Hiking
Hit the Trails! The Best Hiking Trails in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
There are hundreds of kilometers of paths and hiking trails throughout the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region. And now is the perfect time to plan out which ones you’re going to hit this summer!
From small, local trails with family friendly paths to long sections of the Rideau Trail, Cataraqui Trail, and Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, there’s something for every skill level.
Cataraqui Trail
Nearly half of the 103 km multi-use rail trail is found in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region. This easy, flat limestone path crosses farmland, forests, and wetlands. It’s ideal for all levels, with frequent sightings of birds, turtles, and seasonal wildflowers. The Cataraqui Trail also forms a part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
This provincial park hosts a number of different trails from easy to difficult, including rugged backcountry routes. Forests, wetlands, and granite ridges host turtles, herons, and rare plants in this biodiverse park. The Blue Mountain Trail takes hikers to the highest peak in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region.
www.ontarioparks.ca/park/charlestonlake
Foley Mountain Conservation Area
Over 10 km of easy to moderate trails with scenic lookouts of Westport. Rocky ridges, forests, and ponds provide habitat for birds, amphibians, and diverse plant species.
www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/foley-mountain
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
Follow the St. Lawrence River on 37 km of trails offering scenic waterfront views, migratory birds, and lush shoreline vegetation.
www.waterfronttrail.org/places/communities/leeds-and-the-thousand-islands
James H. Fullard Nature Reserve
A protected nature reserve with 4 km of easy to moderate trails through forest and meadow. Known for birdwatching, with diverse flora and seasonal wildflowers supporting pollinators and wildlife.
Kemptville Campus Trails
Around 5 km of easy, well-maintained trails. Flat terrain through mixed forest and open spaces, ideal for beginners. Look for squirrels, birds, and a variety of native plants.
Limerick Forest Trail Network
Approximately 180 km of trails ranging from easy to moderate. Includes single-track and forest roads through dense woodland. Wildlife includes deer, foxes, and diverse bird species among pine and maple stands.
www.leedsgrenville.com/en/limerick-forest/multi-use-trails.aspx
Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Just north of Brockville, the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area is home to 11 km of easy to moderate trails through wetlands, forests, and ponds. Boardwalks and natural paths offer views of waterfowl, turtles, and abundant wetland vegetation.
www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/mac-johnson
Rideau Trail
About 50 km of the total 390 km of the trail running from Kingston to Ottawa pass through the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region, near Westport.
Rock Dunder Nature Reserve
A 4 km loop with a steep climb to a rocky summit lookout. The trail passes through forest and wetlands. Expect panoramic views, songbirds, and hardy plants like juniper and pine.
www.frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/explore/rock-dunder
Thousand Islands National Park
Roughly 12 km of easy to moderate trails across several mainland properties, including Jones Creek, Landon Bay, and Mallorytown Landing. Shoreline paths lead through forests and wetlands and offer views of the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands.
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