Renfrew County Guide is an independent informational website covering the towns, outdoor activities, and local highlights of Renfrew County, Ontario. We are not affiliated with the County of Renfrew, any municipal government, or any tourism organization. This site is maintained as a personal project by people who live in the Ottawa Valley and want to share what makes this part of Ontario worth knowing about.
What We Cover
Our focus is on practical, evergreen information about the county. We cover the major communities, from Petawawa and Pembroke in the upper valley to Arnprior near the county's southern boundary. We also publish guides to outdoor activities, things to do, and local highlights that capture what makes the county distinctive.
We aim to provide information that remains useful over time rather than time-sensitive event listings or news. For current events, municipal services, and official tourism information, we recommend contacting the relevant town or township directly.
Why Renfrew County
Renfrew County is Ontario's largest county by area, spanning roughly 7,600 square kilometres along the Ottawa River and into the Algonquin Highlands. Despite its size, it is often overlooked by people who know Ontario primarily through Toronto, Ottawa, and the cottage country of Muskoka. The county deserves better. Its mix of river towns, Canadian Shield landscapes, lumber heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities makes it one of the most interesting parts of the province.
The Ottawa Valley has a character of its own that is distinct from the rest of Ontario: a blend of Irish, Scottish, French-Canadian, and First Nations heritage that shows up in the local culture, the architecture, and even the accent. The communities here are tight-knit but welcoming, and the landscape ranges from fertile river-bottom farmland to rugged Shield granite within a few kilometres.
Accuracy and Contact
We make every effort to ensure the information on this site is accurate, but conditions change. Businesses open and close, trails are rerouted, and facilities are upgraded. If you notice anything on this site that needs correcting, we welcome the feedback. For questions, corrections, or suggestions, please contact us at info@renfrewcounty2023.ca.