Music on the Water: Free Live Performances Along the Trent-Severn Waterway

Peterborough RETURN via Bobcaygeon

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Overview

A cruise northwards take you through the iconic lift lock in Peterborough and on to the open waters of Kawartha Lakes, reknown for their friendly lakeside towns and welcoming vacation vibe.

Top highlights:

• Pass through the world’s highest lift lock in Peterborough
• Kayaking in Burleigh Falls
• Bobcaygeon – a bustling and friendly tourist hotspot with a beach, boutiques and eateries. 

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Peterborough Lift Lock: The Peterborough Lift Lock (Lock 21) is one of only two hydraulic lift locks on the waterway as well as the highest lift lock in the world. If you want to know everything there is to know about the highest lift lock in the world, visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre right beside the lock.
• Lakefield: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Lakefield is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From its picturesque lakes and rivers to its lush forests and scenic trails, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this charming town. Enjoy a beautiful boardwalk along the Otonabee River and a lovely beach. 
• Young’s Point: Young’s Point (Lock 27) is a popular overnight mooring location for many boaters due to the beautiful park area next to it. Good fishing is also found at this lock. 
• Burleigh Falls: Recreational boating, particularly canoeing, has long been popular around Burleigh Falls. The area has also been popular with fishermen since the days of the pioneers and in recent years, the rapids have become a firm favourite among kayaking enthusiasts.
• Lovesick Island: Lovesick Lock (Lock 30) is located on an island, and therefore only accessible by boat – a unique feature on the Trent Severn Waterway. The natural beauty of the setting and island seclusion makes this lock station an extremely popular overnight stop.
• Buckhorn: Visit Adam and Eve rocks. This pair of large rocks, left behind by a glacier, comes with a romantic legend. Apparently, if a couple holds hand and touches them, their lives will be eternally blessed.
• Bobcaygeon: Bobcaygeon, pronounced “bounce ca-je-wan-unk”, is a popular tourist destination and is famous for being the home of the first lock in 1834. This town bustles with high-end shops and friendly service, offering something for just about everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the Bigley family of shoe and clothing stores or a chance to grab a famous Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone. Visit the beach or any of the cozy shops right next to the lock.

Peterborough RETURN via Campbellford

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Overview

Time to slow down, enjoy the water and the great outdoors and embrace the quiet villages and small-town charm on this leisurely cruise to the south of Peterborough.  

Top highlights:

• Fishing in Hastings
• The powerful tumbing water (when the gates are open) at Healey Falls
• Quaint shops and eateries in Campbellford 

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation

• Peterborough/Ashburnham: Known as the “Electric City”, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone.  Here you can find plenty of great shops and restaurants, as well as stellar local bakeries participating on the region’s famous ‘Butter Tart Tour, each serving up their take on this Canadian classic treat.
• Hastings: Hastings offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and marvel at the picturesque views of the shimmering water. Fishing enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise as the village is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities.
• Healey Falls: Take a walk to the dam, a short distance from the lock. If the gates are open, you’ll experience the power of the water as it crashes through the gates and tumbles down the rocky steps into the waterway below. 
• Campbellford: Immerse yourself in the surroundings of this picturesque town as you stroll along the downtown streets lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and inviting boutiques. Unique attractions include a swing bridge, the Memorial Military Museum, and a giant replica of Canada’s two-dollar coin. The town also has famous donuts, a cheese factory and a chocolate plant.