Follow Highway 11 northbound from Ontario to approach the town of Smooth Rock Falls. When you reach the outskirts of the town, look for signs directing you to the hydroelectric facility, which is situated along the river just east of the main highway.
Once you see the signs, take the exit onto Local Road 627. Travel east for approximately 3 kilometers, passing through residential areas and local businesses. The hydroelectric plant is clearly marked and accessible via this route, with a designated parking area for visitors and maintenance crews.
If you are coming from the south, continue on Highway 11 toward the north until you reach the junction with Local Road 627. The entire route is well-maintained, and clear signage helps guide you directly to the facility. Keep an eye out for the blue and white directional signs indicating the hydroelectric plant’s entrance.
From the north, Highway 11 leads directly into the outskirts of Smooth Rock Falls. Turning onto Local Road 627 will bring you swiftly to the hydroelectric facility, which sits along a key section of the river, providing easy access for operational personnel and authorized visitors. Once on-site, follow the clearly marked paths to reach the hydroelectric plant’s main entrance.
Directions to the Smooth Rock Falls Hydroelectric Facility
From Ontario Highway 11, take the exit for Main Street in Smooth Rock Falls. Follow Main Street east for approximately 2 kilometers until you reach the junction with Hydro Road. Turn left onto Hydro Road and continue for about 1.5 kilometers. The hydroelectric facility will be on your right side, marked by signage. Use local landmarks, such as the nearby river and forested areas, to confirm your approach.
If arriving from the northwest via Highway 634, merge onto Ontario Highway 11 southbound. After about 10 kilometers, exit onto Main Street, then follow the directions above. The entire route from major highways in Ontario to the site typically takes under 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Additional Navigation Tips
Look for the small signage indicating the hydroelectric plant along Hydro Road. Parking areas are situated adjacent to the facility entrance, just off the main road. When approaching, watch out for local roads and drive carefully through residential areas. The facility is also accessible via local boat launches and trails for those arriving by water or foot, respectively.
How to Navigate from Major Highways to the Facility Entrance
Begin on Canada’s Highway 11 and follow signs directing toward North Bay. After passing through North Bay, take the exit onto Highway 637, heading east toward the hydroelectric facility. Stay on this highway for approximately 45 kilometers, watching for signs indicating the turnoff to the facility entrance.
At the designated signage, turn right onto the local access road. Drive for about 3 kilometers; you’ll see the entrance point with clear markers. Use the main road leading directly to the dam and hydroelectric plant. Ensure you slow down as you approach the facilities to locate the designated visitor or service entrance.
Landmark Identifications and Visual Cues Along the Route
Begin your drive on Ontario’s Highway 11 by watching for the large blue and white sign indicating the exit for Smooth Rock Falls. As you approach the turnoff, notice the tall water tower with a painted logo of a power plant, which signals that you are entering the hydroelectric zone. A mile further, look for a cluster of red maple trees along the roadside; their vibrant color marks the proximity to the facility area.
Continue along the highway until you see a bright yellow gas station on the right, serving as a helpful landmark for navigation. Just past the station, a wooden directional sign points towards the hydroelectric complex, guiding you to the last leg of your route. Keep an eye out for the large billboard displaying the Ontario Hydro logo, which confirms you are approaching the facility site.
As you near your destination, spot the cluster of utility poles with distinctive square crossarms, leading directly to the hydroelectric plant. Finally, the sight of the reinforced concrete dam structure nestled behind a row of pine trees marks the final approach. Recognizing these landmarks and visual cues makes your way to the Smooth Rock Falls hydroelectric facility straightforward and clear.
Parking Options and Access Points for Visitors and Contractors
Park at the designated lot located on the east side of the hydroelectric facility, which offers ample space for both visitors and contractors. This parking area is clearly marked and accessible via Highway 11, making it easy to reach from any direction within Ontario, Canada.
For those driving from the south, turn onto the facility’s entrance at the intersection just north of the bridge crossing the Montreal River. The main access point features a wide, paved driveway leading directly to the parking lot, ensuring smooth entry and exit.
Contractors requiring frequent access should utilize the authorized contractor entrance, situated on the west side of the site. This access point is equipped with security checks and is designed to facilitate deliveries and maintenance activities efficiently.
Visitors arriving by car will find plenty of parking spaces available, with some reserved for persons with disabilities near the main entrance. Follow the signs to the visitor parking area for quickest access to the visitor center and facility tours.
Pedestrian pathways connect the parking lots to the main facility entrances, ensuring safe and easy foot traffic movement. Use these designated walkways to reach your destination without hassle.
Large vehicles, including service trucks and heavy machinery, should utilize the service entrance located on the northern side of the site. This entry point allows for direct access to maintenance zones and operational areas without disrupting visitor traffic.
Remember to park within marked lines and display any required permits visibly. Ontario laws in Canada strictly enforce parking regulations around industrial sites, so adhere to posted signs to avoid fines or towing.
Overall, well-organized parking facilities and designated access points streamline entry procedures, making visits to the hydroelectric facility straightforward for everyone involved.