A luxurious houseboat is the perfect way to experience the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway
Between The Canadian Canoe Museum and the newly established base for premium houseboat company Le Boat, it’s clear Peterborough is a major draw for anyone looking to get on the water. Head north or south along the Trent-Severn Waterway from Peterborough, and either way you’ll be rewarded with pristine corridors of green and wide, shining lakes.
This particular itinerary will take you from Peterborough to Campbellford and back. We recommend spreading the journey over as many as seven nights, to give you the chance to savour each stop and be sure you don’t need more than 3-4 hours of cruising per day.
The itinerary below is broken down by location, and you can decide where to spend more or less time as your curiosity demands. Just be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss the last lockage of the day.
Remember a permit is required for lockage and overnight moorage. Need to rent a boat for the occasion? The above-mentioned Le Boat location is ideal. You can also visit our Boating page for details.
As the largest city you’ll encounter on this trip, it makes sense to get your supplies here.
However, there’s much more to do than just hit the grocery store. You won’t have to actually cross the Peterborough Lift Lock since your journey begins further south, but you should still take a minute to visit this engineering marvel. This is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, a feat that’s all the more impressive when you realize it was built in 1904. Visit the nearby Museum and Archives to learn more.
Also nearby is the aforementioned The Canadian Canoe Museum, a must-visit for anyone with an interest in watercraft.
If you’re visiting in summer, treat yourself to a free Musicfest concert on the shores of Little Lake. The tempting dining options are too many to list, but you can visit here to find restaurants, or see who caters specifically to boaters on Peterborough’s Trent-Severn Trail Town page.
Once you leave Peterborough, there’s only Lock 19 – Scott’s Mills between you and a lovely stretch of the Otonabee River. When you reach the open water of Rice Lake, it’s just a matter of cruising into Hastings.
If there are any fisherpeople in your group, chances are they’ll be looking forward to this stop. Hastings’ status as a fishing town is commemorated by Pisces Pete, a large stainless steel walleye sculpture found at 3 Dit Clapper Drive.
If you have a sweet tooth, Bridgewater Coffee and Pizza is a popular spot along Kawarthas Northumberland’s Butter Tart Tour. Across the street is McGillicafey’s Pub, where you can enjoy a pint or dine lockside.
Overnight mooring is available at Lock 18 and Hastings Village Marina.
You might eventually be able to persuade the fishing enthusiasts to leave Hastings by tempting them with a visit to Healey Falls.
This is something to see, with a series of cascading falls rushing to the Trent River below. When the water is flowing it’s a major force, though the appearance can be less dramatic at drier times.
Locks 15-17 will take you through Healey Falls en route to Lock 14 and Campbellford.
All good things must come to an end, but the upshoot of taking a return trip is that all your favourite parts get an encore. If you still have a few days left on your vacation, take it slow and revisit the highlights of the trip, or relax in those spots you noticed but didn’t quite have time for first time out.
There’s always more to see and do—browse the itineraries below for more daytrip and overnight suggestions around Kawarthas Northumberland.
Explore the TSW FROM PETERBOROUGH A luxurious houseboat is the perfect way to experience the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway Between The Canadian Canoe Museum and the newly established base for premium houseboat company Le Boat, it’s clear Peterborough is a major draw for anyone looking to get on the water. Head north or south along the Trent-Severn
Houseboat the TSW Explore the historic Trent-Severn Waterway from the comfort of your houseboat with this five-day itinerary There’s something magical about a houseboat. With everything you need on board, you’re free to follow your curiosity and take your time on a water-based vacation. What’s more, the scenic corridors that open into beautiful lakes and
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