The adventures of MR5 as she cruises America's Great Loop
Orillia to the Big Chute!
Thursday, July 23, 2026 and Friday, July 24, 2026
After conquering 41 locks, we were down to the final three—close enough to start celebrating, but still far enough to know the Trent-Severn had a few more surprises in store.
As we neared the end of the waterway, we continued to come across charming little towns and sights that made us feel like we’d drifted into another time. Orillia was one of our favorites, with its quaint shops, historic buildings, and enough small-town charm to make us wonder if we’d accidentally walked onto the set of the movie Back to the Future.
Then came the grand finale of engineering marvels: The Big Chute. This isn’t your average lock—it’s the only marine railway of its kind in North America. Instead of lifting boats with water, it scoops your boat up, carries it across dry land on what looks suspiciously like a giant boat-sized roller coaster, and gently lowers you into the next body of water.
We have to admit, riding our floating home across land was equal parts fascinating and scary. It was incredibly cool, just a little nerve-racking, and definitely one of those experiences that had us hoping the engineers had really done the math.
Hopefully, the photos below capture at least some of the excitement—although they don’t quite convey the feeling of having your boat cruise down a railway instead of a waterway!
Canal Lake High Arch Bridge a.k.a. “Hole-in-the-Wall Bridge. ” It’s just wide enough for us. We wondered how the bigger boats would do. This swing bridge is manually opened upon request. How would you like that job for eight hours per day?We are nearing the end of the narrow channels. At least one has an open line of sight.Summer is in full swing and cottagers have many toys for entertainment.Cows and campers. What a concept??Welcome to Orillia! The surrounding waters were actually a slight shade of turquois. Orillia is a quaint little town. The main street is lined with lots of shops and eateries. It’s an old city with new age offerings. Cannabis is legal in Canada.This old ’57 Chevy certainly adds to the old city charm.We strained ourselves in the chocolate shop and settled for a handcrafted lime popsicle. It was very refreshing.
Now to the Big Chute!
All along the waterway, private saunas were the common luxury item. A nice thing to have on chillier days. Notice the blue chairs instead of red.This is a railway car converted into a small dwelling space. Perhaps a fun Air b and b?Sea planes are a frequent sight and remind Chris of his father, a pilot who had flown sea planes.We have seen numerous trains throughout this adventure.A moose sighting? This may be as close as it gets…but hopefully not.More narrow channelsThis is the Swift Rapids Lock. It actually was fairly rapid despite its 47 foot height.A view from the baseA view as we exit the lockAt last, the Big Chute! It’s on its way to drop off a boat into our current waters.This is a view of our fellow loopers on AnnTicipation.Up, up and away!We’re preparing for our turn.A view from the bow looking forward as we are loaded onto the lift.The lift operators were very knowledgeable after having lifted over 1,200 vessels thus far this year.This is one amazed crew member.A view of the ground below. It’s an eerie sight.The end is near!A view from the stern of the boat looking back at the railwayA view a the lift after safely landing back in the water
