Trent-Severn Waterway and Kawartha Lakes
About Trent-Severn
Enjoy an unforgettable journey as you discover the history-filled paradise of the Trent-Severn Waterway and Kawartha Lakes
Embark on a captivating journey along the Trent-Severn Waterway and Kawartha Lakes, an enchanting natural paradise that unveils the true essence of Central Ontario. Stretching across 386 kilometers, the Trent-Severn Waterway presents a remarkable blend of natural wonders and engineering brilliance, captivating all who venture along its serene path. Begin your adventure at our Peterborough base, conveniently located just a short drive outside of Peterborough town along the Otonabee River. Whether you're seeking a houseboat rental or a luxurious vessel from our fleet, prepare to relax and unwind as you absorb the area's rich history and the tranquility of its picturesque towns and vibrant cities along your journey.
Trent-Severn map
= Le Boat Base 
= Navigable waters 
= No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
Fishing
The lakes and rivers of the Trent-Severn Waterway offer great fishing opportunities including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Muskie, Panfish, Carp, Catfish and Walleye. Fishing regulations and seasons may apply, so it's important to consult local fishing regulations and guidelines before fishing in the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Nature
The Trent-Severn Waterway and the Kawartha Lakes are well-known as a nature-lovers paradise. Filled with many species of wildlife to discover, the area will deliver plentiful daily spottings.
Family
The Trent-Severn Waterway and Kawartha Lakes have everything you could need for the perfect family holiday. Make a splash with watersports, then discover all the adventure Canadian culture has to offer at the towns and cities along the way.
Paddleboarding
The Trent-Severn Waterway and Kawartha Lakes are a paddleboarder's or a canoeist's paradise. With more than 250 lakes and rivers, there is no lack of fabulous waters to paddle.
Useful information
Stretching across a remarkable 386 kilometers (240 miles) from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Kawarthas beckons with an array of captivating opportunities awaiting to be explored.
The Trent-Severn Waterway holds a rich historical legacy that weaves through the heart of Canada. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century when the need for a navigable route between Lake Ontario and Lake Huron became apparent. In 1833, construction on the waterway commenced, driven by the vision of connecting the Great Lakes to facilitate trade and transportation. Over the next several decades, a remarkable feat of engineering unfolded as canals, locks, and dams were meticulously built, utilizing both human labor and innovative engineering techniques of the time. The waterway's completion came in 1920, marking the realization of a remarkable inland navigation route spanning diverse landscapes, from serene lakes to winding rivers. Today, the Trent-Severn Waterway stands as a testament to human ingenuity, offering recreational opportunities, preserving heritage, and inviting exploration of the picturesque Canadian countryside along its historic path.
Our Canada cruises are perfect for that short escape or epic expedition. Our base is located in Peterborough, midway along the Trent-Severn Waterway cruising area, and is the perfect starting point for long or short breaks in the Kawarthas. So whether you have a few days or several weeks, our cruises are the perfect standalone vacation or accompaniment to a longer break.
Each of our Horizon boats in Canada have an on-board chart plotter pre-installed, for safer navigation and cruising while on the waterways. Your check-in orientation briefing at the base will cover how to use the chart plotters.
What is a chart plotter and why is it useful?
- Using sophisticated GPS technology, our chart plotters provide dock to dock route guidance, ensuring a safe passageway for our customers on the water.
- A chart plotter plans your route for you, so that you don't have to.
- Chart plotter technology can also advise on key points of interest along the route.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your holiday plans.
The locks along the Trent-Severn Waterway are all manned by Parks Canada staff. All locks along the waterway are hydraulic and can be opened by the simple push of a button.
Lock Opening Hours:
19h May - 18th June: Monday to Thursday 10:00 - 15:30. Friday to Sunday 9:00 - 18:30
19th June - 4th September: Monday to Thursday 9:00 - 17:30. Friday to Sunday 9:00 - 18:30
5th September - 9th October: Monday to Friday 10:00 - 15:30. Saturday & Sunday 09:00 - 16:30
Public holidays: Locks are open as normal but operating to a different schedule. Victoria Day (22nd May) 09:00 - 18:30 Thanksgiving (9th October) 09:00 - 16:30.
There are many options for overnight moorings along the Trent-Severn; private marinas, township marinas and Parks Canada moorings (situated at lock stations) all provide overnight moorings for a fee, with varying facilities and services.
To find out how to get to our base in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available nearby, click on the links below:
- Hire of the boat, its facilities and equipment, which includes:
- Fully equipped kitchen on board
- Fridge, gas oven, hob, dishes and utensils.
- Bathroom facilities on board
- Hot showers, toilets and towels.
- Sleeping facilities on board
- Pillows, duvets and bed linen.
- Heating. - Pre-departure briefing.
- Boat handling demonstration.
- Daily technical support and assistance from the local Le Boat team as required.
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Safety equipment (inc. life jackets)
Download a detailed inventory of equipment supplied on all of our boats
Supplementary fees also included:
- Compulsory mooring fees for Canada, Scotland and Italy (see compulsory costs)*
- One way supplement for routes starting and ending at different bases.*
*These supplementary fees are automatically added where applicable and are included in prices shown on this website. They are then shown separately in the price summary, when you proceed to book.
- Optional holiday extras - see our extras page for details
- Refundable Damage Deposit – deposit payable locally. See compulsory costs for details.
- Fuel (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear). Deposit and charge payable locally. See compulsory costs for details.
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services (moorings, pump-out, electric, water, etc.) Payable locally, where applicable and if used.
- Passage through locks in Ireland & the Netherlands where a small fee is payable locally for each lock.
- Cancellation cover or personal travel insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see…
Route suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You dont have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.
Please note: Any route suggestions and itineraries on the Le Boat website are examples only and any of the suggested potential routes, attractions, restaurants, towns, villages or sections of the waterway included in them may not always be open or accessible at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Classic Kawartha Lakes Cruise
Peterborough
Peterborough Lift Lock
Lakefield
Young's Point
Burleigh Falls
Lovesick Island
Buckhorn
Bobcaygeon
Peterborough
25 hr(s) of cruising
184km 24 locks 7 nightsThe Classic Kawartha Lakes Cruise
Peterborough RETURN via Bobcaygeon
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Overview
A cruise northwards take you through the iconic lift lock in Peterborough and on to the open waters of Kawartha Lakes, reknown for their friendly lakeside towns and welcoming holiday vibe.
Top highlights:
- Pass through the world's highest lift lock in Peterborough
- Kayaking in Burleigh Falls
- Bobcaygeon - a bustling and friendly tourist hotspot with a beach, boutiques and eateries.
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Peterborough Lift Lock: The Peterborough Lift Lock (Lock 21) is one of only two hydraulic lift locks on the waterway as well as the highest lift lock in the world. If you want to know everything there is to know about the highest lift lock in the world, visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre right beside the lock.
- Lakefield: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Lakefield is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From its picturesque lakes and rivers to its lush forests and scenic trails, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this charming town. Enjoy a beautiful boardwalk along the Otonabee River and a lovely beach.
- Young's Point: Young's Point (Lock 27) is a popular overnight mooring location for many boaters due to the beautiful park area next to it. Good fishing is also found at this lock.
- Burleigh Falls: Recreational boating, particularly canoeing, has long been popular around Burleigh Falls. The area has also been popular with fishermen since the days of the pioneers and in recent years, the rapids have become a firm favourite among kayaking enthusiasts.
- Lovesick Island: Lovesick Lock (Lock 30) is located on an island, and therefore only accessible by boat – a unique feature on the Trent Severn Waterway. The natural beauty of the setting and island seclusion makes this lock station an extremely popular overnight stop.
- Buckhorn: Visit Adam and Eve rocks. This pair of large rocks, left behind by a glacier, comes with a romantic legend. Apparently, if a couple holds hand and touches them, their lives will be eternally blessed.
- Bobcaygeon: Bobcaygeon, pronounced "bounce ca-je-wan-unk", is a popular tourist destination and is famous for being the home of the first lock in 1834. This town bustles with high-end shops and friendly service, offering something for just about everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the Bigley family of shoe and clothing stores or a chance to grab a famous Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone. Visit the beach or any of the cozy shops right next to the lock.
25 hr(s) of cruising
184km 24 locks 7 nights
The Rice Lake Cruise
Peterborough
Hastings
Campbellford
Peterborough
22 hr(s) of cruising
195km 12 locks 7 nightsThe Rice Lake Cruise
Peterborough RETURN via Campbellford
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Overview
Time to slow down, enjoy the water and the great outdoors and embrace the quiet villages and small-town charm on this leisurely cruise to the south of Peterborough.
Top highlights:
- Fishing in Hastings
- The powerful tumbing water (when the gates are open) at Healey Falls
- Quaint shops and eateries in Campbellford
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Peterborough/Ashburnham: Known as the "Electric City", this bustling metropolis has something for everyone. Here you can find plenty of great shops and restaurants, as well as stellar local bakeries participating on the region's famous 'Butter Tart Tour, each serving up their take on this Canadian classic treat.
- Hastings: Hastings offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and marvel at the picturesque views of the shimmering water. Fishing enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise as the village is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities.
- Healey Falls: Take a walk to the dam, a short distance from the lock. If the gates are open, you'll experience the power of the water as it crashes through the gates and tumbles down the rocky steps into the waterway below.
- Campbellford: Immerse yourself in the surroundings of this picturesque town as you stroll along the downtown streets lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and inviting boutiques. Unique attractions include a swing bridge, the Memorial Military Museum, and a giant replica of Canada’s two-dollar coin. The town also has famous donuts, a cheese factory and a chocolate plant.
22 hr(s) of cruising
195km 12 locks 7 nights