Lock & Paddle 2024

Photo Credit: https://parks.canada.ca

Grab your canoes and kayaks because this epic paddling event is back!

Since 2017, Lock & Paddle has been a signature community paddling event held annually on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lock & Paddle has been compared to a type of flash mob, with canoers and kayakers of all ages and skill levels coming together to ride the locks in a colourful kaleidoscope of fun.  Participants usually wear bright clothing, with some opting for whimsical costumes and amusing hats.

July 20 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Peterborough Lift Lock

353 Hunter Street East in Peterborough

Plan ahead and decide where you will launch your canoe or kayak in order to reach the event. Access for this event is from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock only, not the top. Experienced paddlers may choose one of the nearby options and enjoy a paddle from Little Lake, through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (paddle through the lock or move more quickly by carrying your paddle craft across the land), and onwards to the Peterborough Lift Lock. The paddle from Lock 20 - Ashburnham to the Peterborough Lift Lock averages 20 minutes. Beginners, or those with accessibility needs, can enter the waterway at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre on-site at the event. Paddle craft will need to be transported to the water from the parking lot.

Beavermead Campground - 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough (5-minute paddle to Lock 20)

Rogers Cove - 131 Maria Street, Peterborough (5-minute paddle to Lock 20)

Millennium Park - 130 King Street, Peterborough (20-minute paddle to Lock 20)

Del Crary Park - 100 George Street, Peterborough (35-minute paddle to Lock 20)

Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre* - 353 Hunter Street East, Peterborough (Drop-off only)

Photo Credit:  https://parks.canada.ca

For this event, participants enter from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock and ride up and back down. There is no thru-paddling at the top until the event is complete.

This event begins at the lower part of the Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock. Please do not plan to enter from the upper part.

They encourage participants to enter the canal from Little Lake. If entering from Little Lake, participants need to paddle through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (averages an additional 30 minutes) and then paddle to the Peterborough Lift Lock (averages an additional 20 minutes). To save time, participants can portage (carry boats) around Lock 20 before paddling to the Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock.

1:00 pm

Grounds open at the Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock

Please note that parking at the Visitor Centre is reserved for accessible parking permit holders.

2:15 pm

Participants should be in their boats and ready to load at the lower side of the Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock.

2:30 pm

First lockage begins. Additional lockage’s will follow if required.

Rules and requirements

1. All-ages and skill levels welcome;
2. No inflatable vessels (stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or otherwise);
3. All paddlers/passengers must wear a PFD in order to participate;
4. Smoke-free and cannabis-free event;
5. Alcohol-free event;
6. Pets on boats are not encouraged;
7. Respect your fellow paddlers!

Visitors who do not follow the rules and requirements will not be permitted to enter the tubs.

What to bring:

Note: This is a rain or shine event. Dress for the weather.

• Canoe or kayak
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each paddler
• Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, and bailer for each boat
• Watertight flashlight
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water bottle
• A smile!

For more information please visit:  Lock & Paddle 2024

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