Lockage and navigation

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Discover how easy it is to navigate the Trent-Severn Waterway using the techniques and tips boaters have relied upon for over a hundred years of travel. Locking through this historic system is your gateway to the lakes, rivers, and cottage towns that await you around every bend. Study up on the key resources and trip planning information you will need to ensure you have safe and memorable experience every time you visit.

Lockage

Hours of operation

Seasonal lockstation hours, public holidays, last lockage

Passes and permits

Lockage permits, mooring permits, where to purchase

Locking through safely

Approaching the lock, entering and exiting, inside the chamber

Navigation

Navigation data

Average lift, lock length and width, bridge clearances, lock distances

Navigational aids

Beacons and buoys, speed limit signs, buoyage reversal

Nautical charts

Which charts you need, where to buy them, other navigation safety regulations

Technical data

Water depth, minimum overhead, operational length

Brochures and publications

Visitor map, fees and hours card, boating safely booklet

Visitor safety

Visitor guidelines

Fires, fishing, swimming, smoking, pets, drone photography

Historic Canals Regulations

Speed limits, no wake zones, towing activities, fines

How to stay safe near dams

Hazards, strong currents, safety booms and barriers

In the event of an emergency

  • Call 9-1-1 or *OPP (*677)
  • Search and Rescue - Marine VHF distress Channel 16 (continuously monitered)
    • The distress call, MAYDAY, indicates that the station sending the signal is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance
    • The message, PANPAN, means that the sender requires help on an urgent basis

    Boating search and rescue operations in Ontario are jointly coordinated by the Ontario Provincial Police, the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Coast Guard and other agencies.

  • You can also call the Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton at 1-800-267-7270 and report your situation

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