A Guide to Boating the Trent Severn Waterway in Ontario 2025

Recently named one of the best travel experiences in 2025 by the New York Times, this historic waterway offers boaters a leisurely way to explore dozens of small towns while relaxing on a rented houseboat.

Exploring the Trent-Severn Waterway: A Boater’s Paradise in Ontario

The Trent-Severn Waterway is one of Ontario, Canada's most treasured waterways, offering boating enthusiasts a unique mix of natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities. Spanning 386 kilometres from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, this historic canal system is a national historical site that is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves life on the water. Here’s what every boater needs to know about this iconic route that was recently named one of the best travel experiences of 2025 by the New York Times.

What is the Trent-Severn Waterway?

Locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway from above; a dark water channel segemented by open locks and surrounded by green grass and forest.
The Trent-Severn Waterway is an engineering marvel. // Photo credit Government of Canada

The Trent-Severn Waterway is a stunning network of interconnected rivers, lakes, and canals, making it a top-tier destination for recreational boating. Originally built in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a commercial shipping route, this historic lock system connects Trenton to Port Severn, winding through picturesque communities and gorgeous natural landscapes. It has since become a playground for boaters seeking adventure and relaxation. 

Managed by Parks Canada, the Trent-Severn Waterway system features 44 locks, including two flight locks, two of the world’s tallest hydraulic lift locks, a marine railway, swing bridges, and heritage sites. It’s a remarkable combination of engineering brilliance and natural charm.

a boat full of happy passengers passes under a bridge surrounded by green trees peaceful buildings on a sunny day. The Kirkfield Lock; a towering white metal lattice hydraulic lift over a glassy waterway with a boat in it on a summer day.
See highlights like Bobcaygeon (left) and Kirkfield Lock, the second highest hydraulic lift lock in the world (right). // Photo credits Kawartha Lakes

Why Should Boaters Visit the Trent-Severn Waterway?

For boaters, the Trent-Severn Waterway offers a wealth of memorable experiences. Boaters can embark from marinas, communities, or remote access points along the waterway, all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The waterway crosses nine different watersheds and passes through diverse landscapes, charming towns, and engineering marvels like the Peterborough Lift Lock and the Kirkfield Lift Lock, the world’s highest hydraulic lift locks. The Big Chute Marine Railway allows passengers to experience the thrill of being transported over land while on their boat—and it's the only marine railway of its kind in North America.

Boaters can enjoy activities such as fishing, waterfront dining, and exploring cultural sites and parks along the way. Trips can range from short day excursions to a full week-long (or more) journey to traverse the entire system. The waterway's tranquil environment and well-maintained facilities make it an ideal destination for both leisurely cruises and adventurous voyages.   

How the Lock System Works

A boat sails into a lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
The lock system allows boats passage along the Trent-Severn Waterway. // Photo credit Government of Canada

Locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway are designed to raise or lower boats to navigate changes in water levels. A traditional lock allows watercraft to bypass rapids and waterfalls. Here’s how they operate:

Upstream Travel: Boats enter a lock chamber filled to the downstream water level. Once inside, the downstream gates close, and water is released from the upstream side to raise the boats.

Downstream Travel: The process is reversed, lowering boats to the downstream level.

For detailed guidance, check Parks Canada’s "Locking Through Safely" guide.

How To Get to the Trent-Severn Waterway

The waterway is located in Southern Ontario, Canada. It's easily accessible by car from Toronto's Pearson or Billy Bishop airports as well as Ottawa's International airport. Visitors from the U.S. can also easily drive to the locks from Buffalo, NY, Detriot MI, or Sault Ste. Marie MI.

How Do I Navigate the Trent-Severn Waterway?

Navigating the Trent-Severn Waterway is an adventure, and preparation is key. Here’s how to make the most of your journey:

  1. Plan Your Route: Choose your starting point—Lake Ontario or Georgian Bay—and map out stops at notable locks and towns.
  2. Get Your Permits: Parks Canada offers various lockage permits, including single-lock, one-day, seasonal, and transit passes.
  3. Know the Lock Procedures: Approach locks slowly, follow lockmaster instructions, and have fenders and lines ready.
  4. Stay on Course: Use updated charts and GPS to navigate safely through marked channels and avoid shallow areas.

Visit Parks Canada's Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site website for lots of tips and details to help you plan your trip. 

A map of the Trent-Severn Waterway

Renting a Boat Along the Trent-Severn Waterway

If you don’t have your own vessel, there are many businesses and marinas along the Trent-Severn Waterway that provide boat rentals. Marinas along the waterway also offer additional services such as fuel and supplies, shower and repair facilities, pump-out stations and overnight mooring to make your journey comfortable. Check local marina listings in your region to find the right rental options for your adventure. Here are some popular boat rental options to help get you started:

A houseboat sails on calm glassy waters under an orange sunset along the Trent-Severn Waterway
Renting a boat is an easy way to enjoy the Trent-Severn Waterway. // Photo credit R & R Houseboat Rentals

Top Boating Activities on the Trent-Severn Waterway

There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy on this waterway, whether you're seeking fishing, fun, or family adventures. Here are a few favourites for boaters:

  • Scenic Cruising: Glide past beautiful shorelines, historical sites, and vibrant small towns.
  • Dock-and-Dine: Enjoy a meal at waterfront restaurants offering delicious local flavours. Check the listings for your town of choice for plenty of dockside options.
  • Fishing: Cast your line for bass, walleye, or northern pike in prime fishing spots.
  • Overnight Mooring: Stay at designated mooring sites or near locks equipped with convenient amenities.
  • Camping: Spend the night at select lockstations that have comfortable campsites, cabins or cozy teardrop-shaped Oasis pods.

Where Can Boaters Stop Along the Trent-Severn Waterway?

The Bobcaygeon Inn; A large wooden outdoor patio overlooking the water, with glass tables, chairs and umbrellas and decorated with palm plants.
Friendly dockside stops and great dining are easy to find along the Trent-Severn Waterway. // Photo credit The Royal Moose Grill & Waterfront Patio/Bobcaygeon Inn

The waterway is dotted with boater-friendly towns and stops, perfect for rest and exploration. 45 lockstations at key towns along the route offer amenities such as washrooms, campsites and potable water, as well as restaurants and shops—making it easy to plan a trip of any length. Each lock comes with its own unique story, and you will find friendly Parks Canada staff there to welcome you when you arrive. Some popular stops are:

When is the Best Time for Boaters to Visit the Trent-Severn Waterway?

A houseboat sits in a lock along the Trent-Severn Waterway. The locks are surrounded by lush green grass, trees and park space and the weather is sunny.
The Trent-Severn Waterway is beautiful throughout all of the boating season. // Photo credit R & R Houseboat Rentals

The navigation season typically runs from late May to early October. Victoria Day weekend is generally the start of the boating season. Here’s what each season offers:

  • Spring: Quiet waters perfect for spotting wildlife and spring blooms. 
  • Summer: Peak boating season with lively towns, more boats on the water, and warm weather.
  • Fall: A stunning display of autumn colours reflected in calm waters and cooler temperatures. 

Essential Tips for Boaters

As always, boaters should follow the rules of thumb for safe and respectful boat travel:

Discover the Trent-Severn Waterway Today

For boating enthusiasts, the Trent-Severn Waterway is a unique adventure that shouldn't be missed. This iconic route offers an incredible way to experience some of the landscapes, towns and heritage of Ontario. Start planning your voyage today and see why it’s considered one of Canada’s premier boating destinations.

About Northern Ontario

Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada! Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else. Sunset Country is famous for its spectacular fishing lakes, Superior Country has friendly towns and a superior coastline, Algoma Country has bucket list drives and epic outdoor adventure, and the Northeast provides excellent vacation destinations close to Toronto and other large urban centres in Southern Ontario.

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