Boaters heading for the Trent-Severn Waterway from Lake Ontario must first find their way into the sheltered waters of the Bay of Quinte.To enter the Bay of Quinte from the east, boaters will pass through Aldophus Reach, Long Reach and Big Bay, past Picton and Belleville into the bay. From the west, access to the bay is through the Murray Canal, which eliminates the long trip around Prince Edward County.
On your approach to Trenton from the Bay of Quinte or the Murray Canal along the main small craft route, the key marker to pick up is the Red Flashing Buoy Q72, located where the two routes meet.
Boaters looking for transient slips and their last chance for fuel before entering the lock system should head for the far side of the river and Fraser Park Marina, located just south of the bridge. This is your last place to fill up until you reach Campbellford or Rice Lake.
Downtown Trenton offer boaters all of the services and amenities required to not only provision for a cruise, but also to enjoy a day or two touring. Boaters will find shops, restaurants, grocery stores, banks, and beer and liquor all within walking distance of the marina.
Remember that from Trenton to the Kirkfield Lift Lock you are travelling upstream, so the red buoys and day beacons will be kept to starboard.
Just past the railway trestle to starboard is the approach to Lock 1 – Trenton along the port side of the river. The entrance to the approach channel is marked with a red day beacon at the end of the retaining wall. If this is your first lock, you will have to stop below the lock before the blue line and visit the lock office to purchase a pass for your trip. Information on passes can be found on the Parks Canada website (www.pc.gc.ca).
If this will be your first lock-through, now would be a perfect time to speak to the lockmaster or any of the lock staff about locking procedures and tips for your trip.The Trenton Lock staff are used to novices and more than willing to help. Once you’re set to go, follow the lockmaster’s instructions and head into the lock for your first lift up. If you are the first boat in, remember to head to the front of the lock to allow room for more boats and find the calmest water. Generally, you should have your vessel set with fenders and lines on the starboard side from Lock 1 to Lock 12.
From Lock 1– Trenton to Lock 6 – Frankford, which stretches five miles, the lockmasters may ask boats to stay grouped together for efficient locking. Those boaters looking for a stopover may want to consider serene Lock 3 - Glen Miller or pretty Lock 5 – Trent.When you exit the Frankford lock, your boat will have been lifted up a total of 117 feet since Lake Ontario. From the end of the channel, the waterway follows the natural course of the river.While the river seems wide, you must stay in the well-marked channel to avoid the shallows.
Lock 7 – Glen Ross is hidden down a narrow channel on the starboard side of the river, past markers T87 and T88, making this lock a sheltered and scenic stopover.The lower side of the lock is the ideal spot to tie up for lunch or an overnight, with ample space and extremely well-kept grounds and gardens.
At Mile 21 in Percy Reach, the route turns to port and in behind Hickory Island.As you approach the day beacon on your port on the tip of a small island, you can head into Blue Hole. Marked on the chart, this is one of the few spots where you can anchor out for lunch, a swim or an overnight.
Lock 8 – Percy Reach is a remote lock, so it is quiet and makes a pleasant stopover, with tie up space available along the walls at both the bottom and top of the lock. The lock grounds are spacious with plenty of picnic tables and barbecues. At the top you’ll find the entrance to the Centennial Trail.
A short run from Percy Reach, Lock 9 – Meyers is secluded but popular due to the original lockmaster’s house. Dating back to 1914, it is one of the prettiest along the waterway and is still utilized for the lock office and washrooms. Ranney Falls, Locks 11 and 12, lifts your boat up 48 feet in two stages of 24 feet.The flight locks operate simultaneously, with both upbound and downbound boats on the move through the locks, so follow the lockmaster’s instructions.
Although most boaters choose to stop in Campbellford while in this area, it is worthwhile spending some time tied up at Ranney Falls to enjoy the sights of the gorge, power dam and the falls from the suspension bridge.The view is spectacular and hiking over to Ferris Provincial Park is worth the time and effort.
With a population of 8,000, Campbellford makes a pleasant stop to take a break, provision and stay overnight before facing the next five locks. At Lock 13 – Campbellford, you will have to switch your lines and fenders since the Island and the Trent River. When you reach markers T321 and T322 you will turn to port and enter the Trent River upbound for Rice Lake. The shoreline along this stretch of the Trent River is shallow and weedy, so stay within the markers.
As the Trent River narrows, you will pass behind Preston Island and through the last series of markers before Lock 18 – Hastings, which is located on the north side of the river where the bridge crosses the Trent. If you are looking for dockage with services, Hastings Village Marina is located on the south bank of the river.
Hastings is a great port-of-call for an overnight, as there is plenty of space to tie-up at the lock and downtown is a just a short stroll away. Spending time in the Village of Hastings will not only allow you to stretch your legs in the parkland along the canal, but you can enjoy the sights and amenities of this historic village. 
Departing Hastings, Rice Lake is a short five-mile cruise up the Trent River. Once clear of the abandoned railway swing bridge, follow the markers and day beacons through the old structure, the river widens and the 10 kph speed zone ends.