Objective - To explore, by kayak, the recreational opportunities of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and the Saint Mary's River

Who can join - anyone with novice kayaking experience. There will be a training session before the expedition.

When - June 9th - 14th, 2004

Cost - Expeditions of the Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team have no cost.

Contact - Wapiti - Expedition Leader

Statement:
The Soo Locks 2004 will be an expedition through the historic Soo Locks of Canada and the St. Mary’s River. This expedition is being designed for beginners as well as the most seasoned kayakers. Very few people have traveled through the locks, yet by kayak. The journey will begin on the Lake Superior side of the Locks. We will work our way through the Canada Locks and explore the islands of the St. Mary’s River. This journey will be a memory that will last forever.

Narrative -

Completed in 1895, this canal formed the last link in an all-Canadian navigation system stretching from the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior. Designed and built by Canadians, the canal incorporated several engineering innovations. It was the world's longest lock and the first to operate with electrical power. It was also novel in using an emergency swing bridge dam to protect the lock in case of accident. Electricity was generated on site by the powerhouse. Closed in 1987 owing to a lock wall failure, the canal was equipped with a modern lock and opened for recreational use in 1998." Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, 1998

Link - Parks Canada Website