PETERBOROUGH-Parks Canada is once again inviting paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts to one of the most unique paddling events in the country — Lock & Paddle 2025! Join us on Saturday, July 19, 2025, anytime from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site for a mass paddling adventure like no other.
To celebrate Canada’s Parks Day, canoeists and kayakers will come together for a signature lockage experience on the world’s tallest hydraulic lift lock. Witness breathtaking views from 65 feet up and feel the community spirit as paddlers lock through together, surrounded by the sounds of live entertainment, laughter, and summertime excitement.
Lock & Paddle 2025 is a free, family-friendly event open to all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, we welcome you to join in on this unforgettable ride.
Event Highlights
- Group paddling lockages at the Peterborough Lift Lock
- Live entertainment and activities from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Free lockage for paddlers across the Trent-Severn Waterway for a limited time this summer
Important Details
- No registration required.
- Stand-up paddleboards and inflatable vessels are not permitted.
- For safety reasons, and the comfort of fellow paddlers, we recommend that pets stay on land, rather than in your paddlecraft.
- Mandatory safety gear required: worn PFDs, sound signaling device, heaving line, bailer, watertight flashlight.
- Plan ahead by using nearby public lots or arranging for drop-offs. See event details online for parking options.
- A limited number of parking spaces will be reserved at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre for media who confirm their attendance in advance, while spaces last. Carpooling is encouraged.
- This is a rain-or-shine event — dress for the weather, and don’t forget your sunscreen and a water bottle!
- Other community organizations are holding events during this time to partake in the festivities.
Don’t have a canoe or kayak? No problem — local rental options are available through Kawartha Outfitters, Wild Rock Outfitters, Liftlock Paddle Co, and more.
