For safety reasons, Parks Canada is delaying the opening of the 2017 navigation season on the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal by one week, until Friday, May 26th.
The opening of the season was originally scheduled for Friday, May 19th, but high water levels and flows caused by extreme amounts of precipitation have resulted in unsafe boating conditions across both waterways.
Until May 26th, both the Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal will remain closed to all boat traffic and all forms of water-based activities are discouraged.
Parks Canada indicates the closure will also protect boater safety and help to prevent further shoreline erosion and property damage experienced by local residents and businesses.
During the week prior to May 26th, Parks Canada will continue to make adjustments to restore safe conditions in preparation for the navigation season.
While lock stations will be closed to boats, land-based visitors are welcome to visit the lock stations effective Friday, May 19th, where staff will be on hand to welcome them.
When the waterway opens for the season on May 26th, Parks Canada offering free seasonal lockage permit for 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The permit allows free passage through the lock systems on all of Parks Canada’s national historic canals throughout the entire 2017 navigation season, including the Trent-Severn Waterway.
A seasonal overnight mooring permit is also available at a cost of $9.80 per foot. The seasonal mooring permit is valid for overnight mooring at seven national historic canals (including the Trent-Severn Waterway), two national parks and one national marine conservation area.
The seasonal overnight mooring permit is valid for the entire navigation season. Mooring is on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are allowed.
Visit the Parks Canada website to order a free seasonal lockage permit and the seasonal overnight mooring permit.
Whether you’re a boater or not, if you want to visit Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservations areas, admission is also free for 2017. The 2017 Discovery Pass will provide free admission for the entire year to Parks Canada locations across Canada.
Find out more about the 2017 Discovery Pass and how to order it at the Parks Canada website. Note that some fees still apply, including camping, special events, firewood, and more.
Trent-Severn Waterway 2017 Hours of Operation
May 26 to June 25
- Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
June 26 to September 4
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday (and Canada Day, the Civic Holiday, and Labour Day): 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 5 to October 9
- Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday (and Thanksgiving): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Note: Lock stations are unstaffed after hours and unpermitted access to lock stations is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
For more information about the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site, visit www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern.
