Renfrew

Renfrew is a town of 8,200 people (2021) near the Ottawa River in Eastern Ontario. Much of Renfrew's current prosperity can be attributed to its status as an economic centre for a surrounding rural region with a population of over 30,000. Renfrew is also an important stop for Ottawa-based cottagers and outdoor enthusiasts passing by on their way to nearby whitewater rafting, boating, camping, hunting, golfing, fishing, snowmobiling, down-hill skiing, and cross-country skiing.

Understand
The area's largest single employers are the Renfrew Victoria Hospital and the Bonnechere Manor (care home).

Tourism visitor centres:
 * At the corner of O’Brien and Mask Road - RV pump-out available
 * In the Chamber of Commerce Office beside the library at 161 Raglan Street South

History
Named after Renfrewshire, Scotland, in approximately 1848, Renfrew was settled largely in part due to logging in the area in the early 19th century, where the river was used in order to drive the lumber to locations such as Ottawa.

Get in
Renfrew is on Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway), about 90 km west of Ottawa, at the junction with Highway 60. Shortly before Arnprior to the east, the highway becomes a freeway and is renamed Highway 417, and is part of the Trans-Canada Highway.

By bus

 * Between Ottawa and Sudbury including stops in Kanata, Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke, Petawawa, Mattawa, and North Bay.

By plane

 * Ottawa Airport – international and domestic arrivals -
 * Arnprior Airport - personal aircraft and mid–sized commercial
 * Pembroke Airport - personal aircraft

See
A historic downtown and many small parks, including Stewart Park behind the Presbyterian Church on Smith's Creek, and O'Brien Park, featuring the Swinging Bridge and a beautiful view of the museum and dam.



Go next

 * Algonquin Provincial Park ― about 1½ hours west on Highway 60.
 * Arnprior ― to the east, on the way to the National Capital Region.
 * Calabogie ― a ski resort about 30 km (20 miles) from Renfrew.
 * Pembroke ― A hub for visitors to the eastern edge of Algonquin Park, near some paddling sites on the Ottawa River.