Welcome to Hartwell Locks!
Colonel By had planned to make a canal cut through here at Hartwells Lockstation. However, faced with extensive excavation between Dow's Great Swamp (Dow's Lake) and Hogs Back, By reconsidered his plan and opted to move two of the lift locks he planned for Hogs Back to this location, in order to reduce the amount of channel excavation. Rock for the masonry work was quarried near the river at Hogs Back.
John Burrows 1845
In this drawing, the masonry weir can be seen carrying off water to the left of the locks. To the right is the defensible lockhouse.
The defensible lockmaster's house was built sometime before 1845. In it's original state, it was a small one storey, square stone structure. This was far from being ideal living conditions. In 1901, a second storey was added to the building and interior walls were altered to make the building more liveable.
A great place to bike, run or walk. A great place for kayaking and canoeing. A great place for a cache!
This cache is located just off the Rideau Canal Eastern Pathway. There is parking on the other side of the locks.