Ottawa 
Parks Canada will hold its annual Lock & Paddle event on Saturday, July 19, 2025, inviting paddlers to gather at three historic sites across the country to mark Canada’s Parks Day.
Credit: Parks Canada
This annual event, which began in 2017, gathers canoe and kayak enthusiasts in a vibrant, “flash mob”-style gathering to celebrate the nation’s aquatic heritage.
The free events will take place at the Peterborough Lift Lock, Rideau Canal National Historic Site, and Lachine Canal National Historic Site. Free lockage is available with the Canada Strong Pass, valid from June 20 to September 2.
At the Peterborough Lift Lock of Trent-Severn Waterway, activities will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants must enter from the lower reach of Lock 21. The event includes free group lockages for paddlers, live music by Peterborough Musicfest artists aboard a LeBoat, a Kids Zone, yoga sessions, safety information from Boating Ontario, and food provided by the Bewdley & District Lions Club. Giant games from The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge will also be featured.
In Ottawa, paddlers can take part in the Lock & Paddle at the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event highlights the canal’s 193-year history and encourages participants to paddle into the lock with decorated canoes and kayaks.
At 1:00 p.m., the Saint-Gabriel Lock (Lock No. 3) of the Lachine Canal in Montreal will host a celebration marking the canal’s 200th anniversary.
Participants are encouraged to wear neon clothing and enjoy a festive environment featuring music and lockage experiences.
- Road Trip From Ottawa to Kingston: Drive the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
- Road Trip: Drive the Trent-Severn Waterway
Safety and participation guidelines are strict, ensuring an inclusive and secure environment. All paddlers are required to wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), and the event prohibits the use of inflatable vessels, including stand-up paddleboards, due to safety concerns. Additionally, pets are discouraged from joining boats to maintain comfort and safety.
Participants should come prepared for any weather, equipped with necessary safety gear including a sound signalling device, a buoyant heaving line, a bailer, and a watertight flashlight. Essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and water are also recommended to enhance the paddling experience.
For those attending the event, no prior registration is required. Information stations will be available on-site for any inquiries you may have.
Lock & Paddle
Credit: Parks Canada
- Peterborough Lift Lock, 353 Hunter Street E, Peterborough – Saturday, July 19 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Lachine Canal National Historic Site – Saint-Gabriel Lock, No 3 of the Lachine Canal – Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 1 p.m.
- Rideau Canal National Historic Site – Hartwells Lockstation, 901 Hartwells Locks Lane, Ottawa Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Starts at 2 pm
