Parks Canada is delaying the scheduled opening of the Trent-Severn Waterway due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The waterway was originally scheduled to open on Friday, May 15th, but is now delayed until at least Sunday, May 31st. The earliest the waterway will open for navigation is Monday, June 1st.
The navigation season usually runs every year from the first Friday of the Victoria Day long weekend until the end of the Canadian Thanksgiving Day long weekend.
The seasonal opening has been delayed in previous years due to high water flow but, as with many other attractions, this is the first time the opening has been affected by a pandemic.
Parks Canada previously suspended all visitor services and motor vehicle access by visitors as of March 25th. On Wednesday (April 15), Parks Canada announced they would remain suspended until May 31st.
Visitor services including all lockstations, visitors centre, parking lots, day use areas, trails, and boat launches and mooring areas, are closed. Seasonal lockage and other permits are also not available.
Parks Canada will continue to deliver critical services to support public safety including water management on the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal.
In addition, Parks Canada has suspended camping, group activities, and events at all national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals, and national marine conservation areas until at least May 31st.
Parks Canada will not be taking new reservations until at least June 1st. All existing reservations set to take place prior to May 31st will be automatically cancelled and refunded in full.
