Identification & Site Information

•Name: Submerged Locks of the Galop Canal

•Location: Iroquois, Ontario, Canada

•Coordinates: N 44°50’32” W 75°18’25”

•Depth: Variable, submerged under Lake St. Lawrence

•Type of Site: Submerged locks and canal infrastructure

Site Description

The dive site consists of the remnants of both the old (1845) and new (1897) locks of the Galop Canal, part of the original St. Lawrence River navigation system. The old Lock was built to bypass rapids and challenging sections of the river, while the new Lock, at 800 feet long, was designed to accommodate the growing size of Great Lakes vessels.

In the 1950s, the locks were submerged under Lake St. Lawrence during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, a transformative project that modernized the river’s navigational channels. This massive endeavor also led to the relocation of the original village of Iroquois, which was moved one mile inland.

History

The Galop Canal served as a critical artery in the 19th and early 20th centuries for connecting Montreal to the Great Lakes.

•1845: Construction of the original Lock to facilitate navigation and bypass the region’s rapids.

•1897: Expansion of the canal and construction of the new Lock to support larger vessels, making it a key component in Canada’s waterborne trade network.

•1950s: Submersion of the locks as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, a binational effort between Canada and the U.S. The project included constructing Lock 7 and the Iroquois Control Dam, which rendered the old canal system obsolete.

The flooding created Lake St. Lawrence, and the surrounding landscape, including the locks and the original village, was submerged.

Final Disposition

The remnants of the old and new locks now rest beneath Lake St. Lawrence, preserved as part of the region’s maritime history. These underwater structures serve as a poignant reminder of the engineering feats that transformed the St. Lawrence River and supported the growing economies of the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•The submerged locks are relatively well-preserved and accessible for divers.

•The site is part of the Lost Villages collection, which includes other submerged landmarks from the era of the Seaway’s creation.

•Visibility and access conditions may vary, so divers should check local dive guides or historical organizations for recommendations and best practices.

Resources & Links

•Lost Villages Museum: A repository of information on the villages and infrastructure submerged during the St. Lawrence Seaway Project.

Lost Villages Historical Society

•St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation: Detailed resources about the modern waterway.

St. Lawrence Seaway

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Maps and resources for exploring dive sites in the area.

Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Keywords

Galop Canal, Lost Villages, St. Lawrence Seaway, Iroquois Ontario, Lake St. Lawrence, underwater archaeology, submerged locks, Canadian maritime history, dive site.

Conclusion

The submerged locks of the Galop Canal offer a unique dive site for history enthusiasts and underwater explorers. These remnants tell the story of the evolution of Great Lakes navigation and the sacrifices made to modernize Canada’s waterborne trade routes. The site is a testament to the enduring legacy of engineering and the region’s vibrant maritime history.