[1] The Severn forms part of the inland canal system known as the Trent–Severn Waterway, which links Port Severn on Georgian Bay with Trenton on Lake Ontario via the Trent Canal.

[2][3] From the middle of the 19th century up until the completion of the canal in 1920, the Severn was used to transport logs to sawmills down river.

The river sees many yachts/cruisers travelling from Lake Couchiching to Georgian Bay, or vice versa.

Located on the Severn River, Big Chute Marine Railway is a rare operating marine-railway.

The Big Chute is a major tourist attraction, and provides access to and from Gloucester Pool, below the Severn.