Trent-Severn Waterway
Dayana Moreno
Boaters in search of the perfect northern getaway must visit The Trent-Severn Waterway.
The waterway is a Canadian canal system that was formerly used for commercial purposes
but is now used exclusively for pleasure boats. Its main natural waterways include
the Trent River, Otonabee River, the Kawartha Lakes, Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching
and the Severn River. And while it's possible to journey the entire 386-kilometres
from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay in about a week, you'll likely want to take your
time and enjoy everything The Trent-Severn Waterway has to offer.
Open for navigation from May until October, you can spend your days anchored in
solitude, or you can visit one of the passing communities such as Trenton, Peterborough,
Lindsay, Barrie and Orillia.
According to the www.candianencyclopedia.com,
"The waterway consists of 44 locks, some 75 control dams, 15 swing bridges
and 2 marine railways (at Big Chute). Two of the locks, at Peterborough and Kirkfield,
are hydraulic-lift locks, which are unique in North America and among the highest
in the world. Locks overcome a rise of 182m to the summit at Balsam Lake and then
a drop of 80m to Lake Huron."
But don't spend too much time idling. Make sure to soak in all of the rich history
that surrounds the area.
According to www.wikipedia.com, the waterway
passes through some archeologically noteworthy areas such as the Petroglyphs, Serpent
Mounds, numerous conservation areas and First Nation communities.
The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough is home to the world's largest collection
of canoes and kayaks. According to www.realontario.ca,
the "Dramatic new exhibits tell the story of Aboriginal, French and British
cultures, taking you on a journey through a Mi'kmaq encampment, an original 1876
Se factories, cottaging and regattas."
And why not experience something truly unique. According to
www.soto.on.cal the highest point the waterway reaches is at Balsam Lake.
This happens to be the highest point on Earth to which a vessel can be navigated
from sea level.
For nature enthusiasts the waterway also showcases an abundance of preserved wildlife.
“Some of the most valuable wetlands remaining in Ontario are found along the
Trent River,” according to www.realontario.ca.
“Wetlands such as the vast Murray Marsh and Nappan Island marshes just above
Healey Falls provide valuable habitat for waterfowl, fish and aquatic wildlife,
and offer excellent opportunities for exploring by canoe.”
When you are ready for some water activities, try paddling the Kawarthas, kayaking
in Burleigh Falls, take a leisurely paddle on one of the many lakes and rivers or
try a more exhilarating experience with fast water and portages. Whatever activity
best suits your interest, the Trent-Severn waterway is sure to have what you are
looking for.
No boating trip is complete unless you have done a little fishing. According to
www.realontario.ca, "The waters in
an around the Trent Severn Waterway are rich in many species including pike, bass,
walleye (pickerel), trout, salmon, perch, and crappie. Discover some of the smaller
streams, ponds and bays that offer great fishing. A visit to the Harwood Fish Culture
Station on Rice Lake gives visitors a fascinating look at sport fishing in the region.
And, all visitors will delight in the sight of the salmon run up the Trent River
in the early spring."
You can find fuel, supplies, showers, repairs, sewage pump-out, boat rentals and
overnight mooring along the Trent-Severn marinas. You will also find many resorts,
restaurants and shops on route, creating the perfect detours along your trip. All
waterway lock stations offer drinking water and space for overnight tie-up. While
some provide picnic tables and clean washrooms (some even offer space for the adventurous
and outdoorsy boater to camp).
Today the Trent Severn Waterway has turned into an area rich in history, wildlife
and scenery that attracts boaters and travelers from all areas.