Passes and permits

Starting June 1st, 2020

Starting June 1, 2020 the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site will offer limited visitor access and basic services along the entire system.

Visitors will be able to access the following services and facilities:

  • lockage, boat launches, access points and mooring areas;
  • day-use areas, including green spaces, picnic areas, and parking lots;
  • day-use trails, including some cycling access on designated trails and pathways;
  • lockstation grounds; and
  • public toilets where enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented
  • camping (For boaters, paddlers and vessels under power only)

Visiting the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site will be different than it has been in the past. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site website before they travel.

Various passes or permits are required for transiting through the locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway, and for mooring overnight at lockstations. Visitors travelling by boat or paddlecraft (kayaks and canoes) will be required to show permits for lockage and/or overnight mooring.

General information
  • Vessel length is used to calculate lockage and mooring fees
  • Vessels 12ft and under are charged a minimum rate for all permits
  • Permits are valid only during the year of issue and are not transferable or refundable
  • Seasonal lockage, mooring or transit decals must be affixed to the vessel
  • Vessels towing a boat (aluminum, fiberglass, rubber dinghy or personal watercraft) regardless of size, with or without an engine, will require a lockage permit for the towed craft
  • A mooring permit for a towed vessel is also a requirement

Boating and paddling

Purchase your lockage and mooring permits

Permits are available for purchase at most lock stations.

Purchase by phone

Phone number: 1-888-773-8888

Permit types
Seasonal lockage:
  • Allows passage through any number of locks throughout the entire navigation season
6-day permit:
  • Allows passage through any number of locks on any six days
1-day permit:
  • Allows passage through any number of locks in a single day
Transit permit:
  • One-way travel through the entire Trent-Severn Waterway system
Single Lockage and Return permit:
  • Fee charged to travel through and then return by the same lock station.
Overnight mooring permit:
  • Allows boaters to stay overnight at lockstations on a first-come first-served basis

Camping

Camping permits are issued on a first-come first served basis at most lockstations at the discretion of the lockmaster.

  • Fees are determined by group size
  • Boaters with overnight mooring permits camp for free

More information about camping at lockstations

Visitor guidelines

Before you visit the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic site, please read and review the rules and regulations that help protect this special place. All visitors who transit the locks and stay overnight are expected to understand and follow these guidelines.

See all Visitor Guidelines