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Maps, Maps, Maps
Looking for a map that covers the Rideau region. Check below for a listing of different maps that cover this region.

Hydrographic Maps (Nautical Charts)
There are two types of hydrographic maps available for the Rideau - the official government hydrographic charts and the Trak maps.

Chart

Hydrographic Charts

Hydrographic charts are produced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service. These charts contain depth readings as well as information on all the navigation markers along the waterways. ALL boaters should carry an appropriate set of charts with them on any boating outing. These are the only maps officially sanctioned for navigation.

The Rideau Waterway Charts are at a scale of 1;20,000 and have water depths marked in feet. Water depths are shown approximately every 500 to 1,500 feet (150-500 metres), sometimes closer in areas with rapid water depth changes. In addition, navigation markers (with numbers) are shown and the locks are shown in detail with 1:4,800 scale inserts.

The charts are marked with latitude and longitude co-ordinates based on either NAD27 or NAD83 (remember to adjust your GPS unit accordingly). You can buy the charts listed below from: Friends of the Rideau at www.rideaufriends.com

Chart No.	Title	Scale	Edition
1512	Rideau Waterway - Ottawa to Smiths Falls	1:20,000	May-03-2002
1513	Rideau Waterway - Smiths Falls to Kingston	1:20,000	2007
1514	Ottawa River - Carillon to Papineauville	1:20,000	July-24-1998
1515	Ottawa River - Papineauville to Ottawa	1:20,000	July-24-1998
1510	Ottawa River - Lac des Deux Montagnes	1:30,000	June 14, 2002
2017	Lake Ontario - Kingston Harbour and Approaches	1:15,000	July-13-1990

Please note that nautical charts have their information periodically updated with a "Notice to Mariners" which details changes since the chart was produced. To view these notices and ammend your current chart, please visit the Notice To Mariners Website

The Rideau navigation charts can be purchased from the Friends of the Rideau. In addition, most of the lockstations along the Rideau sell the Rideau charts.

Trak Map Example

Trak Maps

These are laminated maps with a combination of hydrographic and NTS map data. They show topography and building locations as well as the marker buoys and hydrographic data (but no detailed lockstation insets). Some people prefer these to the charts since they are laminated and bound in a book form making them very convenient to use. Others prefer the CHS charts since they have more hydrographic detail. Please note that the CHS charts are the only maps officially sanctioned for navigation.

The Rideau Trak Maps are at a scale of 1;20,000 and have water depths marked in metres. Water depths are shown approximately every 1,000 to 2,000 feet (300-600 metres). In addition, navigation markers are shown.

The Trak maps can be purchased from Friends of the Rideau at: www.rideaufriends.com.

Topographic Maps
There are two main types of topographic maps, the National Topographic Series (NTS) at scales of 1:250,000 and 1:50,000 and the Ontario Base Map (OBM) series at a scale of 1:10,000.

National Topographic Maps (NTS)

The National Topographic Series Maps are produced by the Canadian Federal Government. The most detailed are the 1:50,000 series, which have 25 foot or 10 metre (depending on the age of the map) contour intervals. Older maps are based on NAD27, some are based on the May 1976 adjustment to NAD27, and all the newer maps are based on NAD83. Nato accuracy ratings are also included (A0 = best). These contour maps show most surface features, including man-made features. The maps are gridded with both Lat and Long co-ordinates and UTM co-ordinates.

NTS 1:250,000 Maps

NTS No.	Title	Year	Contour	Datum	Nato
31C	Kingston	1992	50m	NAD83	B1
31B	Ogdensburg	1990	20m	NAD27	A0
31G	Ottawa	1996	100 ft.	NAD83	A1

NTS 1:50,000 Maps

NTS No.	Title	Year	Contour	Datum	Nato
31C/8	Gananoque	1988	10m	NAD83	A0
31C/9	Westport	1989	10m	NAD83	A0
31C/16	Perth	1989	10m.	NAD83	A0
31B/13	Merrickville	1995	10m	NAD83	A0
31G/4	Kemptville	1994	10m	NAD83	A0
31G/5	Ottawa	1994	10m	MAY83	A0

NTS Location Map
To purchase maps contact your local map dealer (see your Yellow Pages) or an on-line service such as World of Maps www.worldofmaps.com

Ontario Base Maps (OBM)

The Ontario Base Maps are produced by the Ontario Government. These are the most detailed topographic maps covering all of Ontario. If you plan any off trail hiking or detailed local investigations (by water, road or off-road) - then these are the most detailed topographic maps you can get.

The maps can be ordered directly from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. They have an excellent on-line store, where you can preview the map before ordering it. See The MNR Store at: themnrstore.mnr.gov.on.ca

Miscellaneous Maps

A nice 1:250,000 scale map, which shows the whole of the Rideau on a single sheet, is the Rideau Trail map. It is not a topographic map, but does show all the lakes, rivers, roads and communities in the region. Certainly no Rideau area resident should be without this map. At 2 feet by 3 feet it makes a lovely wall map showing all the features of the region. The map is priced at $12.00 and can be obtained from: Rideau Trail Association, P.O. Box 15, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 4V6, Canada. Tel: 613-545-0823
For a nice simplified map showing the whole of the Rideau and the locations of all the lockstations, you can't do better than the map in the Parks Canada Rideau Canal brochure. It is available free of charge from all lock stations, most tourist outlets, and the Rideau Canal Office. You can also download or view a PDF file of this brochure (928K).
And lastly, there is the Ontario Official Road Map available from most tourist outlets (there may be a slight charge for this map). This map is also available on-line as a series of PDF files. Have a look at: Ministry of Transport's Ontario Map Page

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