Lock & Paddle
Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site
Parks Canada’s annual Lock & Paddle event combines colour and community as canoes and kayaks from all around descend upon the historic canals and waterways for a day like no other. Get your friends and family together, decorate your vessel, and come take part in a story you’ll be telling for years to come.
Plus, with the Canada Strong Pass, enjoy free lockage from June 19 to September 7. It’s the perfect time to explore this incredible waterway.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Peterborough Lift Lock
(353 Hunter Street E, Peterborough, ON)
Other Lock & Paddle events:
- Rideau Canal - Hartwells Lock (Ottawa)
Saturday, August 15, 2026 - Lachine Canal - Saint-Gabriel Lock (Montreal)
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Getting here
Plan ahead and decide where you will launch your canoe or kayak in order to reach the event. Access for this event is from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock only, not the top. Experienced paddlers may choose one of the nearby options and enjoy a paddle from Little Lake, through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (30-60 minutes to lock through or move more quickly by carrying your paddlecraft across the land), and onwards to the Peterborough Lift Lock. The paddle from Lock 20 - Ashburnham to the Peterborough Lift Lock averages 20 minutes. Beginners, or those with accessibility needs, can enter the waterway at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre on-site at the event. Paddlecraft will need to be transported to the water from the parking lot.
- Beavermead Campground (free parking) - 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
- 5-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Rogers Cove (free parking) - 131 Maria Street, Peterborough
- 5-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Millennium Park (nearby paid parking) - 130 King Street, Peterborough
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Del Crary Park (nearby paid parking) - 100 George Street, Peterborough
- 35-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Eastgate Memorial Park (free parking) - 2150 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
- 250 m portage from parking to paddle-access dock north of Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (free parking) - 2155 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
- 250 m portage from parking to paddle-access dock north of Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre* - 353 Hunter Street East, Peterborough (Drop-off only)
*Reserved for accessibility needs and beginner paddlers
Lock & Paddle Portage Guide
Lock & Paddle Parking Guide
There will be no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Accessible Parking Permits). A paddlecraft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre for beginner paddlers only. Paddlecraft must be transported to the water from the parking lot.
Rules and requirements
- All-ages and skill levels welcome;
- No stand up paddleboards;
- No inflatable vessels (stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or otherwise);
- All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
- Smoke-free and cannabis-free event;
- Alcohol-free event;
- Pets on boats are not encouraged;
- Respect your fellow paddlers!
Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be permitted to enter the tubs.
What to bring
Note: This is a rain or shine event. Dress for the weather.
- Canoe or kayak
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each paddler
- Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, and bailer for each boat
- Watertight flashlight
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water bottle
- A smile!
Gear and rental options
Don’t have your own boat or gear but still want to make a splash? Check out these local rental options:
-
Wild Rock Outfitters
(169 Charlotte Street, Peterborough, Ontario) -
Liftlock Paddle Co
(Online registration only) -
Beavermead Campground
(2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, Ontario) -
Adventure Outfitters
(1828 8th Line, Lakefield, Ontario) -
Cottage Toys
(37 Concession Street, Lakefield, Ontario) -
Kawartha Adventure Rentals
(6401 Hwy 28, Woodview, Ontario)
Parking
There will be no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Accessible Parking Permits). A paddlecraft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre for beginner paddlers only. Paddlecraft must be transported to the water from the parking lot.
Parking options nearby
- Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (2155 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
- Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
- Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
- Rogers Cove (131 Maria Street, Peterborough)
- Peterborough Museum & Archives (Ashburnham Memorial Park, Top of Museum Drive at 300 Hunter Street East, Peterborough)
Media
Want to share your amazing Lock & Paddle photos? Use the #LockandPaddle hashtag on your favorite social media platform and let the world see your paddling adventures!
Lock & Paddle 2024
Lock & Paddle 2023
Lock & Paddle 2019
Lock & Paddle 2018
Lock & Paddle 2017
Lock & Paddle 2016
Media requests
Looking to cover Lock & Paddle for your audience? Reach out to trentsevern@pc.gc.ca for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional questions, please email us at: trentsevern@pc.gc.ca
Do I need to register for Lock & Paddle?
No! For Lock & Paddle, participants are not required to register in advance of the event. However, we will have staff on site throughout the event should you have any questions during the event.
Why isn’t there a single start time?
This event has become incredibly popular and we want to welcome as many paddlers as possible, in a way that is comfortable and safe for all visitors. Our hope is that by opening this window of time, we can safely provide multiple rides up and down, while minimizing wait times and easing congestion. We will continuously lock through paddlers from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Our team works diligently to keep everyone safe during this event and we appreciate your patience with this adjustment. We are enthusiastic to welcome the crowds of paddlers!
Once we go up the Lift Lock in our paddlecraft, can we get out at the top and keep paddling?
No. Unlike regular boat travel, this event loads from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock, takes you on a ride up, and then lowers back down without any paddlecraft exiting the chambers. You will start and end at the bottom.
Can I participate with a Stand Up Paddleboard?
No. Stand up paddleboards (SUP) are not recommended on the waterway due to increased boat traffic, and are prohibited in all locks.
Can I participate in an inflatable kayak, canoe, raft, or other inflatable vessel?
No. Inflatable vessels are not permitted at this event.
Do we still have to pay lockage fees?
Lockage will be free at Lock 20 - Ashburnham and Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock for all paddling participants of Lock & Paddle on Saturday, July 18. Additionally, enjoy free lockage across the entire Trent-Severn Waterway until September 7th as part of the Canada Strong Pass initiative.
Where does the event start? Where do I put my vessel in?
The event begins at the Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock. Vessels can be loaded into water at various locations. See: Getting here
Can I park at the Peterborough Lift Lock?
There will be no parking at the Peterborough Lift Lock for paddle participants. Only those with accessible parking permits will be accommodated. See: Getting Here
Can I bring my pet?
For safety reasons, and the comfort of fellow paddlers, we recommend that pets stay on land, rather than in your paddlecraft.
After we paddle up the locks, how do I get back to my car?
When Lock & Paddle concludes, you can paddle to the closest launch option to your vehicle. Portage options are available around Lock 20 - Ashburnham, but we do recommend planning to get picked up at Rogers Cove or the Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters. See: Getting Here
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