Calendar of events

Join Parks Canada and hundreds of your fellow paddlers across Ontario and Quebec for this free mass paddling event on the historic canals and waterways. Paddlers of all skills levels and backgrounds will come together July 20 at three participating national historic sites in Peterborough, Ottawa and Montreal for a special event celebrating our colourful community of paddlers. Launch your canoe or kayak alongside new friends and family and come experience this one-of-a-kind event with Parks Canada.

What is Lock & Paddle?

Since 2017, Lock & Paddle has been a signature community paddling event held annually on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lock & Paddle is best described as a ‘flash mob’ or ‘critical mass’ of canoes and kayaks. Visitors of all skills and backgrounds are invited to come together and pack the locks for this one-day event celebrating these historic treasures. Paddlers from all around will travel to be a part of this unique show.

What locks are participating?

Lock & Paddle will take place at 3 separate sites in Ontario and Quebec on the same day (July 20).

• Trent-Severn Waterway - Peterborough Lift Lock (Peterborough, ON)
• Rideau Canal - Hartwells Lock (Ottawa, ON)
• Lachine Canal - Lock 3 (Montreal, QC)

Where do I get more information?

Each lock will provide more detailed information about their event on their websites and social media as it becomes available. Please continue to follow along for updates, and check back here for links to the individual event pages.