Mega Trail
Crossing both private and public lands, the Rideau Trails cover flat, grassy areas of farmland and rocky, rugged portions of the Canadian Shield. The two longest trails are the Rideau, extending from Kingston to Ottawa, and the Cataraqui, which travels from Strathcona to Smiths Falls. Beyond these there are dozens of shorter connecting trails leading through various parks and conservation areas. Main trails are marked with a registered reddish orange triangle; Kingston-bound markers carry yellow tips.

Rideau Trail Association
Formed in 1971, the Rideau Trail Association is a non-profit group with a mandate to maintain and preserve a hiking trail between Ottawa and Kingston. With member clubs in Ottawa, Perth and Kingston, the Association provides information and maps for the trail, hiking etiquette, tips for hiking and safety and links for weather at various points along the trail. The Rideau Trail Association provides web information and a published guide with details on specific parts of the trail and appropriate activities.

“I survived the Rideau Trail”
The Association also sponsors end-to-end hikes beginning in late April and ending in October. Hikers meet at a pre-set date, time and location and tackle each part of the trail in segments. With varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, these group hikes are available to all and can result in a walk from Ottawa to Kingston over the course of a six-month period.

In the Winter
Primarily a hiking trail, there are specific ranges that are also accessible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In some areas access to activities may be restricted due to terrain or permission by landowners.