Lock & Paddle

Join Parks Canada at this free community paddling event, as together we celebrate the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site and take a ride to the top. Enjoy a paddle on the waterway alongside hundreds of colourful canoes and kayaks, before we pack the World’s Tallest Hydraulic Lift Lock and send you 65ft into the air. At the top, take in the spectacular views before being lowered back down to the sounds of music and laughter, and in the company of new friends and family.

You can rent from:

Kawartha Outfitters, Millennium Park near the Silver Bean, 1 King Street, Peterborough
Wild Rock Outfitters, 169 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Liftlock Paddle Co (Online registration only)
Beavermead Campground, 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
Adventure Outfitters, 1828 8th Line, Lakefield
Cottage Toys, 37 Concession Street, Lakefield
Kawartha Adventure Rentals, 6401 Hwy 28, Woodview

Who is it for?
all-ages

Tickets : Free

How to get tickets?

Buy Online

 

Date & Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

 

Venue: Peterborough Lift Lock, 353 Hunter Street E, Peterborough, ON

There will be no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Accessible Parking Permits). A paddlecraft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre for beginner paddlers only. Paddlecraft must be transported to the water from the parking lot.

For the best experience, we recommend entering the canal from Little Lake. If you choose this route, you’ll paddle through Lock 20 – Ashburnham, which adds an extra 30-60 minutes, and then continue to the Peterborough Lift Lock, which takes about 20 more minutes. To save time, you can portage (carry your paddlecraft) around Lock 20 before paddling to Lock 21 or enter the water closer to Lock 21.

Parking options nearby
Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (2155 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)
Rogers Cove (131 Maria Street, Peterborough)