crusing the trent severn

Ive been taking a look at our summer plans, and trying to put a few more trips together for my wife and I. Right now, it looks like we've got some time in July to do the Trent Severn. Specifically the 5th-19th. Of course those dates include travel time, and I haven't done any looking at that yet, but assuming two or three days each way. Not specifically trying to set up anything, but if some other C-Brats were going to be in the area then, would be nice to cruise together. Also, nothing set in stone about those dates, just something that appears open for us today. Colby
 
Doing a little more trip planning, and looks like it'll take 2 days driving each way to get from our home to the Trent/Severn waterway. I suspect going out, I'd use a third day to launch Midnight Flyer and then reposition the truck/trailer to the other end of the T/S, and then return back to the boat and to drop off the rental car. Right now, I'm thinking I would launch on the west end at Port Severn, and park the truck & trailer in Trenton. With the time I have available (actually that my wife has vacation for) that would leave us 10 days for cruising. I'm thinking that would be enough time going one direction. Anyone have any advice/suggestions to travel the other direction? I imagine the driving factor would be which end is the best end for leaving the tow rig. Any advice would be appreciated. It's about the same distance from home to either end of the waterway. Actual cruising days then would be July 8th - 17. I realize that's probably in the middle of summer with heaviest boating traffic, but sounds like some are saying it's still not that bad, except maybe on the weekends. Would also appreciate any advice with having 10 days available, where should I plan my stops each night, realizing that some sections of the waterway will go a little slower than others. Colby
 
colbysmith":tzyiojsz said:
Anyone have any advice/suggestions to travel the other direction? ---- ----- where should I plan my stops each night,
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Colby, sounds good! The only small "pita" starting at Port Severn is that the guide books(Ports anyway) start at Trenton - so you just have to start at the back of the book and work your way forward - also counting the locks down instead of up. No big deal though - Its beautiful both ways! :)

Briefly here are some of our stops and mileage for the day.

Port Severn to Orillia - 41miles

Orillia to Kirkfield(bottom is best) - 30miles

Kirkfield to Bobcaygeon - 31miles

Bobcaygeon to Burleigh Falls - 25miles

Burleigh Falls to Nassau Mills - 19miles

Nassau Mills to Hastings - 43miles(open run down Rice Lake and only 4 locks)

Hastings to Campbellford(Old Mill Park) - 20miles

This was the end of the line for us - from The Old Mill Park to Trenton you will have 31miles left - 12 locks - and speed restrictions. We were told it would take us a full day in Sept. when lock hours are cut.

I guess that's 8 days. There are lots of other beautiful places we have overnighted including at anchor. Also the Old Mill Park and the Orillia Marina have a "stay 2 nights and the 3rd is free" deal if you want to kill your extra 2 days one of those places. Explorers sometimes get itchy feet stopped in 1 place too long though 8) .

If you don't have a Ports Guide yet you are welcome to my 2006 issue. If your road trip is taking you up the 401 from Windsor or Sarnia you will pass within a mile of my work. You are welcome to stop in and grab it if needed.

Regards, Rob
 
Thanks Rob. I'll have to look closer at that with my charts in front of me. I did just purchase the latest copy of the Ports Guide, so good there. Also recently got the latest updated charts chip for my Garmin, and it shows good detail of the area. Colby
 
We are looking at cruising the Canadian canals starting in the second week of August.

We would like to do a loop of the Trent Severn, Rideau and maybe Richelieu to Lake Champlain down to the Erie canal.

Thinking of going as far as we can until weather or canal closings force us to stop. Can anyone recommend a launch and secure parking spot on the Severn/ Georgian Bay end of the canal?

How much should we try to cruise in two months? Most of the canals close by mid October. I'm thinking of a one way cruise not doing the Trent Severn in both directions. Mooring the boat at the end and traveling over land to retrieve the truck and trailer.

Looking for suggestions.
 
We launched Journey On in Orillia at Lake Simcoe and left the truck/trailer there at the launch ramp parking for a month or so. Went to Petersburg and then back to Midland. Nothing happened to the rig (well, it got dirty,) but check it out, it's been a while.

Boris
 
Two Bears will be leaving our Idaho home about August 15. Figure 6 or 7 days to Trenton. Our plan was to launch in Trenton and head west to Georgan Bay, then return and then go east on the Rideau to Ottawa & then return. By then it should be late September or early October and getting cool. We like to travel slow, although not as slow as Pat and Patti are doing going up the east coast.

Chuck
 
Hi everyone
Joyce and Wolfgang on Dragonfly (25 Cruiser) are also planning to do the TSW this summer. We'd love to cruise with other C-brats. We planned to start in Trenton because we only have about 10 days and would love to spend a couple days at the end of the trip on Georgian bay if we have time. Surely the locks will be crowded this year! We are flexible in our timing it would be great to get a group of C-Brats together!!
Joyce
 
Originally I was planning to cruise the T/S for 10 days beginning July 8th. While that's not completely off the calendar yet, I've also had some serious reservations due to Ontario's law against porta potties. I have also been looking at doing the Erie Canal during that same time frame instead. However with a lot of other travel already done and planned, I may just decide to stay in my own neck of the woods and spend more time up in Door County.... Colby
 
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