BIG CHUTE

• Latitude: 44.8869
• Longitude: -79.6744
• Great Lakes
• Marina in Canada

Address: Canada

The Big Chute Marine Railway is a unique and historically significant marine railway located in Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, which is a National Historic Site of Canada managed by Parks Canada. The Big Chute Marine Railway is situated near the small communities of Big Chute and Severn Falls, between Lake Couchiching and Georgian Bay.

Description:

The Big Chute Marine Railway is an engineering marvel and the only marine railway of its kind still in operation in North America. Unlike traditional lock systems, the Big Chute Marine Railway lifts boats out of the water, transports them over land, and then places them back in the water on the other side, circumventing a section of the Severn River.

• Mechanism: The system uses a large, open carriage (or cradle) that travels on railway tracks laid over a steep hill. The carriage is winched up on one side, across a roadway, and down the other side by means of a cable system powered by electric motors.
• Capacity: The carriage can carry boats up to 100 feet (30 meters) in length and weighing up to 100 tons.
• Operation: The operation involves boats entering the submerged cradle, which is then lifted out of the water. The carriage then moves along its tracks, ascending one side of the hill, crossing the apex, and descending the other side to lower the boats back into the water.

Specifications:

1. Location: Near the community of Big Chute, Severn Falls, Ontario, Canada.
2. Coordinates: Approximately 44° 52′ 52″ N, 79° 40′ 52″ W.
3. Waterways Connected: Connects the Severn River (Lake Couchiching to Georgian Bay) via the Trent-Severn Waterway.
4. Carriage Capacity:
   • Length: Up to 100 feet (30 meters)
   • Weight: Up to 100 tons
5. Track Length: Approximately 200 metres (660 feet).
6. Vertical Lift: Around 17.7 meters (58 feet) from the lower to the upper water levels.
7. Gradient: Steep descent and ascent over the hill.
8. Operation Time: During the boating season, typically from mid-May until mid-October.
9. Historical Significance: Originally constructed in 1917, the current version of the marine railway was completed in the 1970s. It is considered a vital part of Canadian maritime heritage and continues to be a popular attraction for tourists and boating enthusiasts.

Attractions and Facilities:

• Tourism: The Big Chute Marine Railway is a popular destination for both boating and non-boating visitors. It offers a unique opportunity to observe this unusual method of boat transportation.
• Visitor Amenities: The area around Big Chute includes picnic areas, lookout points, and informational displays about the history and operation of the railway.
• Boating Services: Facilities and services for boaters are available, including docking areas, fuel stations, and rest facilities.

Notable Facts:

• The Big Chute Marine Railway is a crucial component of the Trent-Severn Waterway, which connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay and spans 386 kilometers (240 miles).
• The decision to use a marine railway instead of a lock system at Big Chute was influenced by the need to control the spread of invasive species between watersheds.

Accessibility:

• By Road: Easily accessible via local roads; signage will direct you to the Big Chute Marine Railway area.
• By Water: Accessible by boat via the Trent-Severn Waterway system.

Overall, the Big Chute Marine Railway is an iconic example of Canadian innovation in waterway management and a must-visit attraction for those interested in engineering, boating, and history.