Plan Your Trent-Severn Adventure

Plan Your Adventure

Navigate the Trent-Severn Waterway from bustling towns to peaceful wilderness

Navigate the Trent-Severn Waterway

Interactive maps showing routes and island anchorages

Waterway Routes & Destinations

Trent-Severn Waterway Routes Map

Complete route map showing locks, towns, and travel times from our marina

Click to enlarge

Island Anchorages & Camping

Island Anchorages Map

Crown land islands where you can anchor for free, many with existing fire pits

Click to enlarge

Navigation Tips: Digital charts are available on tablets aboard each houseboat. Chart books are marked with helpful tips. You may anchor at any island without houses, cottages, or 'no trespassing' signs. Wolfe Island Provincial Park and Big Island are popular spots.

Choose Your Direction

From our marina in Omemee, you can explore in two distinct directions, each offering unique experiences

West towards Balsam Lake

Towns • Dining • Shopping • Nightlife

Head west for a social experience with charming towns, waterfront restaurants, and live entertainment. Perfect for those who enjoy dining out and exploring local shops.

  • Waterfront dining in Bobcaygeon & Fenelon Falls
  • Live music and entertainment venues
  • Marina services with hydro & WiFi
  • Grocery stores and provisioning

Can reach: Bobcaygeon (3-4hr), Fenelon Falls (6-7hr), Balsam Lake (8hr+), Kirkfield (9hr+)

*Cannot reach Lindsay due to low bridge

East towards Lakefield

Nature • Islands • Camping • Serenity

Journey east for a wilderness experience with secluded anchorages, island camping, and spectacular waterfalls. Ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

  • Spectacular Burleigh Falls waterfall
  • Island camping with fire pits
  • Secluded swimming spots
  • Scenic photography opportunities

Can reach: Buckhorn (2-3hr), Burleigh Falls (4-5hr), Lakefield (7-8hr)

Wolfe Island Provincial Park & Big Island are popular

Popular Destinations

Big Island
1-2 hours

Big Island

Popular crown land island on Pigeon Lake. Perfect for anchoring, swimming, and campfires. A favourite overnight stop close to the marina.

Crown land anchoring (free)Fire pitsSwimming spots+2 more
Bobcaygeon
3-4 hours

Bobcaygeon

Lock 32

Famous for the Tragically Hip song, this vibrant town offers great dining, live music, and the iconic swing bridge. First stop heading west through Pigeon Lake.

Waterfront restaurantsLive music venuesKawartha Dairy ice cream+4 more
Buckhorn
2-3 hours

Buckhorn

Lock 31

Gateway to the upper lakes with a charming village atmosphere. Home to the famous Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival.

Restaurants (Main St. Bar & Grill)Gallery of the LakesFoodland (18 min walk)+3 more
Upper Buckhorn Lake
2-3 hours

Upper Buckhorn Lake

Large lake just off Pigeon on your way to Buckhorn. Perfect for getting away, fishing, and has multiple anchorages and beautiful sunset spots.

Sandy beachesProtected anchoragesFishing hotspots+2 more
Lower Buckhorn Lake
3-4 hours

Lower Buckhorn Lake

Beautiful lake beyond Buckhorn Lock with numerous islands, quiet anchorages, and great swimming spots. A peaceful area to explore.

Secluded anchoragesIsland explorationSwimming spots+2 more
Fenelon Falls
6-7 hours

Fenelon Falls

Lock 34

Charming waterfront town with the famous Fenelon Falls locks. Great restaurants, shopping, and scenic waterfalls.

Multiple restaurants & cafesSobeys grocery (4 min walk)LCBO & Beer Store+4 more
Wolfe Island / Lovesick Lake
3-4 hours

Wolfe Island / Lovesick Lake

Part of Wolfe Island Provincial Park, this popular crown land destination offers excellent camping, swimming, and nature experiences.

Crown land anchoring (free)Provincial parkHiking trails+3 more
Rosedale / Balsam Lake
8+ hours

Rosedale / Balsam Lake

Lock 35

Continue past Fenelon Falls to reach Rosedale and beautiful Balsam Lake. A quieter, more remote experience at the western end of the route.

Peaceful anchoragesSwimming areasScenic lake views+2 more
Burleigh Falls
4-5 hours

Burleigh Falls

Lock 28

Stunning waterfalls and one of the highest flood locks on the waterway. A must-see destination on the eastern route.

Spectacular waterfallsScenic viewsHiking trails+3 more
Kirkfield Lift Lock
9+ hours

Kirkfield Lift Lock

Lock 36

One of only two hydraulic lift locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway. A remarkable engineering marvel lifting boats 15 metres between Balsam Lake and Mitchell Lake.

Historic lift lockVisitor centrePicnic areas+2 more
Youngs Point
5-6 hours

Youngs Point

Lock 27

Historic lock station with the famous Lockside Trading Company. Great stop for unique gifts and ice cream.

Lockside Trading CompanyIce cream shopGift shop+3 more
Lakefield
7-8 hours

Lakefield

Lock 26

Charming village at the north end of Katchewanooka Lake. As far east as houseboats can comfortably reach.

Canoe & Paddle restaurantFoodland (10 min walk)Historic downtown+2 more

Suggested Itineraries

Choose from our popular routes or create your own adventure

3-Day Lake Tour (First Timers)

3 days

Perfect for first-timers. Stay on Pigeon Lake and Upper Buckhorn Lake exploring islands, swimming, and enjoying campfires.

Pigeon LakeUpper BuckhornIslands
View Full Itinerary

4-Day Best of Both Worlds

4 days

Experience both directions - bustling towns to the north and natural beauty to the east.

TownsNatureWaterfalls
View Full Itinerary

7-Day Ultimate Trent-Severn

7 days

The complete Trent-Severn experience from Bobcaygeon to Lakefield, seeing everything the waterway offers.

Complete explorationMultiple townsNatureAdventure
View Full Itinerary

Essential Planning Information

Lock Operations

  • • Lock pass included with rental
  • • Overnight mooring: ~$2.25/ft
  • • First-come, first-served basis
  • • 48hr max stay at most locks
  • • Closes 5:30pm weekdays, 6:30pm weekends
  • • Be sure to check TSW hours of operation to confirm. Times listed are summer hours and are shorter spring and fall.
  • • All locks have public washrooms

Fuel & Services

  • • Marine fuel required (ethanol-free)
  • • ~18 L/hr fuel consumption while cruising
  • • Fuel available at marinas
  • • Propane included (BBQ, stove, fridge)
  • • Lake water for washing (bring drinking water)
  • • Pump-out included at trip end

Marina Kiosk

  • • Ice
  • • Worms
  • • Honey
  • • Swag
  • • Firewood
  • • Bug spray
  • • Sunscreen
  • • First aid kit

Overnight Mooring Options

Lock Stations

$2.25/ft • First-come basis • Power & water available at most

Private Marinas

$60-100/night • Reserve ahead • Full services & amenities

Island Anchoring

FREE • Crown land only • No houses/cottages • Fire pits available

Essential Services Along Your Route

Houseboat navigating the lakes

Everything You Need Along the Way

Groceries • Fuel • Dining • Services

Marina Fuel Stops

Fuel Usage

~18 L/hr while cruising

3-4 hrs/day typical cruising

Important: Houseboats require marine-grade (ethanol-free) fuel from marinas only. Multiple fuel stops available along all routes - marked on your charts.

Check current marina fuel rates when planning your trip.

Local Dining

  • Near Egan Marine: Taso's, Lakeside Roadhouse, Jesse's Tap & Grill, Pizza Villa & Pasta House
  • Bobcaygeon: Bobcaygeon Inn, 72 Bolton Sports Cafe, Grâz, Daylight Diner, Kawartha Dairy
  • Fenelon Falls: Murphy's Lockside Pub, On The Locks
  • Buckhorn: Main St. Bar & Grill, The Cody Inn, Pizza Alloro
  • Youngs Point: Lock & Anchor Eatery
  • Lakefield: Canoe & Paddle, Cassis Bistro

Check-In & Check-Out Process

What to expect when you arrive and depart

Arrival & Check-In

  • Friday/Monday: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

    Tuesday/Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Process takes 1.5-2 hours

  • What Happens:

    • Park & check-in at kiosk

    • Load your gear

    • Onboard orientation

    • Optional driving lessons

  • Tip: Stay docked first night to settle in (free at our marina)

  • Note: We have a dock dog on site

Departure & Check-Out

  • Return by: 12:00 PM (Noon)

    Late fee: $90/hour

  • What Happens:

    • Refuel at gas dock

    • Septic pump-out (included)

    • Unload your gear

    • Final payment for fuel

  • Note: Damage deposit released within 24 hrs after inspection

Your Houseboat Adventure Awaits

Swimming fun

Swimming

Evening campfire

Campfires

Family fun

Family Fun

Sunset views

Sunsets

Essential Items to Bring

Essentials

  • • Food & drinking water
  • • Bedding for double beds
  • • Towels (all types)
  • • Personal toiletries

Outdoor

  • • Bug spray & sunscreen
  • • Fishing gear & license
  • • Water toys
  • • First aid kit

Entertainment

  • • Games & cards
  • • Bluetooth speaker
  • • Camera/binoculars
  • • Flashlights

Boat-Specific Preparation Guides

Get detailed information about your specific houseboat including equipment, sleeping arrangements, and what to bring

Select your boat type to see equipment lists, bed configurations, power systems, and packing lists

Start Planning Your Adventure

Ready to Chart Your Course?

Our team is here to help you plan the perfect Trent-Severn adventure

Egan Houseboat Rentals - Kawartha Lakes Vacation Rentals