Are you ready for an epic canoeing adventure or do you just want to spend the afternoon paddling in some open water? The stretch of the Trent River that runs from Lock 18 at the Town of Hastings to Campbellford’s Ranney Gorge gives you both options. You’ll find ideal fishing conditions, a waterfall, quaint towns, hidden beaches, a suspension bridge, and even our own Oak Island treasure!
1. THE BRIDGEWATER CAFÉ
16 Bridge St. N., Hastings
Watch the competitive fishing action on the canal banks from the patio of the local hotspot while enjoying their home-baked pizzas and pastries.
2. PISCES PETE
Pisces Park, 3 Dit Clapper Dr., Hastings
Enjoy a picnic beside Pisces Pete, an amazing four-metre steel sculpture of a pickerel, designed by the late artist Bill Lishman (whose story inspired the film Fly Away Home).
3. FRIENDLY ACRES PARK
278 Friendly Acres Rd., Hastings
The best place to cast your fishing line is just in front of Friendly Acres Park. The fishing season lasts from mid-May to mid-November for bass, pike, pickerel, muskies and walleye.
4. PARADISE ESCAPE COTTAGES & MARINA
206 Dunfords Lane, Havelock
For a break from paddling, swap out your kayak for a boat or jet ski at the marina, or pay a $5 mooring fee and enjoy their stretch of sandy beach.
5. WINDSWEPT
158 Birch Point Rd., Hastings
The Trent River winds its way southward through a series of “ecotone” islands – places where two or more ecosystems meet. Here you’ll see a bald eagle nesting ground and home to hundreds of turtles. Rent the off-grid cottage on Oak Island and search for archaeological treasures or press on into Birch Narrows and dare to explore Haunted Island on the Trent.
6. HEALEY FALLS
12th Line and Highway 50, Trent Hills
If you make it past the restless Spirits into Seymour Lake, you’ll soon be at Healey Falls. The falls are an impressive 100 metres wide and you can walk across the dam and watch the water drop 20 metres, or when the water’s low, sit on the ledges of bedrock at its base.
7. FLIGHT LOCK 16-17
222 Canal Rd., Campbellford
Skip the rapids and enter the historic Trent Severn Waterway at Flight Lock 16-17 and experience being lowered almost 8 metres, or moor your boat and have a picnic lunch. For lock station hours: facebook.com/TrentSevernNHS
8. RANNEY GORGE SUSPENSION BRIDGE
15 Trent Dr., Campbellford
End your adventure by walking across the 91-metre Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge. Look down through the open metalwork to the Trent River below and Ranney Falls. Spectacular! Pedestrian access only; no fee.
Story by:
Micol Marotti
Illustration by:
Charles Bongers
