Lake Ontario Rally tops off a great summer

By Eric Sunstrum, GLCC Rear Commodore for Lake Ontario and Connecting Waterways

The 2026 Lake Ontario Rally at the Trent Port Marina in Trenton, ON (O-34) drew a record number of Great Lakes Cruising Club members and guests Aug. 14-16.

Things got going with a potluck barbeque Friday night that gave everyone a chance to see new faces and rekindle old friendships. With boats coming from all over, there was plenty of discussion and an opportunity to share information on favourite anchorages and stopover spots along the way.

A relaxed schedule Saturday morning meant that there were no conflicts for the early risers to get to the local farmer’s market to pick up some locally famous sourdough bread before it sold out.  

That afternoon, some of the group enjoyed a visit to the Canadian Air force Museum. The museum has an extensive display of Air Force memorabilia. The museum that day also hosted a car show, putting rare and antique vehicles alongside the many planes in the museum’s collection.

Those who preferred a little exercise and a more nautical focus hiked the nature trail from the marina to Lock 1 of the Trent Severn Waterway along the Trent River to check out the operation and learn a little about this Canadian Heritage Site.

Later, lawn chairs were retrieved from the cockpit locker and set up on the docks for the ever-popular Gadget Hour. This audience-participation activity gave everyone a chance to show off the little things that make life onboard a bit easier.  

Armed with lots of ideas for improving boat life, the group then gathered at Tomasso’s Italian Grille, a Trenton landmark, to talk about next year and officially bring the weekend to a close. 

Thanks go to the management and staff at the Trent Port Marina who once again went out of their way to provide excellent service and a five-star facility for the rally.

Thanks also go to all who attended this year’s Lake Ontario Rally and made it such a success, We look forward to seeing you all again soon.