Looking for a new destination to explore in Ontario this year? The Trent-Severn Waterway, a Canadian national historic site, has earned a coveted spot on The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2025" list, coming in at #40 among global destinations.
Stretching 240 miles, the Trent-Severn Waterway connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, winding through picturesque rivers, lakes, and canals. This stunning route flows past charming villages, dense woodlands, and serene waterfalls, making it a must-see for travellers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness.
According to The New York Times, 2025 is the ideal time to visit this iconic waterway as it undergoes a remarkable transformation. Central to this "renaissance" is the brand-new Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, a 65,000-square-foot facility located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations.
The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft, celebrating the enduring legacy of this vessel in Canadian and Indigenous cultures. Its curved design, inspired by the canoe, features exhibits showcasing styles from across Canada, alongside a canoe house, gathering circle, campfire pit, and seasonal docks for on-water and outdoor education programs.
The Trent-Severn Waterway itself is in the midst of a multi-year revitalization project, which includes retrofitting its iconic hydraulic lift locks. Travellers can now take advantage of expanded self-drive cruising opportunities offered by boat rental company Le Boat, which has added new routes out of the renovated Horseshoe Bay Marina.
While exploring the area, The New York Times encourages visitors to enjoy innovative craft brews at 100 Acre Brewing Co., a family-run farmhouse brewery known for creations like the Monarch saison, named after the butterflies that grace Ontario each year.
Don’t forget to indulge in quintessentially Canadian treats such as BeaverTails and butter tarts to round out your adventure.
This recognition places the Trent-Severn Waterway among other world-class destinations, including Jane Austen’s England, the museums of New York City, and the scenic wonders of Greenland and Thailand.
This beloved Ontario landmark is ready to shine on the global stage — and now is the perfect time to discover its magic.
