Lock & Paddle 2024

Join Parks Canada and hundreds of your fellow paddlers across Ontario and Quebec for this free mass paddling event on the historic canals and waterways. Paddlers of all skills levels and backgrounds will come together July 20 at three participating national historic sites in Peterborough, Ottawa and Montreal for a special event celebrating our colourful community of paddlers. Launch your canoe or kayak alongside new friends and family and come experience this one-of-a-kind event with Parks Canada.

This year’s theme ‘Lift Your Spirits,’ invites paddlers and attendees to show us what makes them happy! Paddlers get to experience going down the Lift Locks and paddling through the canal. This free all-ages event invites anyone to decorate their vessel, wear a costume or have fun.

What is Lock & Paddle?

Since 2017, Lock & Paddle has been a signature community paddling event held annually on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lock & Paddle is best described as a ‘flash mob’ or ‘critical mass’ of canoes and kayaks. Visitors of all skills and backgrounds are invited to come together and pack the locks for this one-day event celebrating these historic treasures. Paddlers from all around will travel to be a part of this unique show.

Beginners or those with accessibility needs can enter the waterway at the Visitor Centre on-site at the event. Canoes can be launched at the following places:

• Beavermead Campground – 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough (Five-minute paddle to Lock 20)
• Rogers Cove – 131 Maria Street, Peterborough (Five-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)

There is no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Handicapped Accessible signage). A paddle craft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre.

Parking options nearby:

• Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (2155 Ashburnham Dr.)
• Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Dr.)
• Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Dr.)
• Rogers Cove (131 Maria St.)

This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event that will happen rain or shine.

Don’t have your own boat or gear but still want to make a splash? Check out these local rental options:

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