The Head of the Trent Regatta is an annual, two-day premier rowing competition held

on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway in Peterborough, Ontario. With over 50 years of

history, this fall flagship event draws more than 1,200 athletes in over 600 boats from

Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada, and occasionally international clubs.

Participants race a 4.7km head-style race traveling along the Trent Canal and the

Otonabee River. The course is known for its scenic shoreline, its challenging

stretches—particularly the canal narrows—and its spectator-friendly viewing points

within the last kilometer.

Organized by the Peterborough Rowing Club, sanctioned by Rowing Canada Aviron

and Row Ontario, the regatta features events for a wide range of competitors: juniors,

collegiate, open, masters, alumni, and para divisions.

The event coincides with Trent University’s Homecoming, creating a unique

atmosphere where competitive rowing meets community, tradition, and celebration.

Spectators line the riverbanks; alumni, families, clubs, and volunteers contribute to a

vibrant regatta weekend.

In recent years, HOTR has transitioned fully to a two-day format to accommodate

growth, allow more flexible scheduling, and provide a better racing environment for all

levels of rowers. This change has been instrumental in increasing participation and

improving the overall regatta experience.

When & Where

Dates: The weekend before Canadian Thanksgiving

Location: Peterborough, Ontario — on the Trent Canal and the Otonabee River

via the Peterborough Rowing Club.

Key Features & Highlights

• Competition across many boat classes (e.g. singles, pairs, doubles, quads,

eights) and for many age & experience categories.

• Strong alumni involvement, which helps link past and present participants and

adds to the regatta’s sense of legacy.

• Emphasis on inclusive participation: masters, para, university, junior etc., so the

regatta is accessible and meaningful across skill levels.