Trent-Severn Waterway Staged Opening for 2026 Navigation Season

Media Release by Parks Canada:

The Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site 2026 navigation season will open in stages starting on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Increased precipitation in March and April, coupled with significant snowpack in both the Trent and Severn watersheds, has necessitated additional time to reduce water levels and flows to ensure safe boating conditions across the system.

This staged opening of the Waterway will, most importantly, protect boater safety and help prevent further shoreline erosion and property damage experienced by residents and businesses.

Parks Canada continues to work diligently toward reopening the navigation system and is maximizing water flows where possible to move toward seasonal averages. While progress is ongoing, water levels and flows remain dynamic across the system. Lockstations will open in stages as conditions allow but may be subject to temporary closure depending on weather systems and precipitation events. Waterways between or adjacent to closed lockstations should be considered unsafe for navigation due to elevated flows.

The safety of our visitors and staff remains of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. Boaters, paddlers, and swimmers are reminded that certain areas continue to have higher-than-average flows and are asked to exercise caution. Floating debris may be present, and navigation aids may be off station as we continue to monitor and prepare the navigation channels.

Please visit Parks Canada website to see table for most recent description of lockstations that will be open for navigation as of Friday, May 15, 2026. This list will be updated and released via Parks Canada website and social media channels daily until all lockstations are fully open. All lockstations will remain open to land-based visitation.