Join Parks Canada at this free community paddling event on the last Saturday of summer, as together we celebrate the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site and take a ride to the top. Enjoy a paddle on the waterway alongside hundreds of colourful canoes and kayaks, before we pack the World’s Tallest Hydraulic Lift Lock and send you 65ft into the air. At the top, take in the spectacular view surrounded by the sounds of music and laughter, in the company of new friends and family.
Saturday, August 26 (3:00 pm)
Peterborough Lift Lock
(353 Hunter Street E, Peterborough, ON)
Lift your spirits
For this year’s theme, Lift Your Spirits, we invite you to show us what makes you happy. Decorate your vessel, wear a costume, or simply bring a smile. The return of Lock & Paddle is a joyful time to be outside on the water with your friends and family at a National Historic Site.
Getting here
Plan ahead and decide where you will launch your canoe or kayak in order to reach the event. Experienced paddlers may choose one of the nearby options and enjoy a short paddle on their way to the Lift Lock. Beginners, or those with accessibility needs, can enter the waterway at the Visitor Centre on-site at the event.
- Beavermead Campground - 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough (5-minute paddle to Lock 20)
- Rogers Cove - 131 Maria Street, Peterborough (5-minute paddle to Lock 20)
- Millennium Park - 130 King Street, Peterborough (20-minute paddle to Lock 20)
- Del Crary Park - 100 George Street, Peterborough (35-minute paddle to Lock 20)
- Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre - 353 Hunter Street East, Peterborough (Drop-off only)
Schedule
1:00 pm
Peterborough Lift Lock Visitors Center and Grounds Open
- Please note that parking at the Visitors Center is reserved for accessible permit holders; additional parking locations are listed below.
2:30 pm
Participants should be in their vessels and ready to load at the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock.
3:00 pm
First lockage begins, and additional lockages will follow if required.
Rules and requirements
- All-ages and skill levels welcome;
- All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
- Smoke-free / Alcohol-free event;
- 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:
-
Kawartha Outfitters
(Millennium Park near the Silver Bean, 1 King Street, Peterborough, Ontario) -
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)
Parking
There will be no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Handicapped Accessible signage). A paddlecraft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre.
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)
Media
Lock & Paddle 2023
Lock & Paddle 2019
Lock & Paddle 2018
Lock & Paddle 2017
Lock & Paddle 2016
Looking to cover Lock & Paddle 2023 for your media outlet? 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 2023, participants are not required to register in advance of the event. However, we will have information stations on site should you have any questions during the event.
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.
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 August 26.
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 handicapped accessible signs will be accommodated. See: Parking
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: Parking
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