Lock 25

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DENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Location: Iroquois, Ontario, Canada Coordinates: N 44.50.32 W 75.18.25 Depth: Variable, part of Lake St. Lawrence Type of Site: Submerged Locks and Canal Infrastructure

SITE DESCRIPTION: #

The dive site features the remnants of the Galop Canal’s old and new locks, located near Iroquois, Ontario. These locks were a significant part of the St. Lawrence River’s navigational system before the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The old lock was constructed in 1845, and the new lock was built in 1897 to accommodate larger vessels, making it the longest lock in Canada at 800 feet.

With the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s, these locks were submerged under the upper reaches of Lake St. Lawrence as part of the river’s reconfiguration. The construction of Lock 7 of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Iroquois Control Dam replaced the old system, leading to the flooding of the original village of Iroquois, which was moved one mile inland.

HISTORY: #

The Galop Canal was crucial for navigation in the St. Lawrence River, facilitating the movement of goods and vessels between Montreal and the Great Lakes. The original lock, built in 1845, was part of a series of improvements along the river to bypass rapids and difficult sections. As trade and vessel sizes grew, the canal and its locks were expanded in 1897. The new lock at Iroquois became a pivotal structure in this network, allowing large vessels to pass through the region efficiently.

The 1950s brought massive changes to the region with the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway, a binational project between Canada and the United States. The new waterway system provided deeper, wider, and more modern navigation channels, rendering the old canal system obsolete. As a result, the old locks were flooded, and the village of Iroquois was relocated.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

Today, the remnants of the old and new locks rest beneath the waters of Lake St. Lawrence, a submerged monument to a bygone era of Great Lakes navigation. The site offers a fascinating dive experience where divers can explore the well-preserved infrastructure that once played a critical role in the region’s economy.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #

The submerged locks are accessible to divers and are a part of the broader collection of dive sites associated with the Lost Villages of the St. Lawrence. Due to the historical significance and unique nature of this site, it is a popular destination for underwater archaeology enthusiasts and history buffs.