One of the best parts of a houseboat vacation is docking at a lock and exploring a new town on foot – ideally in search of something delicious!

If you’re cruising from Lock 1 to Lock 18 on the Trent-Severn Waterway, you can find restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance of 5 locks.

These are some of our favourite options if you’re looking for a bite to eat…

Trenton (Lock 1)

Your H2O houseboat adventure begins in Trenton. Before you set off (or after you return from your vacation), here are a few stops you may want to make…

• The Counter Restaurant – An Elevated deli with a focus on handcrafted preparations.
• Tomasso’s Italian Grille –  An upscale-casual restaurant located along the Trent River.
• Sutha’s Pizza – Mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, burgers, fries, and more.
• Metro & Freshco

Frankford (Lock 6)

Want to make your trip even more enjoyable? Here are a few additions that will add comfort, convenience, and a little more fun to your houseboat getaway…

Lock 6 is a great place to dock for the night after your first day on the water. And there are several delicious food options available to refuel after a day of boating!

• The Smash & Dash Food Truck – Delicious Burgers, Fries, all home made. You’ll find the truck just down the hill from Lock 6 in the Frankford Tourist Park
• Mill Street Pub –  A family-friendly atmosphere with great food, service, & drinks year- round.
• Riverside Restaurant –  Delicious Chinese dishes by the scenic Trent River. Generous portions, friendly service, & will deliver to your boat at Lock 6.
• Foodland

Campbellford (Lock 11/12 – Ranney Falls & Lock 13 – Campbellford)

Campbellford is about a 30 minute walk from both Lock 11/12 and Lock 13. If you would prefer to be closer to the town, you can dock at the Old Mill Park Government Dock in Downtown Campbellford – home of the Giant Toonie! 

Overnighting at this dock is not covered with your mooring pass, but you can stay overnight along the wall in Old Mill Park. The lovely & helpful folks at the Chamber of Commerce take care of the overnight mooring bookings. The facility offers showers, fresh water & it’s an easy walk to anywhere in town.

If you’d like a spot at Old Mill Park, you should pre-register online. www.visittrenthills.ca/bookings/ or give them a call.

• Nicki’s Resto Patio – Beautiful Italian cuisine located on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
• 52 North Pub & Grill – A family run restaurant with exceptional service, great handcrafted food and a cozy rustic atmosphere.
• DOOHER’S! (Dooher’s Bakery has the BEST donuts ever – you can also find them on Saturdays at Lock 7, at the Glen Ross General Store)
• The Dockside Bistro – Gourmet food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
• No Frills & Sharpe’s Food Market

Hastings (Lock 18 – Hastings)

For many of our guests, Lock 18 will be the turn-around point of their vacation. Before you start your journey back to Lock 1, we recommend checking out at least one of these local gems…

• McGillicafey’s Pub & Grill – Open concept pub – Selection of smoked brisket & ribs, roasted chicken, pulled sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and more.
• Lady B’s Bistro – Italian Restaurant with homemade cooking serving lunch and dinner.
• Valuemart & Independent

Ready to Plan Your Vacation?

From dockside bistros to fresh-baked donuts, part of the magic of a houseboat trip is discovering the small-town gems along the way.

If exploring the Trent-Severn Waterway from your very own “cottage-on-the-water” and visiting charming towns sounds like your kind of vacation, we’d love to welcome you aboard!

• Tap HERE to read more about our boats
• Tap HERE for our rental rates and availability

We’d love to help you plan your perfect getaway!