The Great Loop
One of North America's grandest adventures includes the Trent-Severn Waterway
What Is the Great Loop?
The Trent-Severn Waterway is part of the Great Loop, a continuous system of waterways that spans the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada. This iconic boating route includes the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the New York State Canals, the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Great Lakes, the inland river system, and the Gulf of Mexico.
While the route includes a small portion of open ocean, the majority consists of inland waterways—lakes, rivers, and canals—making it, as described by the Boomershines (a family who completed the Loop), “high adventure, low-risk.”
Along the way, boaters can take scenic side trips to destinations like Toronto, Tobermory, and Montreal, but the Trent-Severn Waterway makes up a significant portion of the Canadian section of one of the main routes. It just might be one of the most scenic parts of the Great Loop—but we might be a little biased! The entire Great Loop stretches approximately 9,700 km (6,000 miles).
The journey can take as little as two months for those moving quickly, but most boaters take about a year to complete it at a more leisurely pace. Some choose to break it up and complete the route in segments over multiple seasons.
The Great Loop is one of North America’s greatest boating adventures. Those who complete it are known as “Loopers” and can be identified by a special flag, or “burgee,” provided by the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA). Members traveling the route fly a white burgee, while those who have completed the Loop once earn a gold burgee. Platinum burgees are reserved for those who have completed multiple Loops.
While it’s often thought that the Great Loop is reserved for large yachts, the journey can be completed on a variety of boats, including sailboats, trawlers, and smaller powerboats, making it an adventure accessible to boaters of all kinds.
The Great Loop is less about speed and more about the experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore North America’s waterways, while discovering vibrant communities along the way, such as the Trent-Severn Trail Towns. Each town offers something unique, and traveling the Loop gives you a fresh perspective to experience them.
The Trent-Severn Trail Towns are located along the Great Loop, and this website serves as a valuable resource for boaters navigating the route. Here, you’ll find Trail Town-friendly businesses that act as community ambassadors, offering amenities and services to support visitors. These businesses can help direct you to local tourist information and essential amenities to enhance your journey.
Burgees for boaters who have completed the Great Loop
Resources to Learn More About the Great Loop
