July 27, 2015 - On the Trent-Severn Canal

We have made it to the Trent-Severn waterway! A key spot that boaters target is Trenton, the “gateway” to the Trent-Severn waterway, which is 240 miles long. This waterway was built without a plan over 90 years, not built for commercial or military purposes, and takes many twists and turns across Ontario. By 1780 the Canadians were looking for a good route to move goods and people from Northern to Southern Canada to avoid potential military intervention by the U.S. This was the birth of the idea for the Trent-Severn, but it met much opposition throughout the coming years. By 1815 the idea was dropped as an option because it wasn’t considered a military necessity. In the late 1800’s, trains were carrying lumber but, because they couldn’t reach all the areas along the water, steamboats began carrying supplies to the waterfront areas and pressure was exerted to build locks to connect lakes and rivers to facilitate steamboat travel. After numerous delays, the Trent-Severn waterway was finally opened on July 6, 1920. It had taken more than 90 years and cost over $19 million. While some modernization has taken place over the years, most of the locks and dams are more than 75 years old and many are operated manually.

By the time we reach the end of the Trent-Severn we will have traversed 42 locks! Yikes! We both admit that locking is one of our least favorite things on this trip but the folks working the locks have been tremendous! 

We left Trenton (now called Quinta West) yesterday (Sunday) and arrived at the first lock past Campbellford, Ontario for the night. We tied to the lock wall for the night and had a very peaceful and relaxing evening. It was a slow, frustrating day because there were three boats (including us) going through each of the locks so it took more time than we had hoped. Luckily, we were able to catch one more lock after the others dropped off for the night in Campbellford, so we had a head start on the others boats this morning. We arose early and rode our bikes to Campbellford for breakfast and then to a renown bakery for cream filled donuts to share with friends Mark and Vicki (Blue Willow). Today was a much better day of traveling because we had each of the locks to ourselves…NO other boats, so easy in and out!  Another plus for the day is that there are fewer locks so we’ve been able to travel at a decent speed for longer distances.

We made it through the last lock of the day, just before Peterborough, IN THE NICK OF TIME! We entered the lock with about 2 minutes to spare before they closed for the night. Unfortunately, we are restricted on our travel times because of the hours of lock operation. They open at 9 and close at 5:30 during the week. On weekends they continue to operate until 6:30. Luckily, we were able to get through that last lock and to our destination - Peterborough Marina, where we reconnected with Looper friends Mark, Vicki & Daisy (sweet dog). Vicki had prepared a delicious dinner for us all, so we had a wonderful evening catching up on things we had each missed, and have now retired for the night. We are SO happy to be traveling again with Blue Willow and will finish the Loop together and be with them when they cross their wake in Petoskey. 

Entrance to the marina in Trenton

The marina office, boaters lounge, showers, restrooms, etc. Gorgeous new facility which just opened a couple of weeks ago.

A flagship facility in this less than impressive city. The hope is that the marina facility will attract boaters and help boost the economy.

The bridge in Trenton which is the gateway to the Trent-Severn Canal

Trenton has recently been combined with other surrounding communities to now be named part of Quinte West.

This is the first sign graffiti we have seen in Canada.

Entering one of the locks

The locks offer a great opportunity for young college-age students for summer employment. We found every single lock master and intern to be exceptionally nice, friendly, enthusiastic, and just plain WONDERFUL! They do a fantastic job of welcoming boaters to Canada.

This portion is a man-made canal.

Very pretty scenery along this portion of the Trent-Severn. In the distance you can see a footbridge used to cross the waterway.

This is one of two tiered locks we have encountered. See the tall blue wall at the far end? The first lock where the boats are entering raised us up, then the blue wall opened and we entered the second lock behind the blue door, which took us up the second tier. It is literally 2 locks connected together on the same site. 

You can see water leaking from the higher lock to the lower lock. These locks are very small, as they were not intended to accommodate large ships or barges. 

Very pretty scenery along the waterway

Lock doors closing behind us

Charming homes along the waterway and on Rice Lake