Lock 20 Ashburnham
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Lock 20 Ashburnham

4.7
·583 reviews·Peterborough, Canada

Historic canal lock offering passage between major Great Lakes, with scenic views and fascinating boat cruises.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Enjoy the sunshine and lively atmosphere.

CrowdMedium
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Lock 20 Ashburnham

Lock 20 Ashburnham

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Enjoy the sunshine and lively atmosphere.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic canal lock offering passage between major Great Lakes, with scenic views and fascinating boat cruises.

4.7
(583 reviews)

"Fantastic lock cruise with humor and much knowledge of the history of the lock system!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Book Lock Cruise in Advance

Cruises are popular; reserve your spot to avoid disappointment.

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Town

The town is about a 15-minute walk from the lock.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 583 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peterborough Lift Lock Cruise

Peterborough Lift Lock Cruise

Lock 20 Ashburnham

Experience the historic Trent Canal system with knowledgeable captains sharing fascinating history.

Reddit
Witnessing the Locks in Action

Witnessing the Locks in Action

Lock 20 Ashburnham

See the impressive engineering of the canal locks as boats navigate between water levels.

Reddit
Scenic Canal Views

Scenic Canal Views

Lock 20 Ashburnham

Enjoy the tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings of the Trent Canal.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Lock Cruise Ahead

Popular lock cruises fill up fast, especially on nice days. Reserving your spot in advance ensures you don't miss out on this unique experience. Some visitors had to wait for the next available slot without reservations. Reddit

Embrace the Scenic Route

Lock 20 is part of a beautiful canal system. Enjoy the relaxing waters and scenic views, perfect for a leisurely day. The history of the Trent Canal adds a fascinating layer to the experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy the sunshine and lively atmosphere.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for a more relaxed experience.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚢 Book Lock Cruise in Advance

Cruises are popular; reserve your spot to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Town

The town is about a 15-minute walk from the lock. Reddit

🔒 Secure Your Boat

Keep windows closed if you have uninvited guests! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Beautiful views make for great photo opportunities. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Book Lock Cruise in Advance

Cruises are popular; reserve your spot to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Town

The town is about a 15-minute walk from the lock. Reddit

🔒 Secure Your Boat

Keep windows closed if you have uninvited guests! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Beautiful views make for great photo opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(583 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the fascinating history and engineering of Lock 20, especially when experienced via the lock cruise. The knowledgeable captains and scenic beauty are frequently praised, making it a relaxing and educational outing. Some minor issues include the need to book cruises in advance and occasional wildlife encounters.

"We did the lock cruise and it was fantastic. Jodi was our captain and inserted humor along with much knowledge of the history of the loch system. Definitely reserve ahead as some people that showed up without reservations had to book for the next time slot. There are washrooms on board and a small concession on the boat where you can get a pop, coffee, beer or hard iced tea/whiteclaw along with candy, popcorn and chocolate bars."

Stacy Sicard

"It’s always fun to see these canal locks in action. Peterborough has a few of them and on a nice summer day you can hang out sitting in a chair with a beverage in hand like some people do enjoy the show. 👍😎"

Yodaman Solo

"We went through this lock on the Peterborough Lift Lock Cruise. The history behind the Trent Canal is really fascinating. It's all explained by the boat captain during the 2hr. cruise."

scott wand

What People Like

Fascinating lock history
Engaging cruise captains
Scenic canal views

What People Dislike

Need to book ahead
Occasional wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lock 20 is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also a pleasant 15-minute walk from the town center, making it easy to combine with a visit to local breweries or shops. Reddit

Information on specific public transport routes to Lock 20 can vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for Peterborough, as it's a well-known landmark within the city. Reddit

Yes, the canal path offers a scenic route for walking and biking, providing beautiful views along the way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the lock area itself is generally free. However, if you wish to take a lock cruise, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out. Reddit

The locks operate seasonally, typically from spring to fall. Specific hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the official Trent-Severn Waterway schedule for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Cruise prices can vary depending on the duration and operator. It's best to check directly with the cruise company for current pricing and to book your tickets. Reddit

Absolutely! Watching the locks in action is a popular activity, and you can observe the process from the surrounding areas without needing a ticket for a cruise. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can witness the fascinating operation of the canal locks, enjoy the scenic waterfront, and take a historical lock cruise. It's a great spot for relaxation and appreciating the engineering marvel. Reddit+1

Restrooms are available on the lock cruise boats, and public facilities may be accessible in the nearby park areas. Reddit

While there's a small concession on the cruise boats, you can typically bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy by the locks. Reddit

The pathways around the locks are generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific accessibility information if needed. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are dining options in the nearby town, including breweries and grocery stores. The lock cruise boats also offer a small concession. Reddit

The concession on the boat offers a selection of beverages, including coffee, beer, and hard iced teas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The areas overlooking the locks as boats pass through, the scenic canal path, and the historic lock structures themselves offer excellent photographic opportunities. Reddit

The calm waters and scenic surroundings can make for beautiful sunset shots, especially reflecting off the water. Reddit

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Lock 20 Ashburnham (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide