I was wondering if anyone here has gone from Lake Simcoe to Lake Ontario through the Trent-Severn? Did you have to step your mast and how long did it take, what about cost for using the canals?
Travelling from Lk. Simcoe to Lk. Ontario
- Thread starter dwayne13628
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Some information on Trent Severn
We have done the full length of the Trent Severn twice. Once, long ago, in a small runabout which I had built and once in the late 80s in a 32 foot sail boat during our 'circumnavigation' of Southern Ontario (almost 1500 miles). We enjoyed the Trent Severn. Locking through is set up for pleasure boats and easy - much easier than the Welland which we have done twice. The route is picturesque, historic and changes as you proceed (the end to Georgian Bay from Lake Simcoe is distinctly different than the south end to Lake Ontario so you should schedule that into your plans at some point). You must unstep your mast as there are lots of relatively low bridges. The length of time to do this depends on the boat and mast (and your familiarity with your rig). With the 32' sailboat with keel stepped mast it took me about 3 hours with some family help, including folding the sails, coiling the lines strapping the mast and boom on the boat etc. It takes a bit longer to put it up as you have to lead the lines and tune the rig. If my experience in the late 80s is any indication. in midsummer there will be a lot of lock traffic through some of the vacation lake locks eg. Bobcageon. Transit fees plus mooring fees (if you moor by a lock) and lots of other information can be found at http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/tarifs_fees_E.asp?park=102
We have done the full length of the Trent Severn twice. Once, long ago, in a small runabout which I had built and once in the late 80s in a 32 foot sail boat during our 'circumnavigation' of Southern Ontario (almost 1500 miles). We enjoyed the Trent Severn. Locking through is set up for pleasure boats and easy - much easier than the Welland which we have done twice. The route is picturesque, historic and changes as you proceed (the end to Georgian Bay from Lake Simcoe is distinctly different than the south end to Lake Ontario so you should schedule that into your plans at some point). You must unstep your mast as there are lots of relatively low bridges. The length of time to do this depends on the boat and mast (and your familiarity with your rig). With the 32' sailboat with keel stepped mast it took me about 3 hours with some family help, including folding the sails, coiling the lines strapping the mast and boom on the boat etc. It takes a bit longer to put it up as you have to lead the lines and tune the rig. If my experience in the late 80s is any indication. in midsummer there will be a lot of lock traffic through some of the vacation lake locks eg. Bobcageon. Transit fees plus mooring fees (if you moor by a lock) and lots of other information can be found at http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/tarifs_fees_E.asp?park=102
An easier way?
I guess going to Lake Huron via Western Lake Ontario would be a quicker way to get to lake Simcoe?
I guess going to Lake Huron via Western Lake Ontario would be a quicker way to get to lake Simcoe?
Not made the trip but
I have not made the trip but some one of our dockmates makes the rtip regularly in a large trawler. I understand you have sufficient depth for most sail boats Certainly the trip would be quicker than by western Lake Ont- that would involve the Welland, then the length of Lake Erie, up the detraoit river and lake St Clair, all the way up Lake Huron to Geaorgian bay, down the bay, and the Severn down to Lake Simcoe. That sounds like at least 3 weeks from Toronto probably more.
I have not made the trip but some one of our dockmates makes the rtip regularly in a large trawler. I understand you have sufficient depth for most sail boats Certainly the trip would be quicker than by western Lake Ont- that would involve the Welland, then the length of Lake Erie, up the detraoit river and lake St Clair, all the way up Lake Huron to Geaorgian bay, down the bay, and the Severn down to Lake Simcoe. That sounds like at least 3 weeks from Toronto probably more.
Trent!
Hi Dwayne. Go east
. If you're leaving Keswick or Gilford, don't even bother to step the mast up, drop it before you go, and motor across Simcoe. Motor the whole way through the system until you get to Trenton. Stepping the mast at every lake would be a royal PITA! I've seen cruisers return from Georgian Bay, and they drop the mast at Victoria Harbour or Midland, and motor all the way back to KonTiki or Nesbitt's. Far easier. The Trent is far more picturesque, with protection, small towns, and anchorages. The other route through Lake Huron, is wide open, and a long trip. There is quite a current in the St Clair and Detroit rivers to contend with. Also there are many freighters to watch for. The Welland Canal is hard work IMHO. You'll need at least 2 or 3 crew plus yourself. Maybe downbound is easier, I only went up! There is great force against the boat as the water fills the lock. We blew a big fat 24" fender @ lock 7!! The lock walls can be terribly rough. Just my experience. I went up in a 44'er, with lots of weight and crew. A relatively, quite smaller Northern I wouldn't want to do, although it is done! Good luck Eric
Hi Dwayne. Go east
. If you're leaving Keswick or Gilford, don't even bother to step the mast up, drop it before you go, and motor across Simcoe. Motor the whole way through the system until you get to Trenton. Stepping the mast at every lake would be a royal PITA! I've seen cruisers return from Georgian Bay, and they drop the mast at Victoria Harbour or Midland, and motor all the way back to KonTiki or Nesbitt's. Far easier. The Trent is far more picturesque, with protection, small towns, and anchorages. The other route through Lake Huron, is wide open, and a long trip. There is quite a current in the St Clair and Detroit rivers to contend with. Also there are many freighters to watch for. The Welland Canal is hard work IMHO. You'll need at least 2 or 3 crew plus yourself. Maybe downbound is easier, I only went up! There is great force against the boat as the water fills the lock. We blew a big fat 24" fender @ lock 7!! The lock walls can be terribly rough. Just my experience. I went up in a 44'er, with lots of weight and crew. A relatively, quite smaller Northern I wouldn't want to do, although it is done! Good luck Eric- Status