Did you know you could hike along a trail to Canada’s capital city? There’s a massive hiking trail in southern Ontario that connects to two major cities – the Rideau Trail. If you’re up for the adventure, here’s what to know.

The trail is not for the weak! According to the Rideau Trail Association, it crosses over several types of terrain, from farmland to the rugged Canadian Shield. It’s an all-season adventure where you can either hike when the weather is right or embark on a snowshoeing adventure. Cross-country skiing is also an option.

The main Rideau Trail connects Kingston to Ottawa and is marked to ensure you’re on the right path. There are several side trails, connectors and loop trails that you can also find on this journey. But the real question is, how long is this trail?

How long is the Rideau Trail?

Per the RTA, it’s about 325km long, from Kingston to Ottawa. But if we’re counting the secondary trails and loops, the total length of its network is over 450km.

If you’re reading this and the thought of hiking 325km stresses you out, not to worry! Most of the hikers only complete part of the trail sections. Hiking clubs in Kingston, Central and Ottawa, organize outings year round too!

But if you live for the adventure, the RTA suggests it would take about nine to 16 days for the entire main trail to be completed. The RTA offers suggestions on camping and roofed accommodations on the Rideau Trail if needed.

Rideau Trail & its steep history

Though we embrace the trail and explore its surroundings in all seasons, it’s important to recognize the groups that helped create this fascinating trail.

According to the RTA, it took over five years to complete, thanks to the tireless efforts of a group of volunteers. In March of 1971, a group of university students heard of the plans and proposed to complete building the trail during one summer. With the support of an Opportunities for Youth grant from the federal government, the plan was successful.

“Routes and Negotiation committees were quickly set up in Ottawa, Smiths Falls and Kingston and by mid-May, the 27-member student group began construction of the trail as the Routes and Negotiation committees worked to keep ahead of them,” shares the RTA.

“By June, enough trail had already been built to permit an inaugural hike in the Gould Lake Conservation Area, 30 km north of Kingston. By the end of August, a continuous trail was established from Kingston to Ottawa.”

Their dedication laid the foundation for what would become a beloved route for hikers, connecting communities and showcasing the region’s natural beauty. While much of the trail is open to the public, not all of the land it passes through is publicly owned.

“The Rideau Trail Association does not own any of the lands that the trails go through and the continuity of the trails is made possible by the generous permission of both private and public landowners and enhanced by a special fund called the Rideau Trail Preservation Fund,” shares the RTA.

That being said, because of this, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are the only methods that are best suited for this trail.

Bikes & the Rideau Trail

Due to negotiated agreements with public and private landowners, most of the trail is best explored on foot. While some sections like the Trans-Canada Trail, Cataraqui Trail, the K&P Trail, and the Ottawa River Pathway permit biking, the Rideau Trail remains primarily a pedestrian route, according to the RTA.

With spring just around the corner and warmer days on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start planning your next outdoor adventure. So, if you’re looking for a short scenic hike or dreaming of conquering the entire 325 km journey, the Rideau Trail offers an unforgettable experience.

The Rideau Trail

Where: Kingston, Ontario to Ottawa, Ontario – 325 km long

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Karen Doradea

Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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