Trip Rating
Description: The Trent–Severn Waterway is a 386 km canal system linking Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. It was built in the late 19th century for commercial traffic, but today it’s almost entirely recreational—houseboats, cruisers, cottages, and a steady hum of summer activity. It’s a beautiful stretch of water, but expect boat traffic and plan accordingly.
Launch Spot Options
Option 1: Scotsman Point Resort. I was there for a work retreat when I did this trip. The cabins were affordable and friendly, and it made for an easy launch. I’m not sure if they still allow transient launching, so call ahead if you plan to put in here.
Option 2: Buckhorn Yacht Harbour. This is the better option for most people: large parking lot, proper launch, and restrooms.
You’ll need a lock pass for any Trent–Severn trip. You can purchase one here: Parks Canada Lock Pass. Camping information for the locks is here: Lockside Camping.
Trip Length: This was a rushed day trip for me—an escape from “peopling” at a work retreat. I don’t regret it, but I wouldn’t do it this way again. In future I’d split this into two or even three days.
I also made a wrong turn at the far end and completely missed the last lock. The route deserves better planning than I gave it. Ideally, you’d do the Mississauga River as one outing and Burleigh Falls as another.
A few years earlier I had paddled just to Burleigh Falls in the fall and promised myself I’d return and see it properly. With the retreat happening near Buckhorn, this was the opportunity. I launched from Scotsman Point and paddled up toward Lock 31. The town has great atmosphere—bars and restaurants you can literally moor beside.
After the lock, the scenery shifts from small town to classic cottage-country rock and pine. I had a choice: continue to Burleigh Falls or head up the Mississauga River. I picked the river hoping for a rapid to play in. There is one—just not at that water level. Instead, I got a different kind of excitement: a surprise visit from my friend BooBoo.
The river itself is quiet and pretty, but not especially notable. Once I returned to the main channel, the contrast was immediate: boat traffic, noise, and wake. You need awareness here. Some of the houseboats have paddle-wheels on the back, which throw a decent wave if you want to try catching one.
Despite how it looks on the map, there are tons of channels and islands to explore—especially around Wolf Island Provincial Park. It’s a non-operating backcountry park, and you can actually camp here. More info: Wolf Island Provincial Park.
After the park, you’ll reach Lock 28. Fun to go through, but nothing dramatic. Once you exit, it’s a short paddle around the bend to Burleigh Falls.
The first time I was here was in late October—cold, quiet, colours everywhere, and a couple of whitewater paddlers running the chute. This time? Total zoo. People everywhere.
Here are a couple of images from the fall trip for comparison:
The takeaway: this trip shines in the fall. Summer is doable, but it’s busy and loud. After exploring, my camera died, so I retraced my route—minus the wrong turn—back to the launch.
Apres Options: This was a solo trip, so I didn’t grab food. The bars beside Lock 31 looked fun though. I’d stop in next time.
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