Liftlock & The Riverboat Cruises.
Two-hour sightseeing cruises over the Peterborough Liftlock and the Trent-Severn Waterway aboard The Island Princess III
The brief.
Liftlock & The Riverboat Cruises is a Kent family-run cruise operator on Little Lake in downtown Peterborough, at the heart of the Kawarthas and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The 2-hour signature cruise on The Island Princess III crosses Little Lake past the Peterborough Centennial Fountain and lifts passengers 65 feet up the Peterborough Liftlock — the world's highest hydraulic liftlock. The vessel is Canadian Coast Guard–certified annually, with an enclosed lower deck, a canopied upper deck, and a maximum capacity of 92 passengers. Daily departures run from mid-May to mid-October from the Peterborough Marina at 92 George Street North, plus a 3-hour Triple Crown Fall Colours cruise to Trent University on selected dates in late September and October.
5. ways in.
- 01
2 Hour Sightseeing Cruise
For: Seniors (60+), adults (13–59), children (3–12), infants (2 & under on lap)When: Mid-May to Mid-October daily — weekdays 10:30 and 1:00 (3:30 added after June 19); weekends 10:30, 1:00, 3:30Departs from the Peterborough Marina next to the Holiday Inn near Del Crary Park and crosses Little Lake into the City of Peterborough lock system, with Captain's commentary on the 118-year-old lock infrastructure and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The route's centrepiece is the Peterborough Liftlock — vessels are raised 65 feet (19.8 m) above the city. Licensed cash bar and snack bar on board; lower deck is wheelchair and walker friendly.
Senior $33.00 / Adult $35.00 / Child (3–12) $15.50 / Infant $3.50 — prices include HST, cash only
- 02
Triple Crown Fall Colours Cruise
For: All agesWhen: Selected dates Sep 24 – Oct 11 (Sep 24, 27, 30; Oct 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11)A 3-hour northbound cruise from Little Lake up and over the Peterborough Liftlock to Trent University, with Captain's commentary on waterway history and lock operation while passing through autumn colour along the Otonabee. Departs 12:30 pm. Reservations require a Visa or MasterCard to hold; 48 hours' notice required for cancellation refund. Fully licensed cash bar on board.
$46.50 per person (includes tax)
- 03
Tour Groups
For: Groups of 20 or more seniors and adults (children and infants pay regular sightseeing rates)When: Mid-May–Mid-October; 10:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. departures only (3:30 weekday departures June 19 – September 7)A pre-booked group rate on the standard 2-hour sightseeing cruise — same Island Princess III vessel, same Captain's commentary on the Trent-Severn Waterway, same route across Little Lake and up over the Peterborough Liftlock. Group rate applies to seniors and adults at 20+ pax; children and infants pay regular sightseeing rates. Booking must be arranged in advance by phone.
$30.00 per person, taxes included (20+ adults/seniors)
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School Groups (Educational Cruises)
Educational cruises for classrooms from kindergarten to grade 8, with Captain's commentary tailored to the age group on board, covering the Trent-Severn Waterway, the local area, and how the locks operate. Contact for details on scheduling and pricing.
Contact for details
- 05
Private Charters
For: Private groups up to 92 passengersWhen: 10:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. departure, approximately 2 hoursThe Island Princess III is available for private charter with Captain, crew, and licensed bartenders provided. The vessel runs its standard route from the Peterborough Marina across Little Lake and over the Peterborough Liftlock, with an enclosed lower deck, canopied upper deck, and fully stocked cash-only bar on board. Maximum 92 passengers; book by phone at 705-742-9912.
$1,850.00 (10:30 a.m. departure) / $2,350.00 (3:30 p.m. departure), taxes included
Worth knowing.
- 01Family-run business under Kent Family ownership for over 30 yearsSource ↗
- 02Vessel The Island Princess III is certified annually by the Canadian Coast GuardSource ↗
- 03Captains hold CPR and First Aid Certificates; crew trained in marine emergency dutiesSource ↗
- 04The Island Princess III has an enclosed lower deck and a canopied upper deckSource ↗
- 05Maximum capacity 92 passengersSource ↗
- 06Route travels over the Peterborough Liftlock — the world's highest hydraulic liftlock, lifting vessels 65 feet (19.8 m)Source ↗
- 07Operates daily from Mid-May to Mid-OctoberSource ↗
- 08Wheelchair and walker friendly on the lower deck (on-board washrooms not accessible; accessible washroom available at the marina before boarding)Source ↗
- 09Reservations by phone only — 705-742-9912Source ↗
- 10Cash-only payment for tickets and on-board barSource ↗
Get in
touch.
- Website
- www.liftlockcruises.com
- Phone
- (705) 742-9912
- Address
- 92 George Street North, Peterborough, ON K9J 3G6