Boating & Paddling

Explore the Trent-Severn Waterway, a scenic 386 km route of interconnected rivers, lakes, locks and canals that travels throughout the region.

The uniqueness of Kawartha Lakes is rooted in the vast open spaces for power boats, waterskis, and personal watercrafts. Explore the Trent-Severn Waterway, a scenic 386 km route of interconnected rivers, lakes, locks and canals that travels throughout the region.

Bring your own boat or rent what you need at our many lakeside destinations. Catch a lakeside breeze in your sails or go houseboating with family and friends here in Kawartha Lakes, the Houseboat Capital of Ontario.

Find a Public Boat Launch

View Marina Listings

Rent a Boat

Find a Fishing Spot

Explore Kawartha Lakes by water

Jump in to the lake lifestyle. Discover the area by travelling through the Trent-Severn Waterway.

People jumping off a houseboat having fun

Stay in a Houseboat

Spring, Summer, or Fall – one of the best ways to experience the seasonal beauty of Kawartha Lakes is by Houseboat. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude, a family adventure, or time on the water with friends, a houseboat can be a perfect base for your holiday.

Explore our Unique Accommodations

Motor-Free Boating

Admire the splendour of Kawartha Lakes waterways as you paddle through the perfect combination of scenery, wildlife, fishing, history and friendly rapids. Whether you canoe or kayak, the authentic Canadian canoe experience is waiting to be explored on the Burnt River, Gull River, and our many scenic lakes, rivers and waterways.

Explore our Paddling Routes

Dock & Explore

There are several municipal dock locations where you can park your boat and explore the beautiful river and lakeside communities. Discover local restaurants, explore our boutique shops, and make your way through the five historic locks of the Trent-Severn Waterway to navigate to the various local docks.

View Municipal Dock Locations

Splashing encouraged!

Nestled on the shores of our beautiful lakes and throughout our towns and villages, you will find family friendly parks, splash pads and beaches. Plan a day of family fun and cool down while enjoying the natural surroundings of Kawartha Lakes. There's always a new park to explore with endless amount of fun to be had!

Experience the joy of water

Overhead shot of Lock 34 on the Trent-Severn Waterway

The Historic The Trent-Severn Waterway

Travel through Kawartha Lakes by water on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Experience the five regional and historic locks built with human ingenuity for navigating the heritage canals and waterways along the 386 km Trent-Severn Waterway. Connecting the playgrounds of Lake Ontario and Lake Huron, you can cruise Canada’s renowned inland passageway through historic lock stations.

Explore the Trent-Severn Waterway

Kids eating marshmallows around a campfire

Discover the Best of Summer

Kawartha Lakes is all about getting outside and revelling in your awe-inspiring surroundings, and what better way to enjoy the peaceful serenity of nature than with a day spent on (and in) one of our many lakes. Escape the city and rediscover the serenity of Kawartha Lakes, located only 90 minutes north east of Toronto, with 600 km of trails, 250 lakes and rivers, and many communities to explore.

Experience Summer Fun