Trent-Severn Waterway to North Channel

Here is our route from Lock 35 - Rosedale, Ontario, through the Trent-Severn Locks, Georgian Bay (Large bay off of Lake Huron), and the start of the North Channel (North Shore of Lake Huron).

Monday, July 29. We left early from the Rosedale lock wall to cruise to the Kirkfield Lift Lock. The Kirkfield Lock is similar to the Peterborough Lift Lock but this time we will be gently lifted down.

Such a beautiful morning cruise through this narrow rocky channel. 

We were the only boat locking down.  It was a little unnerving pulling into the open chamber on the left.

Our view.  The lock actually got stuck for about 5 minutes while we were in process of going down.

We spotted the two designated red chairs at this lock.  After we found out they are not at every park in Canada, it was fun to spy them.

Almost down.

This day was so calm---and being the only boat was amazing.  

This is know as the Canal Lake Bridge (Hole in the Wall).  The bridge is the oldest concrete arch bridge known to remain in Canada with a 1905 construction date, a date which is cast into the center of the arch.  We were lucky to pass through in such calm water to get the photo.

So nice to see a blue heron again.

After locking down five locks (37-41) we were greeted with amazing flat water on Lake Simcoe.  This lake is known to be 'sporty' but not today.

After five locks and 38NM we stopped at the Bridge Port Marina in Orillia, Ontario.  

Love the lighted Canadian flag at the end of the docks.

Tuesday, July 30.  This is the laundry line up--and only 8:00am!!  When marinas offer free laundry and a nice washroom--its very hard to resist.  

We planned to stay two nights.  The rain didn't last too long.

Wednesday, July 31.  The water lilies are blooming.  We have seen so many along the canal.

One of our looper friends alerted us that #42 was jammed with logs.  This bridge was not far from the lock and only opens when the train schedule allows.  We arrived at 1:20--and saw the estimated opening was 1:30-1:45.  The cranky bridge operator thought we could have cleared the bridge.  Ummm noooooo!!!!

Always entertaining to see the cottages along the canal.

We arrived after locking down 42 & 43 traveling 30NM.  We joined the boats at the Big Chute wall ready to lock down in the morning.  

A little history about the Big Chute from Canada’s Park site:

In 1914 contracts were awarded to build locks to connect the Severn River to Georgian Bay with one of the locks being #44. Wartime shortages stalled the start of construction, but the first marine railway was built in 1917 and then replaced in 1923. The current marine railway was opened to the public in 1978 and has been instrumental in halting the spread of sea lamprey to inland lakes.

This is one of the really cool locks that Loopers get super excited to do. : )

Thursday, August 1st.  The Big Chute Lockmaster came over to the dock as they determine the order boats are to enter this unique lock.  This day there was a delay as a minor fix was needed, which gave us all time to prepare. Luckily we would be in the second group so we could watch the first group go.

The many wave runners would go first--I think to get them out of the way.  One of the bigger boats, 'Sweet Equity' was first from our line up.  We would go next.  

All loaded and making their way to the chute.

It was shocking to see how far back the boat was on the lift.  

Now its our turn.  We would be first to load on the lift.

Our view going across the road.

It kind of looks like a roller coaster.

One of the lock attendants took our photo.  They love how excited the loopers get --they said locals just want to get through.  We stand out but in a good way--they say.

Going down.....

And gently back in the water.  It was over in about 7 minutes--but a highlight lock experience.

Looking back.

This is looking back at the last lock on the Trent Severn.  Lock #45.  

We arrived in the Georgian Bay. Our first night was at the Wye Heritage Marina. It was a very hot day and evening so we ate at the on-site pub. Brisket poutine and cauliflower.

Friday, August 2.  We left early and enjoyed another calm day of travel.  The Georgian Bay is known for its 30,000 islands.  Water is amazingly clear.

We stopped at a popular reastaurant along the way in Parry Sound.  Henry's --excellent fish and chips.  And ice cream--of course.

After 37NM we anchored in this little cove known as Long Sault anchorage.  It was HOT.  

It was a beautiful anchorage--water so clear we swam.  So refreshing.

Saturday, August 3.  We woke to this!!  Keeping the blue light on during the night was a really good idea.  

Even though we had alot of bugs, this was one of our favorite anchorages. 

This is the Pointe au Baril Range Rear Lighthouse.  One of many we see in Georgian Bay.  

A little history:

In the 1870s, fur traders from Penetanguishene lost a canoe along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, and it was discovered the following spring by stranded fur traders, who helped themselves to a barrel of whiskey found in the canoe. After some whiskey-fueled merrymaking, the traders left the empty barrel on the point as a marker, and soon thereafter French mariners started to refer to the place as Pointe au Baril, meaning “Barrel Point.”  Cheers!!

This 'cottage' stood out.  Not at all like any other.  

Sunday, August 4.  It had been so hot, we decided to stop at Wrights Marina --we woke early and headed for a anchorage with a couple options.

Amazing cottages seen along the way.  So many built on rocks in remote locations.  Such private settings.  

Same cottage.

We decided to go through Collins Inlet and find an anchorage along the way.  The next day we would make our way to North Channel.

Scenery in this inlet was stunning.

Our anchorage was just around the corner.

Monday, August 5.  We left early for Killarney.  This was the lighthouse as we entered the busy town.

We stopped for a quick breakfast sandwich and could not resist the bakery goods.  Off to fuel and make our way to Kagawong.

Kagawong is know for the Bridal Veil Falls.  They are not too far from the marina.  Another hot day--but the walk was worth seeing the falls.

We try so hard to do these selfies.  No one fell in the water.

I’ll end this blog here and catch up to where we are now.