In the heart of Peterborough, Ontario, the Lift Lock isn’t just an impressive feat of engineering—it’s a challenge that dares paddlers to explore its surrounding waterways. This isn’t your typical lake or river. The Trent-Severn Waterway’s Peterborough Lift Lock stands as the world’s highest hydraulic boat lift, pushing boats—and paddlers—up 65 feet in a single, smooth motion. Paddling here means engaging with a history that’s fiercely mechanical and a landscape that pushes back with quiet currents and ripples eager to test your skills.

Launching your kayak or canoe just below the lock on the Otonabee River, you’ll feel the water’s steady urge as it flows beneath you, nudging your craft forward like an unseen guide. The river bends gently, flanked by pockets of forest that watch silently as you pass, their leaves rustling secrets of the waterways past. As you paddle closer to the lock, the structure looms, both daunting and inviting, its rugged stone and metal components a testament to early 20th-century ingenuity. The lock doesn’t just move boats; it commands respect.

Navigating around the lock requires practical know-how. Water levels can shift rapidly when the machinery cycles, and currents close to the gates become more assertive. Staying clear of operational areas is vital, but the surrounding calm patches offer spots to rest and absorb the juxtaposition of nature and mechanics. Watch for signs and heed park staff guidance—this is an active site still very much alive.

Venturing upstream and downstream of the lock reveals varied paddling experiences. Downstream, the Otonabee River winds through a blend of rural scenery and urban edges, offering an approachable stretch with gentle currents. Upstream, the water broadens into sections of the Trent Canal, presenting a quieter, more contemplative paddle framed by reeds and occasional bird calls. Each stroke deepens your connection to a waterway that has powered communities and transported goods for over a century.

Preparation is key. Wear sturdy footwear for portages or if you plan to explore the shorelines. Check weather and lock operation schedules to avoid sudden wakes or stronger currents during use. Bring plenty of water; the sun can weigh heavily on those open stretches. Early morning or late afternoon paddling promises softer light and calmer waters. With every turn and current, you engage with the lock’s fierce pulse—this is adventure wrapped in practicality, blending the thrill of exploration with the tangible presence of one of Canada’s most remarkable engineering landmarks.