CONQUER THE RIDEAU CANAL 2025

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the National Event CONQUER THE RIDEAU CANAL 2025 from 2-14 September is now open. The application deadline is 6 June 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On will once again host an exciting and challenging National Event on one of Canada’s most historic and beautiful waterways, The Rideau Canal. The Rideau Canal, also known unofficially as the Rideau Waterway, connects Canada's capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston. The Soldier On Conquer the Rideau Canal 2025 (CTRC 25) team will paddle the 202 km length of the canal over a period of 9 days achieving varying distances of 18-27 kms per day. Soldier On’s CTRC 25 is more than just a 9-day canoe journey — it’s an unforgettable adventure along one of Canada’s most scenic and storied waterways. Selected members will paddle 202 km together, building resilience, and confidence one stroke at a time while experiencing the camaraderie of a team pushing through challenge and change - proving that even the longest journeys are possible with the right crew.

Selected team members will initially live in quarters at CFB Kingston during preparations and training. During the canoe journey the team will camp outdoors at the Rideau Canal Lockstations and Ontario Provincial Parks. The event will culminate with an arrival at Confederation Park in Ottawa.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 18.

Check out the attached video for a glimpse at the last edition of CTRC! ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from across Canada, who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Please note:

• All Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. This approval must be provided prior to the application closing date to be considered.

Draft Schedule of Events:
2 September - Travel Day
3 September - Equipment Preparations and Briefings.
4 September - Canoe Handling and Canoe Water Safety Training
5-13 September - Conquer the Rideau Canal (9 days paddling varying distances of 18-27 km daily)
14 September - Return Travel

Transportation and Accommodations:
Transportation, accommodations, and meals will be arranged by Soldier On.
Soldier On will organize travel to and from the event location.

Members will be exposed to the CAF environment. Participants must be prepared to live in Canadian Armed Forces Base Accommodations during the preparation phase and dine in a military mess hall. Efforts will be made to obtain single rooms, but double occupancy may be necessary.

While in Ottawa, participants will stay in double-occupancy hotel rooms, with group meals or per diem provided.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Participants must tolerate full days of activities in an outdoor environment.
Canoeing requires continuous shoulder, arm, and upper body movement, and balancing from a kneeling or sitting position for extended periods.
Due to the busy schedule and daily distances, participants should have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. Canoeing pace will be controlled and moderate.

Participants must be prepared for challenging weather conditions (wind, rain) and continue paddling. Safety will never be compromised.

Participants must wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) on the water. Self-inflation devices are not permitted.

Training will include “overboard” drills and a 20-meter open water swim while wearing a PFD.

Participants must assist in moving their canoes, daypacks, and safety equipment on short portages and in/out of the water. Heavy equipment and camp stores will be transferred between campsites by vehicles.
Camp life will require all members to assist.

Members will be exposed to the CAF environment. Participants must be prepared to live in Canadian Armed Forces Base Accommodations during the preparation phase and dine in a military mess hall.

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.