Pembroke, Ontario sits at the confluence of the Muskrat River and the Ottawa River in the Ottawa Valley in eastern Ontario, just 75 minutes west of Ottawa. Pembroke is the eastern gateway to Algonquin Park and to Whitewater Country. Pembroke is home to one of Canada’s largest outdoor art galleries with 28 full scale murals depicting the rich history of the area. The downtown Waterfront has a bandstand, amphitheatre and boardwalk creating a focal point for family activities with an idyllic setting overlooking the Ottawa River. During the summer season, Waterfront Live! features free evening performances by local musicians and dancers. Each year, Pembroke plays host to North America’s largest junior hockey tournament.
Things to do in Pembroke
Bonnechere Caves
Found under a hill of limestone that geologists believe to have been the bottom of a tropical sea 500 million years ago. The caves present a weird and entrancing sight; guided tours are available for all ages at varying times from May - Thanksgiving. Located in nearby Egansville. Call 800-469-2283 for more information.
Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories
Tour a research reactor and see films and displays at the birthplace of Canada's nuclear program. Guided bilingual bus tours are available weekdays in the summer. The Visitor Centre is open 9am – 4pm weekdays mid-June - September. Located in nearby Chalk River. Call 613-584-3311 for more information.
Champlain Trail Museum
The pioneer home, church and schoolhouse found here were all built before 1880. On site you will find a gallery of historic artifacts from the 1800's and early 1900's on display. The museum is open daily during summer months; Monday - Friday during September & October. Call 613 735-0517 for more information.
1032 Pembroke Street East, Pembroke, ON
Edge of Algonquin Outfitters
Enjoy all the Ottawa Valley and Algonquin Regions have to offer, with the best in equipment and support services. Located in nearby Barry's Bay. Call 613-756-5886 for more information.
Forest Lea Trails
The Pembroke Cross-country Ski Club maintains the Forest Lea Cross-country Ski Trails in the winter. You will find 19 km of skating trails and 14 km of classical trails suitable for all abilities. The trail layout is based on a "stacked loop concept" consisting of 4 trail segments; each is identified by coloured trail markers. Thus providing the skier with a variety of travel distances and terrain conditions. The trail runs for 2 km between the Riverside Park and the Pembroke Marina, with scenic views of the Ottawa River. The route is mostly along the Kiwanis Way which comprises of separated paved trails, the riverside path for walkers and the city-side one for bikes and roller blades. You will find a look out for the Osprey platform, viewing platforms, Riverside Amphitheatre and the Pointer Boat monument.
Logos Land
This is truly a four season resort that features skiing, sliding, skating in the winter; horseback riding and hiking in the autumn. Splash down one of five waterslides in the summer, or hit the perfect shot at the adjacent Oaks of Cobden Golf and Country Club. Located in nearby Cobden. Call 613-646-2313 for more information.
Pembroke Heritage Murals
Celebrate the Pembroke areas rich character and heritage through more than twenty large-scale paintings by both local and national artists. These murals depict colorful portrayals of a bygone era for the enjoyment of today's generation. As Pembroke grew, the landscapes and lifestyles changed--the murals are an illustrated record of these changes. During the summer, you may even see murals in progress and perhaps talk to the artists about their work.
Pointer Boat
Pointer Boat symbolizes Pembroke's heritage and its relationship with the Ottawa River. This 32 foot steel replica of the famous Cockburn Pointer boat can be found at the gateway to the Kiwanis Waterfront Trails. It was designed by John Cockburn in the 1850s and these boats were built exclusively in Pembroke for three generations and used extensively in the lumber industry and development of rivers and ports throughout Canada.
RiverWalk Amphitheatre
Enjoy nightly music and entertainment at Pembroke's RiverWalk Amphitheatre throughout July & August. Also enjoy the Old Time Fiddling and Step Dancing Competitions in September. Valley Festival – This festival presents a series of live classical concerts in various churches throughout the Upper Ottawa Valley. It was conceived in the early 1990's and today the Valley Festival continues to gain popularity by presenting the Festival Chorus, the Festival Orchestra and professional soloists in the setting of the churches of the Ottawa Valley. Call 613- 623-2449 for more information.
51 John Street North, Pembroke, ON
Whitewater Rafting in the Area
Enjoy world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and camping on Canada's mighty Ottawa River. Several outfitters provide 1 or 2 day and week long excursion packages. Some of these are: Wilderness Tours in nearby Beachburg. Call 800-267-9166 for more information.