A quick stop in Trenton gave us the opportunity to refuel and provision before entering the Trent-Severn Waterway, a series of beautiful rivers and lakes connected by locks that run through the heart of Ontario.
Once we were set, we entered the waterway.
Observing the posted speed signs, we cruised the Trent River. The path was beautiful and there were many locks. Soon we had befriended other boats (Make It So & Anne Marie) as we all locked through together, again and again.
Our first night was spent on the lock wall at Frankford. We walked along the river to the very quiet, little town and found a small Greek restaurant with a lovely back patio. Other boaters joined us for a delicious dinner and Jib (Make It So) ordered a Caesar – like a Bloody Mary, but spicier and served with green beans on top.
The next day we cruised through more locks and took in the sights. We saw pods that looked like aliens had landed, but they were actually campsites that you can rent along the waterway.
We tied to the concrete wall in downtown Campbellford and wandered around the friendly, little town. Hmm, a make-your-own wine business. What a cool idea!
It was a pleasant cruise to Hastings, another small town.
We docked next to another Meridian (Her Idea) and walked the area around the cute town.
Next day we crossed Rice Lake and finally reached Peterborough Marina, with its colorful harbor fountain. We explored the town in the evening and enjoyed a good dinner with the most adorable bottle of Chianti!
A hazy morning got prettier and prettier as we headed toward the Peterborough Lock.
The Peterborough Lock is a large lift lock. You drive your boat into what is essentially a big bathtub of water and then are lifted up to the next waterway. It was a wonderful ride and a highlight of our trip!
We cruised past St Peters Church on-the-Rock (only accessible by boat) and on through increasingly crowded locks. Lock tenders along the way let us know which locks still had space to tie up for the night, and we spent a night at Burleigh Falls Lock.
The next morning we were told there was room at nearby Lovesick Lock, so we moved the boat there. It was such a beautiful stop! We hiked on Wolf Island, took a dinghy ride in search of ice cream (found it!) and had a fun campfire with two friendly Canadian couples and Karen & Tony – two Loopers (Long Recess) who had stopped at this lock as well. As I spoke with Karen, we realized that we’d met once before – last winter on Stock Island. It was a happy reunion!
The next day at Bobcaygeon, the lock walls were filled, but we hung around the area until a space finally opened, so we could dock and walk into town for dinner.
By now, we were traveling with several other Looper boats and spending time together along the route. We reached Fenelon Falls and worked to get everyone safely tied to the wall.
We explored the whimsical town, and enjoyed docktails with our friends from Long Recess, Her Idea, Sojourn, Fourth Dimension and Smile With the Rising Sun!
We crossed Lake Simcoe to reach Orillia – an artsy town where we had a fun evening with Jack and Meredith (Her Idea).
The next day we stopped for fish and chips at the infamous Waubic Restaurant, then continued traveling a very narrow and shallow path through “The Ditch.” It was a one-boat-wide lane, with plenty of sharp rocks along the edges.
We docked by the Big Chute Marine Railway and watched other boats being transported over land to the water on the other side of Route 17. From the ground, it was terrifying to watch!
The next day we took our turn through the Big Chute. We pulled onto the rail car behind two smaller boats, slings were pulled up around us, the entire contraption drove out of the water and over the street, and then lowered us gently into the water on the other side so we could continue our trip. It was a really cool ride and not nearly as terrifying as I thought!
The weather remained beautiful as we cruised the remainder of the Trent-Severn and through the very last lock. It had been a great trip, filled with new friends and thrilling experiences. Next, our plan is to take a break from the locks, head out to open water and explore the beautiful Georgian Bay!