Good Evening Everyone,

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is pleased to advise that the Turtle Portage marine railway facility on Lake of the Woods is now open and operational for the 2025 season.

Hope everyone had a great winter and will be able to enjoy many days on the water this summer!

As a reminder, please keep the following in mind while using the facility:

Loading and Securing a Vessel to the Cart:

• Using the retractable handle, turn the wheel to lower the cart into the water, partially submerging bunks
• Slowly drive the vessel between the uprights until centred on cart bunks.
• Securely fasten vessel to all four cleats on the cart using ropes appropriate for size of vessel.
• All individuals must exit the vessel prior to moving the cart.

Transferring a Vessel:

• Ensure the track is clear of obstructions.
• Use the retractable handle to turn the wheel and move the cart up the rails.
• Turn the wheel until the cart reaches the other end and the vessel starts to float.

Unloading Vessel from the Boat Cart:

• Untie the vessel from the cleats on the cart and slowly pull the vessel clear of the uprights.
• As a courtesy to the next user, move the cart back up to the centre of the railway. 

Capacity Limits:

• Maximum vessel weight: 2721 kilograms (6000 pounds)
• Maximum vessel width: 2.7 metres (9 feet)

Additionally, the Mechanical wheel must be attended at all times while vessel is on the boat cart. Apply foot brake at all times while vessel descends the ramp. Misuse of the system could lead to injuries. 

We heard in some of the end of season comments concerns regarding how long it takes to transport a boat over the railway, this ratio was set to allow for a wider variety of boat sizes without increasing the effort required to spin the wheel.

The ministry remains committed to providing a user-friendly facility and thanks you for your patience while improvements were being made. Turtle Portage will be closed for the season around October 31^st, 2025, which will allow for facility maintenance to ensure continued operation for years to come.

If you have any comments or notice anything at the facility please let me know.

Thanks!

Michelle Riley

Resource Management Coordinator
Ministry of Natural Resources | Regional Operations Division

Northwest Region | Kenora District

808 Robertson Street | Kenora ON | P9N 1X9

1. 807-747-0341 | michelle.riley@ontario.ca

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