An independent guide to towns, activities, and outdoor recreation across the Ottawa Valley.
Renfrew County is the largest county in Ontario by area, stretching 170 km from the Ottawa commuter belt at Arnprior northwest along the Ottawa River to the edge of Algonquin Park. It is home to a military base, three significant rivers, one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in Canada, the oldest Polish settlement in the country, a nuclear research town with a symphony orchestra, and a drive-in theatre that has been running since 1954. This guide covers what is actually here, without the tourism-brochure gloss.
Military town at the confluence of the Petawawa and Ottawa Rivers. Gateway to Algonquin, 16 km Emerald Necklace Trail, serious whitewater upstream.
County seat with 35+ heritage murals, Ottawa River waterfront, Skylight Drive-In, and base camp for whitewater rafting at Foresters Falls.
Gateway from Ottawa (65 km). Gillies Grove old-growth forest with Ontario's tallest white pine at 47 metres. Robert Simpson Park beach.
Nuclear-era company town with a clock museum, Stanley Thompson golf course, 100+ km of XC ski trails, and a symphony orchestra.
Canada's oldest Polish settlement (1858). Kashub heritage museum, handmade pierogi at the Wilno Tavern, Kamaniskeg Lake, and Algonquin east gate access.
An honest list of the best activities, from rafting to drive-in movies.
Paddling, hiking, cycling, fishing, and winter sports across the county.
The places and experiences that make Renfrew County unlike anywhere else.