Peterborough was one of the first cities in Canada to get electricity using a nearby waterfall for hydroelectric power and became a regional center for companies that wanted to use electricity for manufacturing. Today Peterborough is the gateway to the Kawarthas, a region of cottages spread out over a large area, which is a favorite vacation spot for Canadians in the summer.

Peterborough is also home to the Peterborough Lift Lock, which lifts the boats 65 feet.  This lock is the first of two lift locks on the Trent-Severn and is the largest lift lock in the world. It was designed by Canadian engineer Richard Rogers in the 1890’s and opened in 1904. The lift lock consists of two water filled pans or chambers, like bathtubs, each weighing 1300 tons with one in the up position and one in the down position, connected by a hydraulic ram so when one goes down the other goes up the corresponding amount. Both pans have large gates at both ends.

You can read more about the Peterborough Lift Lock here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peterborough_Lift_Lock

The previous evening, we – Pat, Anne, Mitch, Tom and me – walked to the Peterborough Lock to take photos. The lock is massive and quite the engineering marvel.

As you approach the lift lock from the lower level a gate opens in the lower chamber allowing you to enter. Several boats can be accommodated at one time. After all boats have entered and tied up to the side walls, the gate is closed. Then an additional foot of water is added to the upper chamber making it heavier by 130 tons. A valve is then opened to connect the hydraulic rams together and the heavier upper level descends forcing the lower chamber up 65 feet to the upper level. Then the gate is opened at the upper level of the waterway and you continue on. Amazing!

We survived the Lock! We departed and continued our scenic journey to our next stop, Lakefield – Lock 26. Here are photos: