Pembroke, the largest town in Renfrew County, serves as a hub for services, shopping, and recreation in the upper Ottawa Valley. For families in the Petawawa, Pembroke, and surrounding area, the town offers a range of activities and programs that complement what is available in the smaller communities.
The town's location on the Ottawa River, combined with its parks, community facilities, and active recreation department, makes it a good base for families looking for things to do. Whether you are a resident or visiting from nearby Petawawa or the surrounding townships, Pembroke has activities for children and families through most of the year.
Recreation Programs
The City of Pembroke operates recreation programs that include swimming lessons, skating, dance classes, arts and crafts, and various sports programs for children and youth. Programs run seasonally and are published in the city's recreation guide, which is available at municipal facilities and online.
The Pembroke Memorial Centre and other municipal facilities host these programs, along with special events and community gatherings through the year. The aquatic centre offers swimming for all ages, from parent-and-tot classes to adult lane swimming and fitness programs.
For families interested in fitness classes, several options are available in Pembroke that complement what is offered in Petawawa. The slightly larger population base supports a range of studios, gyms, and community programs.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Pembroke's waterfront area along the Ottawa River is a focal point for outdoor recreation. The riverside parks provide walking paths, playground equipment, and green space for picnics and informal play. Riverside Park is particularly popular with families, offering a playground, splash pad, and views of the river.
The town's trail system connects several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for walking and cycling. In winter, some of these trails are maintained for cross-country skiing, and the outdoor skating rinks are popular gathering points for families.
The Pembroke area's natural landscape provides a backdrop for family activities through the seasons.
Community Events
Pembroke hosts community events through the year that are popular with families from across the region. Seasonal festivals, parades, and community celebrations draw people from Petawawa, the townships, and further afield. These events are typically free or low-cost and provide a good opportunity to experience the community spirit that characterizes the upper valley.
The Pembroke Farmers' Market, operating through the growing season, is a family-friendly outing that introduces children to local food production and provides a social gathering point for the community.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
From Pembroke, families can access a range of day-trip destinations. The Bonnechere Caves, a natural limestone cave system near Eganville, are a popular family outing. The nearby provincial parks, including Bonnechere, Carson Lake, and Shaw Woods, offer hiking, swimming, and nature interpretation programs.
For families with an interest in outdoor activities, the area around Pembroke and Petawawa provides excellent hiking, paddling, and nature exploration opportunities. The combination of Ottawa River waterfront, Canadian Shield terrain, and managed trail systems means there is always something to do outside, regardless of the season.