls Combined Lockstation

95,4 km – 96,6 km

Known as the ‘Smiths Falls Lower Reach’, this 1,2-km slackwater section of the canal was created by construction of the stone arch dam at Old Slys.

The slackwater section above Old Slys is known as ‘Smiths Falls Lower Reach’. © Parks Canada

Despite the construction of many dams in Smiths Falls, the wild nature of the river is still evident. © Parks Canada