Paddling Route: Rosedale Figure 8

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Northern region 2-day route

Spend 1 day making your way around Cameron lake without forgetting to stop for ice cream in the lovely town of Fenelon Falls. Leave the other day to explore Balsam Lake.

Route information

Difficulty: Beginner
Total distance: 33 km total
- Day 1 - Cameron Lake – 17.5 km
- Day 2 - Balsam Lake – 15 km
Time to paddle: 8 to 12 hours
- Day 1 - 4 to 6 hours
- Day 2 - 4 to 6 hours
Number of locks encountered: 2
Environment: Open waters, lakes; populated shorelines

Facilities and services available along this route:

Lockage (recommended)
Accessible washrooms
Potable water
Information
Picnic area
Camping

COVID-19

Some lockstation facilities and services have changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and could affect your visit. Please visit our COVID-19 information page for more details when planning your trip.

Plan your trip

This is a one-way route that requires a personal shuttle to or from the put-in and take-out locations. Plan accordingly.

Put-in locations

Suggested:

Lock 35 Rosedale
Location: Kawartha Lakes, ON

Other locations to put-in nearby:

Canoe steps at the upper reach of Lock 34 - Fenelon Falls

Take-out locations

Suggested:

Lock 35 Rosedale
Location: Kawartha Lakes, ON

Camping

Lock 35 - Rosedale
- oTENTik
- Rustic Cabin
- Tent camping*

*Tent camping is available at most lockstations on a first-come, first-served basis, at the discretion of the lockmaster. Select sites at Lock 35 - Rosedale may be reserved in advance. Book online or by phone at: 1-877-RESERVE.

Learn more about camping at lockstations

Paddling directions

Put in at the lower reach of Lock 35 to paddle the circumference of Cameron Lake
Opposite side of the lake to Lock 35 is Lock 34 Fenelon Falls
Put in at the upper reach of Lock 35 to paddle on Balsam Lake
Head straight towards the left of Grand Island
Loop around Grand Island following the shore on your right
Once at the North point of Grand Island, head straight towards the shore.
Follow the shore back towards Lock 35

Lockage

Lockage is recommended for several locks along this route. Portaging may be difficult.

Lockage is the process of raising or lowering boats and paddlecraft into connecting sections of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lockage takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. During seasonal Hours of Operation, paddlers can lock through any Parks Canada lock with the purchase of a valid lockage permit. Permits may be purchased upon arrival, or in advance online or by phone.

Purchase your lockage permits online

More information about lockage and paddling

Locks along this route

The status of facilities and services at lockstations listed below are subject to change throughout the navigation season. Please visit our 2021 Facilities and Services page for up-to-date status by lockstation.

Lock 35 - Rosedale

Washrooms: Yes (see Hours of Operation)
Potable water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Portaging: Intermediate
- Wooden dock at lower reach on north/left side
- Natural shoreline at the end of corner wall at the upper reach on south (right) side
- Dock located in front of rustic cabin on lower reach; only available to visitors with overnight stay reservations

Lock 34 - Fenelon Falls

Washrooms: Yes (see Hours of Operation)
Potable water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Portaging: Canoe steps at the upper reach, for those willing to get out


Lock	Washrooms	Potable water	Camping	Picnic area	Portaging
Lock 35 - Rosedale	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Intermediate; - Wooden dock at lower reach on north/left side; - Natural shoreline at the end of corner wall at the upper reach on south (right) side; - Dock located in front of Rustic Cabin (only available to visitors with overnight stay reservations).
Lock 34 - Fenelon Falls	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Canoe steps at the upper reach, for those willing to get out

Wind conditions

Avoid any strong winds (head and cross-winds)
Caution of strong winds on both Cameron and Balsam Lakes; waves can get pretty high
Winds on Balsam Lake can pick up quickly, especially in the afternoon

Hazards

Strong winds on open lakes
Watch for powerboats and their wake
Busy lakes for powerboats during the summer season, especially on weekends

Avoid dams

Watch for dams at the following locations and be sure to navigate away from them:

South side of Lock 34 (to the left when passing the lock)
North side of Lock 35

Tourism information

Nearby communities and services

Fenelon Falls
- Dining and shopping within walking distance of lockstation

Points of interest

Watchhouse exhibit at Lock 34 Fenelon Falls
Fenelon Falls
Dewey’s Island: 3km walking trail close to Rosedale
1.5 km Dam Trail all on Parks Canada site at Rosedale
Grand Island is a good destination for swimming with sandy shorelines

Regional tourism

The following regional tourism experts can help guide you towards great local experiences and businesses in the areas along this route. Visit their websites when planning your trip.