Trent River (Ontario)

The Trent River is a river in south-central Ontario, Canada. It flows from Rice Lake to the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario. The river is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) long, though its total length as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, which utilizes the river, is considerably longer.

The river is a significant waterway for recreational boating and fishing, and is an integral part of the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada. The Trent-Severn Waterway connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, a total distance of 386 kilometers (240 miles), utilizing the Trent River for a substantial portion of its route.

The Trent River flows through or near several towns and cities, including Trenton (where it empties into the Bay of Quinte), Belleville, and Peterborough. The river's watershed encompasses a large area of south-central Ontario.

The river has a long history of use by Indigenous peoples, and was later used for logging and transportation by European settlers. The construction of the Trent Canal, later incorporated into the Trent-Severn Waterway, significantly altered the river's flow and landscape. Dams and locks were built along the river to facilitate navigation.

The river's ecology is diverse, supporting a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, and trout. The Trent River also provides habitat for various birds and mammals. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the river's water quality and biodiversity.