Rideau Trail Junior Hiker Program
Inspired by Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Junior Hiker badges, the Rideau Trail Association is excited to offer a similar fun, self-guided hiking program designed especially for kids and families.
How it Works
Children aged 13 and under can earn a seasonal hiking badge by completing at least one 3 km hike on the Rideau Trail during each season—spring, summer, fall, and winter. The start times of each season are:
- Spring: March 1
- Summer: June 1
- Fall: September 1
- Winter: December 1
This program is open to everyone, not just RTA members.
- Adults are also welcome to participate and earn badges (see details below).
Children who complete hikes in all four seasons will earn the Junior Hiker badge.
Adults who accompany and support a child for all four hikes earn a Support Hiker badge.
These are not organized group events. Hikes are intended to be independent family outings. Participants may hike with a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver.
How to Get Your Badges
1. Pay for Your Badge(s), If Applicable
- Free for children and grandchildren of current RTA members, with a caveat:
Includes one full set of seasonal badges (spring, summer, fall, winter) plus the Junior Hiker badge, for one child - Additional sets: $9 per badge
- Non-members: $9 per badge
- Adults participating: $9 per badge
- Support Hiker badge: $9
Payment method:
E-transfer to: rta.jrhikerbadge@gmail.com
2. Submit Your Information
Forward your e-transfer receipt to the same email address, rta.jrhikerbadge@gmail.com
Make sure you also include the following information in the email body:
- Participant’s name
- If applicable, the name of the RTA member (for children/grandchildren)
- Support hiker’s name (if requesting the Support Hiker badge)
- Date(s) of the hike(s)
- Section or location of the trail completed
- Badge(s) requested (seasonal, Junior Hiker, Support Hiker)