THE TRAIL

The recreational trail is a safe and multi-functional trail that crosses the entire United Counties of Prescott and Russell, from Hammond in the west to St-Eugène in the east, over a distance of 72 km. Mainly in rock dust, four sections of 2 km are paved, in the villages of Bourget, Plantagenet, Vankleek Hill and St-Eugène.

The trail offers a relatively flat, pleasant and accessible route for the whole family with agricultural and wooded landscapes, dotted with charming little villages across five municipalities. You will find the stops and parking lots on the Services page.

IN SUMMER, we go for a bike ride, walk or run.

WINTER is snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing (for the section near Vankleek Hill).

The recreational trail also offers great opportunities for geocaching and ornithology, and passes very close to the Alfred Bog observation trail (3 km) and the large Larose Forest.

 
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGION’S CYCLING MAP.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGION’S CYCLING MAP.

 
 

HISTORICAL

The old Canadian Pacific rail corridor once connected Montreal to Ottawa. This was abandoned in the early 1980s.

In the late 1990s, André Roy, then director of the Prescott-Russell Employment Service Center (CSEPR), was inspired by a family trip on the new P’tit Train du Nord linear park in the Laurentians. He brings the idea back to eastern Ontario where a partnership is formed between the CSEPR and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. Large grants are obtained for development, equipment and manpower. From 2002, the path is cleared, the bridges are rebuilt and the surface is developed. Fences are also installed and rest stops constructed.

The first 54 kilometers of the trail opened in June 2004 to a crowd of 200, before being completed by another 18 kilometers the following year.

IN THE NEWS

 

WHICH BIKE?

As the surface is rock dust, we recommend hybrid, gravel, cyclocross or mountain bikes.

EXTENDING THE ADVENTURE

The Recreational Trail extends 26 km west of the village of Hammond to reach Ottawa.

On the east side, it is possible to reach Montreal by paved shoulders and bike paths.

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REGULATIONS

SUMMER – The recreational trail is exclusively reserved for hikers and vehicles without engines (bicycles, electric bikes, skates, skateboards, scooters).

WINTER – The trail is open to snowmobiles, walkers, and cross-country skiing for the section near Vankleek Hill.

AT ALL TIMES ON THE TRAIL –

The circulation of motorized vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, quads and others) is prohibited.

For the sake of good cohabitation and maintenance, the trail is closed to horses.

Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Hunting is prohibited near the recreational path.

RECREATIONAL TRAIL CORPORATION

The trail is managed by a non-profit organization made up of city officials, a representative from the Eastern Ontario Snowmobile Club and community volunteers.

Its mission is to promote physical activity to residents, to organize activities that promote walking and cycling, to contribute to the economic development of municipalities and workers, and to foster the feeling of belonging for citizens to their region.

Michel Villeneuve (President)
Pascal Roy (Vice-president)
Serge Joly (Secretary)
René Beaulne (Treasurer)
Laura Beauchesne
Andre Roy
Jacques Tranchemontagne
Marjorie Drolet
Diane Choinière
Ian Walker
Juliette Ozorak
Executive Director: Eric Collard

SERGE LALONDE AWARD

Volunteer of the Year

The Serge Lalonde Award is dedicated to volunteerism and bears the name of an individual who has devoted countless hours to his community and to the Trail. The annual recipient will be added to the Trail's virtual plaque and recognized at our AGM.

  • 2024 - To be announced

  • 2023 - Brigitte Stewart of Hammond

OUR PARTNERS