Waterway Spots, Friendly Towns and Villages
Enjoy lots of waterway stops on the 151st anniversary of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Plus, explore some of our neighbouring (and very neighbourly) communities.
Hastings
From the 401 (exit 497 then north onto 25), you'll discover the village of Hastings along the Trent River. Named Canada's "Ultimate Fishing Town," it's a destination for pleasure boaters and picnickers too. Stop by Pisces Park to pose with a 12-foot-long walleye crafted from stainless steel. Or take a self-guided walking tour to take in some heritage.
Nearby
• Lock 18 is the last lock before entering Rice Lake. The lock itself has a park with tables providing a great spot for a picnic or driving tour break. Lock 18 also has an accessible washroom, overnight mooring and nautical charts.
• For some foodie fun, follow our Chocolate Cheese and Craft Beer self-guided driving tour of Trent Hills.
Campbellford
From the 401 (exit 509 or 497), you’ll find Campbellford, with the Trent River and main bridge creating east and west sides to the downtown area. Take a self-guided walking tour of the heritage properties in town. Get a selfie with Canada's giant $2 coin or pick up a treat from one of the eateries.
Nearby
• Head to the nearby Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, Ferris Provincial Park or the Rotary Trail.
You’ll find the Ranney Falls Locks located at the south end of town. They are the first of 2 flight locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway. This lock features an accessible washroom, overnight mooring, picnic tables, camping and 2 red chairs overlooking the Waterway.
• There are 9 other locks within a short drive. Plan your route using the Trent-Severn Waterway Driving Tour here.
• For chocolate, cheese and more, take in our Chocolate Cheese and Craft Beer self-guided driving tour of Trent Hills.
• If it's Saturday, take in the Campbellford Farmers' Market, open 9 am - Noon.
Warkworth
From the 401 (off exit 509), you'll come across the village of Warkworth. (The Trent-Severn Waterway is to the west in Campbellford, but we could not overlook the magnificent setting here with Warkworth's seven hills.) Take a self-guided tour to discover the heritage of this welcoming arts community.
Nearby
• Drive our Rolling Hills Central Arts Loop to experience some of the best of Fall.
• Picnic or take in some fresh fall breezes along the Millennium Trail. Stay overnight in either a B & B in the village or out in the country.
• For some great Fall finds, take in our Chocolate Cheese and Craft Beer self-guided driving tour of Trent Hills.
• Drive west on County Rd. 23 towards Centreton, and stop into Peter’s Wood’s Nature Preserve for a short hike.
Port Hope
Off the 401 (about 100 km east of Toronto) take exit 464 and you'll see signs for this picturesque town that could be right out of a movie set. As a matter of fact, it’s been featured on TV and the silver screen. Take a look at Port Hope's self-guided tours here or just relax by the Ganaraska River. See what two locals-in-the-know recommend.
Nearby
• Take in our 40-km looped self-guided driving tour of Port Hope and around.
• If it's Saturday, take in the outdoor Port Hope Farmers' Market, open 8 am - 1 pm.
• Drive a bit further north to Garden Hill and stop at Richardson’s Lookout Conservation Area.
Cobourg
Off the 401 (about 20 km east of Port Hope) take exit 472 or 474 to visit Cobourg, a town that was in the running to become the capital of Upper Canada. Take a walking tour. Stop and dip your feet in the cool water at the beach or marina. There are lots of local eateries to welcome you.
Nearby
• Try our 60-km looped self-guided driving tour of Cobourg and around.
• If it's Saturday, take in the open-air Cobourg Farmers’ Market open 9 am - Noon .
• Take a drive north towards the water along County Rd. 18 for spectacular Rice Lake views and a stop at the Lakefront Gazebo in Gore's Landing.
• Drive through Harwood and Roseneath where you will see Alderville First Nation.
• Take a short hike at Northumberland County Forest on County Rd. 45.
Gore's Landing, Rice Lake
North of Cobourg (from the 401 exit 472 then take Hwy. 18) you can visit this hamlet near Rice Lake where Paleo-Indian spear points were found dating back 11,500 years. Before you go, you can read an interesting history of Gore's Landing from an editor and local naturalist.
Colborne / Cramahe
You will see the exit off the 401 (497) near the giant apple head – voted one of the top memorable landmarks in Ontario. The Big Apple has a restaurant, food trucks and lots of pies. You'll also find some interesting arts and heritage spots in Colborne. Take a break among some great Fall colours at the Cenotaph. See inspired local artists at The Colborne Art Gallery (check Fall hours here.)
Nearby
• Try our 62-km looped, self-guided driving tour of Brighton, Beaches and The Big Apple.
Brighton
From the 401, exit 509 takes you to the town furthest east in Northumberland County (just a short drive from Kingston). You can also exit at 497 and take Hwy. 2 to Brighton for some orchards and farm stand finds and fresh breezes off the waterfront. Take in the wide open Lake Ontario views as you drive along Lakeshore Rd.
Nearby
• Go to Presqui’le Provincial Park and see the lighthouse, explore the beach, boardwalk and trails.
• This 62-km looped, self-guided driving tour of Brighton, Beaches and The Big Apple gives you the best of our lakeshore.
• If it's a Sunday, visit the Codrington Farmers' Market, open from 10 am - 1 pm.
Road Trips for Other Escapes
We have so many back roads with hidden gems to discover. See Road Trips here for more self-guided driving tour maps or scenic motorcycle routes.
Contact Us
