Liftlock Cruise & Darlington Beach Escape
Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy at the beach!

Picture
Photo courtesy Liftlock Cruises
Make waves on this one-day summer adventure that blends nature, relaxation, and a touch of engineering marvel!

We begin with a relaxing drive from Toronto to Darlington Provincial Park, nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario. Here, you'll have free time to soak up the sun on the sandy beach, dip your toes in the refreshing waters of Lake Ontario, or explore the scenic walking trails at your own pace.

Be sure to bring a packed picnic lunch or purchase something to eat at our morning stop and enjoy it in this beautiful lakeside setting. See inclusions section below for food options to purchase in our plaza stop. We will have a picnic shelter close to the beach reserved for our private use. Our coach has plenty of space in the luggage bays to accommodate coolers, so you are welcome to bring them along if you wish to make your beach visit more enjoyable.

In the afternoon, we travel to Peterborough for a 2-hour narrated cruise through the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock—the tallest hydraulic lift lock in the world! Float gently along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway and enjoy panoramic views as your vessel is lifted an impressive 65 feet.

Before heading back to the city, we'll make a stop at a highway service centre, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a snack or beverage, and freshen up before our return journey.

Whether you're enjoying a relaxing picnic by the lake, dipping your toes in the water, or rising above it all on a marvel of engineering, this tour offers the perfect mix of beachside bliss, scenic cruising, and unforgettable summer memories.

Tour Dates

1-Day Trip
Tue Aug 25, 2026

Price

$149 per person
All prices are per person, in Canadian dollars. All taxes and tips are included!

Pickup Locations

8:50 AM Mississauga McDonalds Hurontario & Courtney Park Drive
9:40 AM York Mills Station​
​10:10 AM  Scarborough Town Ctr
10:45 AM Whitby Carpool
To book over the phone
​please call (866) 208-2950

Inclusions

  • Round trip transportation on highway motorcoach with a washroom and WiFi.
  • One ticket for the 2-hour Lift Lock Boat Cruise included.
  • Admission to Darlington Provincial Park included. No lunch included, bring your own lunch or purchase something at our morning stop and enjoy on the beach or at our reserved picnic shelter.
  • We stop at a plaza near Darlington to allow you an opportunity to purchase something for your lunch. The plaza has a Metro grocery store which offers lots of prepared foods, Subway Sandwich, Mary Brown's Chicken, Hero Burgers, Calypso Caribbean Restauerant and Shogun Sushi.
  • Escorted tour with ShortTrips.ca tour director available during tour. 
  • All tips & taxes included.

Approximate Return Times

  • Whitby 7:40 PM
  • Scarborough 8:10 PM
  • York Mills 8:35 PM
  • Mississauga 9:05 PM

Deposits, Payments, Cancellations & Refunds

  • 100% full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before the trip departure date. 
  • Sorry but no refunds if cancellation is received less then 7 days before trip departure date. 
  • You can transfer your seat to anyone else you know, up to the time of departure without penalty. 

Travelling With Children

  • Children 10+ are welcome on this tour. Price is the same as adults. 

Lift Locks

Enjoy this 2-hour sightseeing cruise as you are entertained by the Captain’s colourful commentary on the history of Peterborough and the Trent Severn Waterway. The tour takes us across Little Lake, past the Peterborough Centennial Fountain and into the City of Peterborough portion of the 114-year-old lock system. The first traditional lock raises the boat 12 feet. ​The highlight of the trip however is where you go up and over the Peterborough Liftlock, the world’s highest hydraulic Liftlock which lifts the boat 65 feet or 19.8m above the city!

Look carefully at the photo above and you will see the sightseeing boat, complete with passengers on the right hand side of the liftlock half way up to the top!