Trent Severn Waterway - Part 1

 

The Trent – Severn Waterway, a National Historic site of Canada is a natural and manmade waterway that meanders nearly 400 km (279 miles) across central Ontario, linking Georgian Bay to the Bay of Quinte. During our travels we will transit all 45 locks on the system including the Peterborough and Kirkfield lift locks as well as the Big Chute Marine Railway.

Built in 1904 the Peterborough Lift Lock remains an engineering achievement of international renown because it was the highest hydraulic lift lock ever built and was once reputed to be the largest concrete structure in the world.

We departed the marina to catch the first lockage at 9am at Lock 1. Travelling 14 miles, we transited 7 locks on day one, tying up on the top side of Glen Ross lock for the night.

Boats entering Lock 1

Four boats rafted in Lock 1. Up, up we go!

All along our travels, the water flow has been robust and spillways gushing with water overflowing and the Trent System was no exception, as demonstrated by this spillway in full flow.

Glen Ross was a quiet stop with just 3 boats overnighting on the lock wall. Our only excitement was watching two teenage boys climbing the now defunct railway bridge and jumping into the canal from two thirds up the bridge. 

That's one heck of a way to cool off. Certainly not for me.

The locks are getting taller and today, there were several boats in each lock.

As shown here, we were required to raft up and the photo below is a small run-about boat that rafted to us.

The waterway is becoming more picturesque, especiall on a beautiful sunny day.

It was a gorgeous, sunny day on the water. As we approached the Ranney Falls flight lock, the Ranney Falls suspension bridge was in front of us. This 300’ bridge hovers 30’ above the gorge, just south of the falls. Not one for heights, Susann opted out of visiting the bridge and we proceeded to the lock.

This flight lock is a two-stage lock, entering the first chamber then proceeding into the second chamber. The combined lift here is 48’ and staring at the lock gates on approach is somewhat intimidating. Below is the Ranney Falls Suspension bridge from the river.

Chamber #1

Ranney Falls flight lock (two consecutive chambers). That massive door ahead is somewhat intimidating when one rounds the bend and is faced with this massive door. The double chamber lifts the boats 56 feet.

Chamber 1 lifting up to enter chamber 2 behind the doors.

Chamber #2.

Campbellford

Arriving in Campbellford mid-morning, we had plenty of time to do some re-provisioning before dinner out for cooks night off. After dinner there was a free concert in the park adjacent to the dock wall. We enjoyed the music from up on the top of the boat until the heavens opened up and cut the concert short.

Emilie B & Knot Kaos, both American Tugs tied on the wall in Campbellford, next to the giant "toonie".

Campbellford's giant toonie.

Campbellford is home to the designer of Canada's toonie ($2 coin).

Scotts Mills & Peterborough

Scott’s Mills, lock 19 on the Trent Severn Waterway is located at the south edge of Peterborough. The lock, one of the oldest on this waterway was constructed in 1837 with completion in 1843.

This is the only lock left with its original hand quarried limestone walls.

Approaching Scott's Mills Lock

The dam here creates quite a current, especially during extended periods of rain, hence this worked well for the workings of grist mills of bygone eras.

The lock is still manually operated

Little Lake Marina, Peterborough 

We spent just one night at Peterborough Marina. Saturday is concert in the park and the crowds gather. We were able to listen from the comfort of the upper deck of our boat.

Next morning we headed out to Ashburnham lock, followed by the famous Peterborough Lift Lock.

We were not alone. Several other boaters were planning an early start on this Sunday morning.

This was one of the few locks where we were joined by several other boats in the lock.

The basin on the left side is preparing for boats to enter and tie off. Once the boats are loaded from the top and lower levels, the water levels will be adjusted so that the upper basin at the top on the right will raise and lower the basins, allowing the boats to exit,

Up, up we go!

Exiting at the top.

Peterborough to Lovesick

A quiet, sunny Sunday, traveling through parts of Canada's cottage country, equipped with fun summer toys

No shortage of marshy, weedy river today. The proliferation of white and yellow water lilies was spectacular. 

All along the Trent Severn Waterway, we have seen swift moving waters, as evidenced with the swirling buoy marker. This is due in part to recent heavy rainfalls.

Our arrival at the serene lock 26 in Lakefield.

The mature trees provided some much appreciated shade during the hot, humid days.

This was one of our favorite stops so far.