Rideau Trail Association

09/03/2026

As part of our 55th Anniversary celebrations, the RTA will be cohosting the Hike ON Summit (the first one was in 1980) in Westport. This Summit, as well as hosting the AGM for the Hike ON organization, gives an opportunity for trail organizations and hiking organizations to discuss issues, trade ideas and identify best practices.

Detailed information can be found on the RTA website at https://www.rideautrail.org/hike-ontario-summit-2026/ .

RTA members can also find out more on our Activities Calendar.

09/02/2026

Although not an RTA event, this cycling event might interest some of our followers:

https://escapetowestport.ca/westport-great-gravel-grind/

08/31/2026

Late summer is a beautiful time on the Rideau Trail—warm breezes, tall grasses, and golden light. When was your last hike?

08/30/2026

Summer trail maintenance continues across the RTA. Two Kingston Club work parties deployed yesterday; the first to the Westport Trailhead to deal with branch trimming and marker refreshing from Old Bob's Lookout to Perth Rd, and the second to the Gould Lake Conservation Area to address a number of trees down across the Tom Dixon Trail on the east shoreline of Gould Lake.

Photo 1 - Stan H, Vikki L, Janice T-C and Miu L at the Westport Mountain Rd Trailhead
Photo 2 - Vikki L and Stan H deal with some stubborn branches near Waypoint 07D
Photo 3 - Old Bob's Lookout blue route (with new markers) overlooking Westport Sand Lake
Photo 4 - John W, assisted by Jim L, tackling a downed tree across the Tom Dixon Trail

The RTA thanks its member volunteers who give their time and energy to keep the trail in good shape. If you're a Kingston member interested in contributing to trail maintenance, but not sure what may be involved, contact the Club Maintenance Coordinator, Andy Glazin, at [email protected].

08/27/2026

Here's a sneak peek of our Activities Calender available for all our members. So many hikes, adventures and social outings to enjoy, including the Friends of Frontenac’s Frontenac Challenge and Trek.

Come Hike with Us! https://www.rideautrail.org/get-involved/become-a-member/

trails

08/27/2026

In this excellent interview, David Chilton discusses the fact that up to one out of three retirees experience depression. Why? Because they have lost their “sense of purpose”. They have something they retire from, but nothing to retire to.

One solution? Volunteer for the RTA! Bonus: You will also gain a new social network.

https://youtu.be/MyaoRgDBn2Q?si=mKWfyYJ7FJfX8L7l

08/26/2026

The Kingston Wednesday Walkers have gentle walks each week. Come hike with us!

08/25/2026

Mark your calendars. Frontenac Arch Biosphere’s Trailsfest is this September! https://frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/event/fab-trails-festival/

There are three days of hiking, with the RTA leading one. Join Jim Moss, a member of the Rideau Trail Association at Gould Lake, on Friday, September 11th from 5:30 to 7pm for a guided hike along the Mine Loop and Wagon Trail. Gould Lake Conservation Area is a Cataraqui Conservation property. There were once several mica mines operating near Gould Lake, with the last one closing in 1912. Hikers can still see a number of old pits and a large boiler along the current trail, which is a side loop from the full Rideau Trail. We’ll also be on the lookout for a evening birds, natural stone bridge and hopefully spy one of the resident porcupines (no promises though!)

We’ll meet at the Gould Lake parking lot (1540 Gould Lake Road) before starting this approximately 5km hike. The trail is considered moderate to advanced difficulty/intensity as there are many rocks and roots and we’ll be keeping a steady pace in order to be back before sunset for a fun snack!

08/23/2026

08/20/2026

The Kingston Club has replaced the old asphalt shingles on the Bonwill Shelter with a metal roof. The last two photos show what it looked like before. This two-day effort was led by the Club's Construction Coordinator Jim L and ably assisted by numerous volunteers who gave up their time to carry in tools and equipment, carry out the shingles, or otherwise assist with the roof replacement. Many thanks to Rusty B, Robert C, Lynn E, Glenn G, Asnat M, Chris M, Karin M, John M, Jim M and John W. Thanks also to the participating staff from the Queens University Biological Station - Ian, Justine and Matt.

The end result of all this hard work is a rejuvenated and nice looking structure. Anyone hiking in the Opinicon Forest is encouraged to stop at the Bonwill Shelter (just east of Waypoint 06A) and sign the guest log.