Route Description

The K2O race spans portions of the Rideau Canal waterway which flows between the Cataraqui Canoe Club in Kingston Ontario and the Ottawa River.  The race course comprises different water sections including river, lake and cut canal.

Starting at the Rideau Ferry Bridge, the route begins with a series of large lakes, broken up by portages through lock stations. Once through Newboro lake, the route follows some a combination of picturesque and narrow canals and small lakes. South of Jones Falls locks, you will pass the village of Seeley’s Bay, which is the start of the 40km race. The route continues through some small lakes until Upper and Lower Brewers locks. After these, the canal narrows until entering the shallower lakes as you approach Kingston Mills. The final push to the finish brings you under the 401 highway, under the Wabaan Crossing Bridge and into the finish at Cataraqui Canoe Club.

The Kingston to Ottawa race will use different portions of the Rideau Canal on different years, and will proceed in different directions.

For 2024, the race will start at the Rideau Ferry Bridge and proceed south to end in Kingston.