Trip Rating
Description: The Trent-Severn Waterway is a canal system that stretches across 386 kilometers. It connects Lake Ontario at Trenton to Georgian Bay in Severn. The waterway comprises of 44 locks, some of which are quite interesting while others are uneventful. This canal system was constructed in the late 19th century to cater to commercial and transportation purposes. However, these days, it primarily serves as a recreational waterway for boaters. There is a lot to explore along the way, but keep in mind the high levels of boat traffic.
Launch Spot Options:
Option 1: I was at a work retreat at Scotsman Point Resort when I did this trip. I highly recommend it for some reasonably priced cabins to camp at. It was a very friendly spot. I am unsure if they still allow transient launching, but you could call and ask.
Option 2: A better option would be Buckhorn Yacht Harbour. They have a big parking lot, a launch and restrooms.
Regardless of your launch spot choice, you will need a lock pass. Here is how to get one: LINK. Here is the camping information for the locks: LINK
Trip Length: As I said above, I was at a work retreat, so I made this crazy day trip to avoid “peopling”. While I regret nothing of my decision, I don’t think I would do it like this again. I would break it into 2 or even 3-day trips in the future.
As you can see below, this trip was rushed in terms of planning. I made a wrong turn at the end and managed to miss the last lock. I will get more into detail below. In the future, I’d do one trip up the Mississauga River and a separate trip to Burleigh Falls.
A few years earlier, I was in the area, and I did a very short paddle to see Burleigh Falls. I wanted to go back and see it properly one day, so when I found out we were having a work weekend near Buckhorn, I knew it would be an opportunity. I loaded up my gear and headed up the river from Scottsman Point towards Lock 31. When I made it to town, I saw the lock immediately. It’s a pretty standard one, but there is a lot of atmosphere in town, and there are some bars and restaurants you can moor beside to get food. It’s a pretty cool place.
After passing through, the scenery changed from the small town to more of what you would picture from Muskoka. I was pretty quickly hit with a decision: should I continue to the falls or explore the Mississauga River? I decided to go up the river and see if there was a rapid to play in. The answer was, yes there was, but not at the time of year I was there. I did, however, get a different kind of excitement. My friend BooBoo welcomed me and scared the poop out of me.
Otherwise, the river was quite pretty, albeit not that noteworthy. As I continued my way back down the Trent, the thing that overwhelmingly stuck out to me was the volume, speed, and noise of the boat traffic. It can be daunting at times, and you need to be self-aware. I did think the houseboats with the spinning wheels on the back were cool; they also make a nice wave you can try and catch as they go by.
Even though it doesn’t look like it on the map, there are a lot of channels and islands to explore, especially near Wolf Island Provincial Park. Amazingly, this is a non-operating backcountry park, so you can camp here. Here is the link for more information. Wolf Island Provincial Park
After the Provincial Park, it is time for Lock #28. They are fun to go through, but they are not that spectacular. Once through the lock, I just needed to paddle around the bend to see the falls. The last time I was here it was late October. It was isolated, the colours were on full display, and it was a bit cold. THe only other people there were a few whitewater kayakers running the falls. This time was a very different story. People were everywhere!
For comparison, here are a few pictures from the fall trip:
The takeaway is that this is a much better trip in the fall than in the summer. After thoroughly exploring the falls and the surroundings, it was time to head home. My camera managed to die at this point but luckily, save the wrong turn I made, I just traced my steps back home.
Apres Options: This was a solo trip, so I didn’t go out for any food. Although those bars on the side of Lock #31 looked really fun and I would definitely try them next time.
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This trip would require a minimum of level 2 or higher skills, depending on the conditions.
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