Northern terminus, Rideau Trail, Ottawa ON - Long Distance Hiking Trails on Waymarking.com

Before 2013, the northern terminus of the Rideau Trail was marked at Richmond's Landing. See Intermediate Trailhead 1. A visit to and photograph from that location is also acceptable for a waymark visit.

The hiking trail between Kingston (on Lake Ontario) and Ottawa was open in 1971. The route has been changed many times. For up-to-date details, purchase a copy of the current edition of the Rideau Trail Guidebook and then check the web site of the Rideau Trail Association (RTA).

The Rideau Trail is marked by red-orange isosceles triangle flashes. A white or yellow-tipped flash designates the hiker is headed towards Kingston. Blue triangles mark side trails also maintained by the Rideau Trail Association. The total Rideau Trail network exceeds 380km.

Twenty-four hour parking is not permitted on residential streets in Ottawa. Parking times in National Capital Commission (NCC) lots are restricted. There are no restricted parking signs where the Rideau Trail crosses Corkstown Road (25 kilometres from the trailhead). Parking is easier to find along RTA side trails. Free but restricted parking is available at NCC lots within 12 kilometres of this trailhead. See locations cited below.

Camping is no longer allowed along the Rideau Trail. The official guidebook recommends camping locations in the vicinity of the trail. Through hikes (continuous end-to-end hikes) are discouraged because there is no official on-trail camping. Shelters are few and distant. Camping, however, is available in the hamlets of Beveridge Locks (about 120km from this trailhead) and Narrows Locks (about 175km) and in the Foley Mountain Conservation Area (about 190km) which are along the trail. There are wilderness campsites in the sections of the trail farther south.

In 1983, Bob Tysen completed the Rideau Trail in 83 hours and 31 minutes. Non-continuous end-to-end hikes of the Rideau Trail (over a number of days, months or years) are encouraged and rewarded by the RTA. I hope to someday complete an end-to-end hike by snowshoe only. Skiing the trail is also encouraged.

According to the Rideau Trail Association, the Rideau Trail is for day-hiking only. It is for foot travel only. Therefore, no bikes are allowed. Pets are also discouraged from joining the humans on the trail network. However, most trail sections within the Ottawa city limits are bike and/or dog friendly.

Surprisingly, there are few opportunities to see the Rideau Canal system from the Rideau Trail.

Coordinates of the other end's trailhead: N 44° 13.267 W 076° 32.251 Recommended number of days to complete: 15.00 Distance in miles or kilometres: 305 km Shelters?: Yes Designated campsites?: No Number of designated campsites: 0 Permit Required?: No Trail Website: [Web Link] Best Season to Hike?: Fall Overnight parking fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Permit Fees?: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Overnight parking coordinates: N 45° 19.988 W 075° 51.403 Intermediate Trailhead 1: N 45° 25.265 W 075° 42.627 Intermediate Trailhead 2: N 45° 24.611 W 075° 44.666 Intermediate Trailhead 3: N 45° 24.268 W 075° 45.196 Intermediate Trailhead 4: N 45° 23.784 W 075° 45.712 Intermediate Trailhead 5: N 45° 22.730 W 075° 46.794

Visit Instructions:
To log this waymark, you will require a photo of yourself or a member of your team at the trailhead. We would also appreciate a description of your visit to the trailhead, If you walked the trail, tell us about your experience, how long did it take you, did you do it solo, in a group? Please pass on any information useful to others who may choose to follow. The bottom line is tell us about your visit!

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