Petawawa is one of the fastest-growing communities in Renfrew County, driven largely by the presence of Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, one of the largest military installations in Canada. But the town is more than its base. Situated at the confluence of the Petawawa and Ottawa rivers, it occupies a landscape that has drawn people for centuries, from the Algonquin peoples who used the river as a travel corridor to the lumber barons who floated timber down it to the soldiers who have trained on its sandy plains since 1905.
Today, Petawawa is a community of roughly 18,000 people that combines the transient energy of a military posting with the stability of an established Ottawa Valley town. The constant rotation of military families gives Petawawa a diversity and openness that is unusual for a community of its size, while the long-established local population provides continuity and deep roots.
The River and the Outdoors
The Petawawa River is the town's defining natural feature. One of Ontario's most scenic rivers, it flows from the interior of Algonquin Provincial Park through a series of rapids, falls, and calm stretches before joining the Ottawa River at the edge of town. The river is excellent for canoeing and kayaking, with sections suitable for beginners as well as experienced whitewater paddlers.
Algonquin Park's eastern boundary is less than an hour's drive from town, making Petawawa a practical base for park visits, day hikes, and backcountry trips. The park's access points along Highway 60 and the Barron Canyon trail are all within easy reach. For more on the area's outdoor recreation, see our county-wide guide.
The Petawawa River provides year-round recreational opportunities just minutes from town.
Community Life
Petawawa's community facilities reflect both its military connection and its civilian population. The Petawawa Civic Centre hosts recreation programs, community events, and is the home arena for local hockey. The town maintains trails, parks, and waterfront access points along the Ottawa River. The military base's recreation facilities, including a pool, gymnasium, and fitness centre, are available to some civilian users as well.
The town's commercial district along Petawawa Boulevard has grown considerably in recent years, with restaurants, shops, and services that serve both the military and civilian communities. For detailed local information, community resources, and updates about the Petawawa area, this local Petawawa guide is a useful resource.
Getting There
Petawawa is located on Highway 17, the Trans-Canada Highway, approximately 160 kilometres northwest of Ottawa. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half under normal conditions. The town is also served by daily bus service from Ottawa. Pembroke, the county seat, is immediately adjacent to Petawawa and the two communities function as a single urban area in many respects.