[7] Clubs must follow the rotation schedule to compete for the trophy,[3] meaning a wait of 5–7 years per challenge.

[2] The first competition was held on February 16, 1874,[9] and involved playing 18 ends with iron stones,[2] instead of the granite rocks used in today's curling.

[10] Nine days later, the Caledonian Club finally won the trophy, beating Quebec by a single point, 46–45.

One such noted tradition is that following the match, the cup is filled with a rusty nail cocktail (Scotch and Drambuie) and passed between competitors.

The clubs listed on the rotating schedule are: Cornwall, Ottawa, Windsor, Lennoxville, Montreal West, Hudson Whitlock, Brockville, Navy, Baie-D'Urfé, Winchester, Almonte, Prescott, Border, Mont-Bruno, Glengarry, RCMP, Lancaster, Alexandria, Renfrew, Lachine, Otterburn Legion, TMR, Arnprior, North Grenville, Pembroke, Deep River, Laval-sur-le-Lac, Carleton Place, Carleton Heights, Huntingdon, Ottawa Hunt, Cowansville, Governor General's, Manotick, Lanark Highlands, Pakenham, Pointe-Claire, Morrisburg, Danville, Lacolle, Richmond, Sherbrooke, Celanese, Metcalfe, Bedford, Glenmore, St. Lambert, Sutton, Dalhousie Lake, Ormstown, Bel-Aire and Royal Montreal.