RTA members can earn up to five end-to-end badges by hiking the entire Rideau Trail or major sections of it. These made in Canada badges are free, but recipients must be members of the Rideau Trail Association.
The badges described below can be earned by hiking sections over a span of a few days, a few months, or a few years. Hikers should keep track of where they hiked, when, and with whom, and provide this information when they apply for their badge.
The original or winter end-to-end badge for the entire Rideau Trail covering Kingston to Ottawa, along with a certificate, are given out once a year at the June RTA Annual General Meeting (AGM). If members are unable to attend the AGM, the badge and certificate will be mailed to them after the meeting. Kingston, Central, and Ottawa end-to-end badges are mailed shortly after hikers contact the RTA clubs.
End-to-End Badge
Hike the entire 327 km of the Rideau Trail from Kingston to Ottawa and earn the original end-to-end badge.
To get this badge, contact the Rideau Trail Association’s secretary listed in the front of the RTA Newsletter.
Kingston Club’s End-to-End Badge
Hike 150 km from Kingston City Hall (map 1) to Lally Homestead (map 9).
To get this badge, contact the Kingston Club’s “Wednesday Walks” Coordinator listed in the RTA Newsletter.
Central Club’s End-to-End Badge
Hike 67 km from Lally Homestead (map 9) to Rosedale (map 12).
To get this badge, contact the Central Club‘s secretary.
Ottawa Club’s End-to-End Badge
Hike the 110 km from Rosedale, just outside Smiths Falls (map 12), to the foot of the Rideau Canal Ottawa Locks near Parliament Hill (map 19).
To get this badge, contact the Ottawa Club‘s secretary.
Winter (“Snowflake”) End-to-End Badge
For a real challenge, hike, snowshoe and/or ski the entire 327 km of the Rideau Trail during the months of January and February to earn this coveted badge.
To get this badge, contact the Rideau Trail Association’s Secretary listed in the front of the RTA Newsletter.