Loop Life with Greg and Reenie: FENELON FALLS to LOCK 40 & ORILLA

Our jurney the last two days was very remote, through beautiful Canadian countryside. We passed three lakes, seven locks and numerous bridges. The weather was very warm, high 80's and a bit windy.at15-20 knots.

The first lake we crossed was Balsam Lake. On Balsam we were 840 feet above sea level. It is the highest point on the Trent Severn Waterway. From this point on we will lock down on the waterway. (A little more difficult.)

We then entered The Trent Canal. It is long, narrow and shallow five mile canal. The canal is land cut through the Canadian Shield. Every vessel entering the canal is required to make a security call prior to entering. This call is to alert any other travelers in the opposite direction, as there is no room to pass.

After the canal, we entered another Lift Lock at Kirkfield... Quite thrilling! After passing another few traditional locks, we decided to spend the night at Lock 40 - Thorah. It was a nice country setting with 2 other boats.

Looper Tip: After Kirkfield Lift Lock the green and red navigation markers change sides. Green is now starboard and red is port, as we are now going downriver. We found it very helpful to make a red and green marker and placed it by the Captains wheel.

The next morning we crossed Lake Simcoe. The Lake is shallow and expansive, 20 miles long and 16 miles wide. The wide open water is notoriously hazardous to cross, with wind and large waves... We made it without any problems :)

Lake Simcoe is named for Sir John Simcoe who was the first Lieutenant/Governor of Upper Canada in 1791. He is well known for having abolished slavery in 1793, long before America.

After crossing Lake Simcoe, we entered The Narrows... It is narrow and super busy, with boats starting the weekend. We were amazed about the clear, bright green water color!

We docked in the Port of ORILLA Marina for the long weekend. This Monday is a Federal Holiday in Canada, celebrating Civic Day.