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Ballard Locks Review
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Ballard Locks
- Address: 3015 NW 54th St., Ballard, Seattle, WA | Map It
- Directions: From Fremont, head north on Leary Way NW, west on NW Market St., and south on 54th St.
- Phone: 206/783-7059
- Category: Nautical Sites
- Location: Ballard
Fodor's Review:
Though staring at a canal may not seem terribly exciting, the locks -- an important passage in the 8-mi Lake Washington Ship Canal that connects Puget Sound's saltwater Shilshole Bay to freshwater Lake Washington and Lake Union -- are definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. The canal is quite pretty, especially on a sunny summer day, and you don't have to be an engineering buff to enjoy watching this fascinating system in action. In addition to boat traffic, the locks see an estimated half million salmon and trout make the journey from saltwater to fresh each year with the help of a nearby fish ladder. Finally, a trip to the locks isn't complete without a stroll around the 7-acre Carl English Jr. Botanic Garden. Guided tours of the locks are available; however, the brochure from the visitor center and the plaques by the locks will give you plenty of information if you don't have time for a tour.
- Cost: Free
- Open: Locks daily 7 AM-9 PM; visitor center May-Sept., daily 10-6; Oct.-Apr., Thurs.-Mon. 11-4; call for tour information
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