Trent-Severn Waterway

[ginalou]

We''re moving aboard and sailing from Bayfield, WI in June 2003 aboard our Dickerson 41 ketch. Plan on doing the Erie Canal, but hope to precede that by doing the Trent-Severn. We have heard from one party about 6 knot currents (the wrong way) and shallow spots (although we only draw 4 1/2'').
Any souls who have done this trip? Sure hope to knock off some miles. Thanks.

[Johnrb]

I haven''t done the trip but I am somewhat familiar with the canal system (I live in Toronto). Try the Parks Canada english website at: http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/parks/ontario/trent-sev-waterway/trent-sev-waterway_e.htm

They list the minmum waterway (channel) depth as 6 ft. although another guide mentions 5 ft. so I suggest contacting the operator directly. There''s no mention of currents other than local strong currents nears dams or spillways. Currents can sometimes be strong during the sping run-off when the canal opening is delayed.

Good luck with your trip.

[Nereus32]

There are a few decent resources about the TS Waterway on the interenet. If you haven''t already, try these:

http://www.trentsevern.com/
http://www.ftsw.com
http://collections.ic.gc.ca/waterway/

I hope to make a similar one in a couple of years from Chicago. Haven''t decided on TS or through Lake Erie and Welland to Toronto. From there, it''ll be on to Oswego and into NY canal system to head south.

Sounds like a fun trip. Good luck and safe passage on what ever you decided.

[sailorrest]

Sure did the waterway. The area of concern is just North of the marine railway life at Little Chute. You will have a problem here when heading South first thing in the spring. No problems other times of the year. Fell free to contact me for more information.