Rideau Trail Association Incorporated
568 Laverendrye Drive.
Ottawa, ON K1J7B8
Phone: (613) 545-0823
Web: http://www.rideautrail.org

The Rideau Trail Association is a non-profit organization and a founding member of Hike Ontario. Its purpose is to preserve and maintain a hiking trail from Kingston to Ottawa. Its registered trademark is a red-orange isosceles triangle; these triangles are used to mark the main trail linking (to distinguish the two directions, Kingston-bound trail markers carry yellow tips). In addition to the main trail, there are a number of side trails which are marked by blue triangles. The total length of cleared and marked trails is 387 km.

The trail itself crosses terrain ranging from placid farmland to the rugged Canadian shield. It is only intended for walking (hiking), snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No part of the Rideau Trail itself is owned by the Rideau Trail Association; the continuity of the trail is made possible by the generous permission of both private and public landowners and is enhanced by the existence of a special fund called the Rideau Trail Preservation Fund.

Each of the three hiking clubs of the RTA - Kingston, Central (Perth), and Ottawa, organize outings in all seasons of the year. They usually take place on Saturdays and/or Sundays and comprise an activity appropriate for the season, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter and hiking in the spring, summer, and fall. Other activities are scheduled during the week or on some holidays.

In the Kingston club there are half-day hikes at levels 1 and 2 every Wednesday throughout the year, departing at 1:30 pm. Every second Wednesday of the month the hike is an all-day outing with the usual morning departure.

The Ottawa club holds all-day Wednesday hikes (or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing) at levels 2 and 3 into the Gatineau Park, all year long. From late April through to late August, short level 1 and 2 hikes are held in the evenings. During the ice-skating season, Tuesday evening skating outings are held on the Rideau Canal (conditions permitting).

There is a Guidebook of Maps and Trail description which is available to both members and non-members by mail from the RTA, some bookstores and outdoor stores.