Parks Canada will open the Trent-Severn Waterway for the 2026 navigation season on Friday (May 15) just before the Victoria Day long weekend, with the exception of the four lock stations between Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay.
Increased precipitation in March and April combined with snowmelt from a significant snowpack means Parks Canada needs additional time to reduce water levels and flows to ensure safe boating conditions across the entire system.
The four lock stations between Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay — Lock 42 – Couchiching, Lock 43 – Swift Rapids, Lock 44 – Big Chute Marine Railway, and Lock 45 – Port Severn — will be closed for navigation until further notice. The lock stations will be open for land-based visitation.
Parks Canada says the four lock stations will be reopened in stages as water levels and flows return to safe operating conditions.
“Parks Canada continues to work diligently toward reopening the navigation system and is maximizing water flows where possible to move toward seasonal averages,” reads a media release from the federal government agency.
“While progress is ongoing, water levels and flows remain dynamic across the system. Lock stations will open in stages as conditions allow, but may be subject to temporary closure depending on weather systems and precipitation events. Waterways between or adjacent to closed lock stations should be considered unsafe for navigation due to elevated flows.”
According to Parks Canada, the staged opening will protect boater safety and help to prevent further shoreline erosion and property damage experienced by local residents and businesses.
The remainder of the lock stations on the Trent-Severn Waterway, from Lock 1 – Trenton through Lock 41 – Gamebridge, will open for navigation on May 15.
However, Parks Canada advises that other areas along the Trent-Severn Waterway continue to have higher-than-average flows and recommends boaters, paddlers, and swimmers exercise caution, as floating debris may be present and navigation aids may be off-station as the agency monitors and prepares the navigation channels.
This is not the first spring that Parks Canada has staged the opening of the Trent-Severn Waterway due to high water levels and flows. In 2017, 23 lock stations were closed when the navigation season opened, with all open almost two weeks later. In 2019, Parks Canada delayed opening the entire waterway for one week.
When Locks 1 through 41 open for the season on May 15, the lock stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the entire long weekend, including Victoria Day on Monday.
After May 19 and until June 18, they will be open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday. From June 19 until September 7, lock stations will be open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday as well as on Canada Day (July 1), the Civic Holiday (August 3), and Labour Day (September 7).
From September 8 to October 12, hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday as well as on Thanksgiving (October 12).
Spanning 386 kilometres from Trenton to Port Severn, the Trent-Severn Waterway is a National Historic Site that first opened in 1922 to connect Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay.
Today, Parks Canada maintains and operates the historic lock system as a perennial destination for recreational boaters and paddlers, and a home to the many people who live, work, and play along its length.
To keep up to date on the status of the lock stations, visit the Parks Canada Trent-Severn Waterway website and follow them on social media @TrentSevernNHS.
