Lock & Paddle 2026
Be part of an incredible day that blends Peterborough's paddling culture and iconic views
A colourful combination of canoes and community
The annual Lock & Paddle event at the Peterborough Lift Lock brings together canoeists and kayakers from all around descend upon the historic canals and waterways for a day like no other.
The Lock & Paddle fun is expanding this year! Peterborough Tourism will be hosting the Beavermead Beach Party (the official apres-paddle event) at Beavermead Park. This will include activities, entertainment and a chance to celebrate the day with family and friends.
Why you'll love it here
This event is a colourful 'bucket list' experience to embrace Peterborough's paddling culture.
- Paddling and water themed festivities - Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Experience the Peterborough Lift Lock with hundreds of other paddlers
- New for this year, Peterborough Tourism will be hosting the Beavermead Beach party with entertainment, activities and vendors
- Free lockage with Canada Strong Pass
- Welcoming family atmosphere
Join Us for the Beavermead Beach Party
While to or from the main event at the Peterborough Lift Lock be sure to join us for the Beavermead Beach Party. This event takes place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and includes activities, entertainment, and vendors.
Getting here
Just 90 minutes from Toronto, it is an easy drive to escape to this bucket list worthy paddling event for all ages and skill levels.
Where to stay
Turn your festival into a full weekend experience by checking in at one of our local accommodations, including comfortable branded hotels and in-town camping at Beavermead Park.
Parking
Plan ahead and decide where you will launch your canoe or kayak in order to reach the event. Access for this event is from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock only, not the top. Experienced paddlers may choose one of the nearby options and enjoy a paddle from Little Lake, through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (30-60 minutes to lock through or move more quickly by carrying your paddlecraft across the land), and onwards to the Peterborough Lift Lock. The paddle from Lock 20 - Ashburnham to the Peterborough Lift Lock averages 20 minutes. Beginners, or those with accessibility needs, can enter the waterway at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre on-site at the event. Paddlecraft will need to be transported to the water from the parking lot.
Note: Travel times may vary depending on congestion, so please plan accordingly.
- Beavermead Campground (free parking) - 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
- 5-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Rogers Cove (free parking) - 131 Maria Street, Peterborough
- 5-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Millennium Park (nearby paid parking) - 130 King Street, Peterborough
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Del Crary Park (nearby paid parking) - 100 George Street, Peterborough
- 35-minute paddle to Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 30-60 minutes to lock through Lock 20 - Ashburnham (or a quick portage around the lock to save time)
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Eastgate Memorial Park (free parking) - 2150 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
- 250 m portage from parking to paddle-access dock north of Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (free parking) - 2155 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough
- 250 m portage from parking to paddle-access dock north of Lock 20 - Ashburnham
- 20-minute paddle to Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
- Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock* - 353 Hunter Street East, Peterborough (Drop-off only)
*Reserved for accessibility needs and beginner paddlers
Parks Canada staff have put together a Lock & Paddle Portage Guide and Lock and Paddle Parking Guide to support participants, spectators and paddlers in planning their visit.
There will be no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock (except for vehicles with Accessible Parking Permits). A paddlecraft drop-off option is available at the Visitor Centre for beginner paddlers only. Paddlecraft must be transported to the water from the parking lot.
Make a Weekend of It
There's plenty to do beyond the water's edge in Peterborough. Here's some ideas that make delightful pairings.
- Stop in at The Canadian Canoe Museum - a must-visit local attraction
- Join Peterborough Musicfest for Woven Stories featuring Julian Taylor. The main stage performance begins at 8 p.m. This new annual tradition promises to be a captivating evening celebrating Indigenous culture through music and dance.
- Wander downtown to explore great local shops, patios, and other late night live music
- Discover the community, experiences and public art that make Peterborough unique
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for Lock & Paddle?
Nope. For Lock & Paddle, participants are not required to register in advance of the event. However, we will have staff on site throughout the event should you have any questions during the event.
What should I bring?
For paddlers, you're going to want to prepare for a safe and fun-filledday on the water for a few hours, you'll need:
-
- Canoe or kayak
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each paddler must be worn
- Sound signalling device, buoyant heaving line, watertight flashlight, and bailer for each boat
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water bottle
- A smile!
For spectators at the Lift Lock you may want to bring along a folding chair or picnic blankets.
For attendees at the Beavermead Beach Party, you may want to bring swimming gear (watch for postings about safe swimming), and cash should you wish to make purchases from local vendors.
Why isn’t there a single start time?
This event has become incredibly popular and we want to welcome as many paddlers as possible, in a way that is comfortable and safe for all visitors. Our hope is that by opening this window of time, we can safely provide multiple rides up and down, while minimizing wait times and easing congestion. We will continuously lock through paddlers from 12 to 4 p.m. Our team works diligently to keep everyone safe during this event and we appreciate your patience with this adjustment. We are enthusiastic to welcome the crowds of paddlers!
Once we go up the Lift Lock in our paddlecraft, can we get out at the top and keep paddling?
No. Unlike regular boat travel, this event loads from the bottom of the Peterborough Lift Lock, takes you on a ride up, and then lowers back down without any paddlecraft exiting the chambers. You will start and end at the bottom.
Can I participate with a Stand Up Paddleboard?
No. Stand up paddleboards (SUP) are not recommended on the waterway due to increased boat traffic, and are prohibited in all locks.
Can I participate in an inflatable kayak, canoe, raft, or other inflatable vessel?
No. Inflatable vessels are not permitted at this event.
Do we still have to pay lockage fees?
Lockage will be free at Lock 20 - Ashburnham and Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock for all paddling participants of Lock & Paddle on Saturday, July 18. Additionally, enjoy free lockage across the entire Trent-Severn Waterway until September 7 as part of the Canada Strong Pass initiative.
Where does the event start? Where do I put my vessel in?
The event begins at the Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock. Vessels can be loaded into water at various locations.
Can I park at the Peterborough Lift Lock?
There will be no parking at the Peterborough Lift Lock for paddle participants. Only those with accessible parking permits will be accommodated.
Can I bring my pet?
No. For safety reasons, and the comfort of fellow paddlers, no pets are permitted in your paddlecraft during the event.
After we paddle up the locks, how do I get back to my car?
When Lock & Paddle concludes, you can paddle to the closest launch option to your vehicle. Portage options are available around Lock 20 - Ashburnham, but we do recommend planning to get picked up at Rogers Cove or the Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters.