“Take a hike from Ottawa to Kingston along the Rideau Trail”, a presentation by
Dr. Brian Grant

Date and time: Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 7pm (EST) online on Zoom
 
The Rideau Trail is a 300+ kilometer walking (skiing and snowshoeing in the winter) trail that extends from Kingston to Ottawa, roughly following the Rideau Canal.  The trail was developed 50 years ago by two groups working independently in both Ottawa and Kingston who quickly realized their shared vision and joined together to create the trail in a little over 9 months.  The trail is maintained by the Rideau Trail Association, a group of approximately 1,200 people who support and promote hiking while contributing their time to ensuring the trail remains open to everyone who wants to use it.  The Association owns no land, and exists because of the generosity of landowners, public and private, who allow hikers to cross their property.  The landscape the trail traverses ranges from the gentle rolling farm lands of the Ottawa region to the harsh rugged environment of the Canadian Shield in Frontenac Park, north of Kingston.  In addition to its connection to nature, it weaves through areas of historical significance to Canada from Parliament in Ottawa, to our temporary Parliament in Kingston with the Rideau Canal and many buildings from the 1800’s along its path.  Along the way, hikers are guided by bright orange triangles that mark the trail.  Join Brian to learn more about this valuable recreational opportunity in Eastern Ontario.

Brian Grant is the Past-president of the Rideau Trail Association having served three years as President.  Brian retired as Director General, Research for the Correctional Service of Canada following a thirty year research career with the federal government in Ottawa.  He holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from Queen’s University, Kingston, following studies at the University of Windsor and Carleton.  He lives in Ottawa with his wife Margaret. Their three children are spread across Canada and Europe from Berlin to Vancouver.  Brian is also an executive member of his local community association with a strong interest in building a sustainable community with access to social and recreational activities, and active (walking) transportation.