The Galley Guys are three couples who often take boating vacations together and then write up their adventures in Canadian Boating magazine. This installment saw them chartering a power cruiser from Le Boat in which to explore the famously beautiful Trent-Severn Waterway.
Le Boat charter craft have been designed to be simple to operate and safe for all levels of expertise. They only go six knots and have fenders all around in anticipation of collisions with lock sides, marina pilings and other boats. They have bow and stern thrusters so they are simple to maneuver and will turn in their own length. Not to worry, with a little practice, you’ll be fine, seems to be Le Boat’s motto.
The Trent Severn Waterway was built in 1922, before the St. Lawrence Seaway was opened, and stretches 240-miles through rolling green countryside, farms and villages. At the southern end, it starts at Trenton on lake Ontario and then leads through 44 locks to Port Severn on Georgian Bay, which is on the northern side of Lake Huron.
If you ask Great Loopers what their favorite section of the big adventure was for them, many come back with praise for the Trent-Severn. The waterway is part of Parks Canada and all the locks are operated by park rangers who are wonderful ambassadors for the waterway, the national park service and Canada in general.
It is customary to tie up at night close to one of the locks. Often there will be a bit of civilization nearby with stores and restaurants. But, there are plenty of places to anchor for the night if you want a little peace and quiet.
The Galley Guys had a fun charter and learned a lot about why the waterway is such a special place and a Canadian national treasure.
