The Trent Severn Canal is a system of rivers, lakes, locks, and dug canals transporting boats over the Ontario, Canada, land mass between the Great Lakes of Ontario and Huron. This photo is of the skinniest and highest section of the canal, over 800 feet above sea level. It is dug through the granite of the Canadian shield. But, the Trent Severn is much more than a water road leading from one lake to another. It is a trail through beautiful scenery, visits to small, interesting towns, interactions with engaging people, and experiencing the lifting and lowering of the boat through various lock designs.
The city of Campbellford operates a marina along the lock wall in the middle of town. It is part of the park which has a large tribute to the designer of the Toonie, the two dollar Canadian coin (the large coin can be seen in the trees to the right. Campbellford has some interesting attractions in the food arena: Dooher's, an outstanding and large bakery with everything baked from scratch, The World's Finest Chocolate Factory, and Empire Cheese, with delicious aged cheeses. Campbellford hosts an Incredible Edible Festival in July. Experiencing the different cultures requires experiencing their foods. Research is important.
The Last Dance crew on a walk through the park. It is a bit cooler in Canada than Florida in June.
Many of the locks are located in towns. Operated by Parks Canada, all have a park-like setting and have space on the walls above and below the lock to which boats can tie to spend a night. The upper lock doors can be seen to the right of Last Dance. This peaceful spot is near the town of Lakefield.
The first retailer across the bridge into Lakefield is a bakery and ice cream store. Seems every Canadian town, no matter how small, has at least one bakery. Fresh baked bread and goodies are never far away. The unique Canadian baked item found at every bakery, and even every grocery store, is the butter tart, baked in many varieties from plain to pecan. More research required to sample every butter tart along the route.
The middle section of the Trent Severn passes through a series of interconnected lakes - Kawartha Lakes. There is a well-known dairy in this area which must have some very special cows. The dairy products and, in particular, the ice cream, are absolutely wonderful in the creaminess and delicious flavor. The Lakefield store had Kawartha in 36 flavors. A trip through the Trent Severn requires many experiences with Kawartha ice cream to fully enjoy the trip.
The town of Bobcageon is another with the lock right in the middle of town. Parks Canada has recently upgraded the docking wall with new concrete and electrical power. The locks are not only a water highway, but also a central park in town.
The grocery store in Bobcaygeon provided the Last Dance crew with some additional Kawartha experiences at a picnic table in the park.
One tradition of British colonialism that remains well accepted in Canada is the local pub, a family place for food and drink. Lakefield had two, in the two-block-long downtown: the Canoe and Paddle, and the Thirsty Loon. The town of Fenelon Falls is home to the Cow and Sow. Who would think of going to Canada to sample barbeque? The slab of tasty and tender ribs provided a most enjoyable lunch and two dinners on the boat. Getting into the culture.
When we passed under this bridge in previous trips, we saw only an arched bridge and wondered how it got its name - Hole in the Wall Bridge. This year we arrive in the morning with clear skies which created a reflection and explanation of the derivation of the name. Sailed through a hole in the wall. The Trent Severn Canal, a host of experiences, visual to culinary.
