Discover Renfrew County

Renfrew County brings together river landscapes, park areas and a variety of trail experiences. On the Ottawa River lies Westmeath Provincial Park, covering 610 hectares and ranking among the county’s most ecologically diverse provincial parks. Elsewhere, possible interests include trail networks, a fossil-finding walk and a designated gravel bike route. When planning your trip, it’s therefore worth first considering whether nature, outdoor activities, cultural heritage or regional products should shape your stay.

River Landscapes and Park Areas

Westmeath Provincial Park lies on the banks of the Ottawa River. The Algonquins of Ontario have identified the area as historically and culturally significant within their territory. Those interested in the landscape and cultural heritage will find both reflected in the history and significance of this park area. The park thus offers a tangible starting point for a trip centered on nature.

The Bonnechere River also shapes the region’s park landscape. Bonnechere River Provincial Park connects Bonnechere Provincial Park on Round Lake in Renfrew County with Algonquin Park. Bonnechere River Waterway Park protects the riverbed and Crown land along the banks. Bonnechere Provincial Park is in Richards Township; Highway 62 runs along its northern and western boundaries, providing access from Eganville, Pembroke, Barry’s Bay and Bancroft. These location details may help with planning if this park is on your list.

At Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park, the 215-hectare green space encompasses diverse habitats and an abundance of vegetation and wildlife. The park has an upper and a lower trail network, suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, cycling and cross-country skiing. This range of activities makes it a fitting stop for trip plans that include different ways to get active. The main entrance is on Laurentian Drive, where there is a small parking lot.

Trails for Different Interests

Renfrew County’s trail network includes rail trails, paved shoulders and county forests, adding to the region’s recreational opportunities. One specific example is the K&P Trail: it includes a 21-kilometre section of the former Kingston-&-Pembroke railway line between Renfrew and Calabogie. Its length and former use as a rail line give this section a character of its own. Those including trails in their trip plans can see this route as a distinctive part of the region’s history.

At the Bonnechere Museum, the Geoheritage Trail offers a 1.5-kilometre walk with the opportunity to discover fossils. This short distance is useful to know if you’d like to combine a walk with a specific nature theme. Cyclists can also take the Eganville Gravel Grinder: this 50-kilometre route is suitable for mountain bikes, fat bikes and bicycles with appropriate gearing and wider tires. When planning, check whether your bike meets these requirements; the route appeals to a different interest than the short walk at the museum.

Cultural Heritage and Regional Products

In Eganville, the Farmers’ Market offers fresh, locally produced goods. This adds a regional culinary element to your trip planning. When choosing your vacation rental, you can consider which of the interests described here should be the focus of your trip: park landscapes and wildlife, hiking and cycling, cultural heritage or regional products.

Explore More Places

For more information about places in the county, you can also explore the pages for Foresters Falls, Greater Madawaska, Golden Lake, Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew, Barry’s Bay, Killaloe and Arnprior.

For the broader travel overview: Ontario.