If you’re a canoeist, you know the feeling. You’ve in harmony with your surroundings after a long day’s paddle. The sun is low in the sky, your arms are pleasantly tired, and you’ve earned a hearty meal. Instead, you strap your canoe on the roof of a car and spend an hour or two on the highway, undoing much of the relaxation you worked to achieve in the process.
Fortunately, you don’t have to commit to a week in the bush to get around that feeling—just pair your trip with an accommodation along your route, and you’ve got comfort and relaxation at your fingertips. The Trent-Severn Waterway makes this particularly easy, as camping is available at most lockstations and roofed accommodations are plentiful in communities along the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Here are a few routes around the region that pair well with overnight stays. These are designed by Parks Canada, so just click the route name for maps and additional details.
A few important notes before you set out:
- These are one-way routes—plan your shuttle transport in advance
- Be aware of upcoming dam locations
- Lockside camping is available on a first come, first served basis
- Travelling through locks requires a lock permit
- Budget at least 20 minutes per lockage
Buckhorn > Peterborough (51 km/3 nights)
Start your trip at Lock 31 in Buckhorn. As an official Trail Town, Buckhorn knows exactly how to cater to boaters and paddlers. You’ll find a Foodland and Home Hardware where you can fuel up before your expedition, and if you want to treat yourself to a pre-paddle overnight and get an early start in the morning, The Mystic at Big Bald Lake is a good bet.
Take Day 1 to warm up with your shortest paddle of the trip, approximately 12.5 km. You’ll be following the north shore of Lower Buckhorn Lake for most of the paddle so the navigation should be easy. The lake’s rocky islands are picturesque, and you’ll also be paddling by the non-operational Wolf Island Provincial Park. If the sites appeal to you crown land camping is free, but don’t expect any amenities.
Otherwise, carry on and pitch your tent at Lock 30 on Lovesick Lake, or choose the Burleigh Falls Inn if you’d like to pamper yourself.
Set out on Day 2 towards Young’s Point. This is your longest day at 22km, and it begins with a beautiful view that will show you how Stony Lake got its name. Turn south and hug the east shore of Clear Lake, however, to make your way down to Young’s Point. If you’re bushed camping is available at Lock 27, or there’s a roofed accommodation option at the Old Bridge Inn. Dining at Lock 27 Tap & Grill provides yet another way to relax lockside.
If you’ve still got the energy, continue through the lock towards Lakefield where tent camping is available at Lock 26. Multiple food options are a short walk away.
Day 3’s distance is only 16.5 km but includes seven locks, so you’ll need to budget time accordingly. Enjoy your trip down the Otonabee River, where the narrow passage provides a good view of each bank and you’ll pass directly through the Trent University campus. You’ll be in Peterborough before you know it, with passage through the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock in Peterborough as your grand finale.
You’ve just completed a three-day paddle along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway—why not reflect on the journey at The Canadian Canoe Museum? There’s a takeout right at the Museum docks, or at nearby Roger’s Cove Beach.
Other options:
- No paddlecraft, or not comfortable striking out on your own just yet? Lovesick Kayaking is a great solution. Rent a premium touring kayak and explore Lovesick Lake and beyond with the help of a certified paddle instructor
- For a two-day excursion, the McCrackens Landing to Peterborough route will allow to experience some similar terrain
- For a single-day paddle, the Buckhorn to McCrackens Landing is a great choice
Rosedale Figure 8 (33km/2 nights)
Think of Rosedale as the middle of a bowtie and you’ll have a good idea of the trip you’re about to make. With Balsam Lake to the west and Cameron Lake to the east, and plenty of points of interest scattered around both, you’ve easily got two days of exploration.
Put in at Lock 35 in Rosedale. This is a secluded and green station, and the place you’ll return to for your overnight stay. It offers three tiers of accommodation, depending on your preference—tent camping, a unique oTENTik, or the Rosedale rustic cabin.
Once you’ve launched, take a tour around Cameron Lake (approximately 17.5 km). Around the halfway point you’ll find Fenelon Falls, another TSW Trail Town full of attractions. Grab a pint at the Fenelon Falls Brewing Company or a butter tart at the Little Pie Shack, learn about the history of the region at Maryboro Lodge Museum, or browse the Colborne Street Gallery.
When you’ve returned to Lock 35, stretch your legs with a walk around Dewey’s Island Nature Reserve, a 3km hiking trail on the north side of the lock where you’ll see the remains of a 19th log chute.
On your second day, you’ll be exploring Balsam Lake. At the north end of the lake lies Indian Point Provincial Park. There are no facilities, but its long undeveloped shoreline makes for serene paddling. On the other side of the point is Balsam Lake Provincial Park, which does offer beaches, trails, and more. Since you’ll be paddling, though, you have the option of pulling up on Grand Island and swimming on its sandy shorelines.
Return to Lock 35 for another overnight, or grab dinner in Coboconk before heading home.
Campbellford > Percy Reach (11.5km/1 day)
For an easy day’s paddle, Campbellford to Percy Reach is a great bet. There’s a floating dock at Lock 13 that serves as a put-in, and means you begin your day with a bit of urban paddling. You may want to visit Campbellford before you even launch, as the town is packed with attractions.
Campbellford features a giant novelty toonie (an excellent photo op), movie theatre, locally famous bakery Dooher’s, and more. The town’s natural centrepiece is Ranney Gorge, a stunning rock formation spanned by a suspension bridge. There are hiking trails in nearby Ferris Park too, but be sure to check out Ranney Gorge at the very least.
After you leave town, you’ll encounter three more locks. Lock 8 – Percy Reach makes a good natural stopping point for your journey, though if you head back upstream or stop early, the Ôasis pods at locks 9 and 10 make for a very memorable stay. These unique teardrop-shaped spaces are an ideal glamping experience, and regular tenting sites are also available.
