Lock & Paddle

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.

Note: Travel times may vary depending on congestion, so please plan accordingly.

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.

Schedule

Get ready for an unforgettable day on the water! Paddling is free all day, and we're welcoming group lockages for paddlers, from 12 pm to 4 pm. Keep the excitement going with the City of Peterborough, hosting an afternoon of water-themed activities at the Beavermead Beach Party.

On-site at the Peterborough Lift Lock:

• Opening remarks will begin at 12 pm, but Lock & Paddle runs from 12 pm to 4 pm
• Enjoy live music, presented by Peterborough Musicfest, on the Le Boat Stage throughout the main event.
• Water bottle refills (accessible from your boat) and temporary restroom facilities will be available on site.

Imagine the thrill of entering from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock, riding up, and then descending back down with fellow paddlers. Please note, there will be no thru-paddling at the top between 12 pm and 4 pm.

This event begins at the lower reach of the Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock. Please do not plan to enter from the upper part.

For the best experience, we recommend entering the canal from Little Lake. If you choose this route, you’ll paddle through Lock 20 – Ashburnham, which adds an extra 30–60 minutes, and then continue to the Peterborough Lift Lock, which takes about 20 more minutes. Please note that congestion along the canal and at the locks may further increase travel times, especially during peak periods.

To save time, you can portage (carry your paddlecraft) around Lock 20 before paddling to Lock 21 or enter the water closer to Lock 21. Note that the Visitor Centre parking lot is only open for those with accessible parking permits. (See: Getting here)

Looking for a more relaxed experience? Avoid the crowds and enjoy free lockage during navigation hours in the morning and late afternoon on July 18th, or any day between June 19th and September 7th. Be sure to check our hours of operation for more details.

Rules and requirements

1. All-ages and skill levels welcome;
2. No stand up paddleboards;
3. No inflatable vessels (stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or otherwise);
4. All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
5. Smoke-free event;
6. Cannabis-free event;
7. Alcohol-free event;
8. No pets on boats;
9. No throwing beach balls or other objects inside the locks;
10. Participants must always remain seated;
11. 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. Wait times inside the lock can be long, so bring protection against the elements. Dress for the weather.

• Canoe or kayak
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each paddler must be worn
• Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, watertight flashlight, and bailer for each boat
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water bottle
• A smile!

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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)

Tips for making the most out of Lock & Paddle

• Remember, you’re on an active waterway

  Lock & Paddle takes place on an active waterway, so please move to the sides of the canal if a larger vessel is present.

• Be prepared for any weather

  Lock & Paddle is a rain-or-shine event, so please come ready for the conditions. Wait times inside the lock can be long, so be sure to bring protection from the elements and dress appropriately for the weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Washrooms are nearby

  Washrooms are available on-site at the Peterborough Lift Lock, with portable washrooms closer to the canal, or washrooms inside the Visitor Centre.

• Stay hydrated

  A water refill station is on-site and is accessible from your boat, so don’t forget a refillable water bottle. City of Peterborough team members will be on-site to assist paddlers in refilling their bottles without having to leave the water.

• Live music presented by Peterborough Musicfest

  Returning once again on the Le Boat Stage, live music presented by Peterborough Musicfest!

• Lock & Paddle expands to Beavermead Park with the City of Peterborough

  Looking for more Lock & Paddle fun? Join the City of Peterborough for a Beavermead Beach Party! Celebrate your lock and paddle adventure and connect with other paddlers. Check out a variety of vendors and grab a free, limited-edition sticker!

  Learn more on the City of Peterborough website

• Prepare for a safe and successful paddle

  Prepare to paddle: familiarize yourself with your vessel and ensure it is water ready for this very busy event. Be sure to practice your paddling skills in advance. This event is extremely crowded, and space in the lock is limited; contact with other paddlecrafts is likely. We recommend that this not be your first paddling experience.

  Take advantage of the Canada Strong Pass from June 19 to September 7, 2026 and enjoy free lockage to practice at a Trent-Severn Waterway lock near you. Lock staff are always happy to help introduce you to the system.

  Learn more about the Canada Strong Pass

Thank you to our supporters

• City of Peterborough
• Peterborough Musicfest
• Le Boat
• ORCKA - Ontario Recreational Canoe & Kayak Association

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!

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