The Ter Apelkanaal is a historic peat canal in the northeastern Netherlands, running through the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe. The canal was completed in 1856 to facilitate peat extraction, and the village of Ter Apelkanaal takes its name from it. The waterway forms part of a broader 20-kilometre navigable route known as the Veenvaart, connecting Ter Apel in Groningen with Erica in Drenthe. This route was restored to navigability starting in 2007 after extensive reconstruction work costing approximately 35 million euros, involving two sections: 14 kilometres between Ter Apel and the Veenpark, and a newly constructed or extended 6-kilometre stretch from the Veenpark to Erica.

Along the full stretch between Meppel and Ter Apel there are no yacht or dedicated visitor harbours, but numerous designated moorings are spaced at intervals of a few kilometres. Long-term mooring is permitted at these spots during the summer season, and mooring is generally alongside the bank. A mooring fee is rarely charged. Shoreside bollards tend to be small, so longer lines are advisable for tying to trees. Water and electricity supply is available at only a few points along the route, and those moorings near such facilities fill up quickly. Sanitary facilities are described as rare. Ground pegs are recommended for creating additional mooring points.

The canal passes through a flat peat landscape typical of the Groningen-Drenthe border region. The route is considered a minimum three-day journey for motorised vessels, which gives some indication of the distance involved for trip planning. The restoration of the canal has significantly increased boat tourism in the region. Paddlers should be aware that infrastructure along the route remains limited and it is advisable to set out with full water supplies.