Parks Canada’s eighth annual Lock & Paddle returns to the Peterborough Lift Lock on Saturday (July 18) from noon to 4 p.m.
More than 1,400 people took part in last year’s event, paddling 978 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.
As with the previous two Lock & Paddle events, registration is not required. 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), which you can decorate if you wish. 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 are not permitted on watercraft 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.
Grounds open at the Peterborough Lift Lock at noon, featuring opening remarks. Local musician Joanna Bronson will be performing on the Le Boat Stage throughout the afternoon, courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.
Paddlers will enter from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock, with Parks Canada staff continually moving paddlers up and down the lock from noon to 4 p.m. Wait times can vary once you’re in the lock. While a regular boat transfer normally takes several minutes, the process of loading hundreds of canoes and kayaks into the tubs during the event can take over an hour as Parks Canada staff ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Note that there is no through-paddling once paddlers reach the top of the Peterborough Lift Lock.
New this year, Peterborough Tourism is hosting a beach party at Beavermead Park. Running concurrently with Lock & Paddle, the free drop-in event will feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and local vendors. Free souvenir Lock & Paddle stickers will be available while quantities last. The event will take place rain or shine.
Note that no parking is available at either the Peterborough Lift Lock or the Peterborough Visitor Centre (formerly the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre) except for vehicles with accessible parking permits. A paddlecraft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Visitor Centre for beginner paddlers only, and paddlecraft must be transported to the water from the parking lot.
Nearby parking options include the Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters at 2155 Ashburnham Drive, Eastgate Memorial Park at 2150 Ashburnham Drive, Beavermead Park at 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Rogers Cove at 131 Maria Street, and Peterborough Museum & Archives at 300 Hunter Street East.
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 – Ashburnhnam, 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. Note that the boat launch at Beavermead Park is temporarily closed.
- 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 Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock (353 Hunter St. E.) – Reserved for accessibility needs and beginner paddlers. Drop-off only; no parking except for vehicles with accessible parking permits.
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:
- Wild Rock Outfitters (169 Charlotte Street, Peterborough)
- Liftlock Paddle Co. (online only at liftlockpaddleco.ca)
- Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
- Canadian Canoe Museum (2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
- Adventure Outfitters (1828 8th Line, Lakefield)
- Cottage Toys (37 Concession St., Lakefield)
- Kawartha Adventure Rentals (6401 Highway 28, Woodview)
For more information about Lock & Paddle, visit the Parks Canada website.
