Pembroke is the largest city in Renfrew County and the commercial and administrative centre of the upper Ottawa Valley. With a population of roughly 14,000, it serves as a hub for a much larger surrounding area, drawing people from Petawawa, Deep River, and the rural townships for shopping, healthcare, and services.
The city sits on the south bank of the Ottawa River at the mouth of the Muskrat River, a location that has made it a natural gathering point since long before European settlement. The river frontage gives Pembroke a physical character that sets it apart from many Ontario cities of similar size, with views across to the Quebec shore and a waterfront that has become a centrepiece of the city's identity.
Heritage and Culture
Pembroke is widely known for its Heritage Murals, a collection of large-scale outdoor paintings on buildings throughout the downtown core. The murals depict scenes from the city's history, including the lumber era, the river drives, and the communities that built the upper valley. They are one of the best free attractions in Renfrew County and provide a walking tour of the city's past.
The city's downtown has a collection of heritage buildings that reflect its long history as a commercial centre. The Champlain Trail Museum, located on the edge of town, offers a more detailed look at the region's history, with exhibits on Indigenous peoples, the fur trade, the lumber industry, and the settlement of the valley.
Pembroke's position on the Ottawa River has shaped its history and character for over two centuries.
Recreation and Services
Pembroke's recreation facilities include the Pembroke Memorial Centre, which hosts hockey, skating, and community events, as well as a public pool, fitness facilities, and a network of trails and parks. The waterfront area along the Ottawa River is a focal point for outdoor activity, with walking paths, picnic areas, and boat launches.
As the commercial hub of the upper valley, Pembroke has the broadest selection of shopping, dining, and services in the county. The city is home to the regional hospital, government offices, and a range of professional services that serve the wider area. For visitors exploring the county, Pembroke makes a practical base with a good selection of accommodation and restaurants.
Getting There
Pembroke is on Highway 17, approximately 150 kilometres northwest of Ottawa. It is immediately adjacent to Petawawa and about 30 minutes from Deep River. Arnprior is about an hour to the southeast, and Barry's Bay is roughly an hour to the southwest via Highway 62.