Lock & Paddle returns to the Peterborough Lift Lock on July 20

Annual Parks Canada event will see paddlers lifted 65 feet in the air at the world's tallest hydraulic lift lock

By kawarthaNOW -
Published
The sixth annual Lock & Paddle returns to the Peterborough Lift Lock on July 20, 2024. Last year's event saw more than 600 people take part, paddling their canoes and kayaks into the two tubs at the world's tallest hydraulic lift lock to be lifted 65 feet (20 metres) into the air and then back down. (Photo: Parks Canada)
The sixth annual Lock & Paddle returns to the Peterborough Lift Lock on July 20, 2024. Last year's event saw more than 600 people take part, paddling their canoes and kayaks into the two tubs at the world's tallest hydraulic lift lock to be lifted 65 feet (20 metres) into the air and then back down. (Photo: Parks Canada)

The sixth annual Lock & Paddle returns to the Peterborough Lift Lock on Saturday (July 20) from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

More than 600 people took part in last year’s event, paddling their canoes and kayaks into the two tubs at the world’s tallest hydraulic lift lock to be lifted 65 feet (20 metres) into the air and then back down.

Organized by Parks Canada to celebrate the national historical site, the free event returned in 2023 after a three-year absence due to the pandemic. This year’s Lock & Paddle takes place on Parks Day when, for the first time, Parks Canada will also be hosting mass paddling events on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa and the Lachine Canal in Montreal.

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Unlike previous Lock & Paddle events, registration is not required for the 2024 event. Simply show up with your canoe or kayak (stand up paddleboards and inflatable kayaks and canoes or other inflatable vessels are not permitted for safety reasons). Parks Canada will have staff on site throughout the event to answer any questions.

All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in the event. To participate, all paddlers and passengers must wear a PFD. Pets on boats are not recommended for safety reasons. This is a smoke-free, cannabis-free, and alcohol-free event. Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be permitted to enter the tubs.

All participating paddlers should have a sound signalling device, a buoyant heaving line, and a bailer for each boat, along with a watertight flashlight, sunscreen and a hat, and a water bottle. This is a rain or shine event, so also bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is in the forecast.

VIDEO: Lock & Paddle 2023

Grounds open at the Peterborough Lift Lock at 1 p.m., when the Bewdley & District Lions Club will be hosting a BBQ with food available to purchase. Local musician Cale Crowe will be performing at the lower reach of the Peterborough Lift Lock. Note that parking is not available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre except for vehicles with accessible parking permits.

Paddlers should be ready in their boats at the lower (south) side of the Peterborough Lift Lock by 2:15 p.m., with the first lockage beginning at 2:30 p.m. Additional lockages will follow if needed.

Paddlers will enter from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock and ride up and back down. There is no through-paddling at the top of the Peterborough Lift Lock until after the event concludes at 5:30 p.m.

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Paddling to the Peterborough Lift Lock

Here are put-in locations if you plan to paddle to the Peterborough Lift Lock. Note that if you are going through Lock 20 – Ashburhnam, you need to allow an extra 45 to 60 minutes to transfer and paddle to the Peterborough Lift Lock. There are no lockage fees for Lock & Paddle participants.

  • Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Dr.) – 5-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock. Free parking.
  • Rogers Cove (131 Maria St.) – 5-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock. Free parking.
  • Millennium Park (130 King St.) – 20-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock. Nearby paid parking.
  • Del Crary Park (100 George St.) – 35-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock. Nearby paid parking
  • Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Dr.) – 250-metre portage to paddle-access dock north of Lock 20 – Ashburnham; 20-minute paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock. Free parking.
  • Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (2155 Ashburnham Dr.) – 250-metre portage to launch at the top and west side of Lock 20 – Ashburnham; 20-minute paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock. Free parking.
  • Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (353 Hunter St. E.) – Reserved for accessibility needs and beginner paddlers. Drop-off only; no parking except for vehicles with accessible parking permits.
Paddlers head up the canal towards the Peterborough Lift Lock for the 2023 Lock & Paddle event. This year's event takes place on Saturday, July 20 and no registration is required to participate in the free event. (Photo: Parks Canada)
Paddlers head up the canal towards the Peterborough Lift Lock for the 2023 Lock & Paddle event. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, July 20 and no registration is required to participate in the free event. (Photo: Parks Canada)
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Boat and gear rentals

If you want to rent a boat or gear, you can get it at one of the following local rental suppliers:

  • Kawartha Outfitters (Millennium Park at the Silver Bean, 100 King St., Peterborough)
  • Wild Rock Outfitters (169 Charlotte Street, Peterborough)
  • Liftlock Paddle Co. (online only at liftlockpaddleco.ca)
  • Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
  • Adventure Outfitters (1828 8th Line, Lakefield)
  • Cottage Toys (37 Concession St., Lakefield)

For more information about Lock & Paddle 2024, visit the Parks Canada website.

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