Boating
The historic Trent-Severn Waterway is a national treasure—here's how to start exploring
Come on in, the water's fine!
A trail can be a rail trail, towpath, or hiking trail. In Kawarthas Northumberland, our “trail” is a waterway trail—our trail refers to the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada. With the support of Parks Canada, the Trent-Severn Trail Towns program is Canada’s first waterway trail town initiative.
The Trent–Severn Waterway is a 386-kilometre-long canal route (240 miles) connecting Lake Ontario at Trenton to Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, at Port Severn. There are 44 locks (the first was built in 1833) along the waterway including 36 conventional locks, two sets of flight locks and two hydraulic lift locks and roughly 32 kilometers (20 miles) of man-made channels. The waterway is a National Historic Site of Canada and its scenic, meandering route has been called “one of the finest interconnected systems of navigation in the world.”
There’s plenty of rich history to explore in the Trail Towns along the Trent-Severn Waterway, but nothing beats taking in the views from the lake at your own pace. Set your own itinerary with a houseboat vacation, plan an epic journey along the Great North America Loop, or just find a starting point for your adventure with our marinas and boat launch listings.
Houseboating
Houseboating is your gateway to a memorable vacation. Experience natural tranquility as you cruise past lush riverbanks, then enjoy the fun and energy of bustling cottage towns. Pursue your curiosity by taking in a concert and ascending the historic Peterborough lift lock, or just bask in family time with a waterside view.
Spacious, comfortable houseboats are available from several providers in Kawarthas Northumberland—see our Houseboating page for more.
The Great North American Loop
Did you know that if you’ve traveled on any of the lakes, rivers, or canals of the Trent-Severn Waterway or visited a Trent-Severn Trail Town, you’ve already experienced part of one of North America’s greatest boating adventures—the Great Loop!
The Trent-Severn Waterway and its Trail Towns are part of this incredible interconnected system of waterways that spans the U.S. and Canada. Click here to learn more about the Great Loop and this unforgettable journey.
Marinas and Boat Launches
Trail Town communities know how to cater to boaters, so helpful and well-equipped marinas are plentiful throughout the region. Head to our Marinas and Boat Launches pages to find out more about slips and other available services. Boat launch coordinates also make it easy to launch smaller boats from shore.
