When planning a trip, Pembroke brings together three distinct themes: waterfront trails, public parks, and the Pembroke Heritage Murals in the downtown core. The Algonquin Trail offers a different choice of activities than the non-motorized Kiwanis Way; at Riverside Park, you’ll also find a beach, camping, and rental equipment. The Farmers’ Market and seasonal Waterfront LIVE! add their own scheduled events. This gives you a way to decide whether you want your stay to focus more on activity, culture, or a changing program of events.
Trails for different activities
The Algonquin Trail is open year-round for cycling, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and walking. Because it accommodates this mix, it is a multi-use trail, not just a walking route. Kiwanis Way offers a different setting: it is non-motorized, paved, and connects Waterfront Park with Riverside Park. Along part of Pembroke’s waterfront, it can be used for cycling, inline skating, and walking.
A 2 km trail runs along the river from Riverside Park to Waterfront Park. The two parks therefore provide specific points of reference for planning a route; Kiwanis Way also offers a clearly designated non-motorized option. The route you plan depends in part on whether you’ll be walking, cycling, or inline skating. The Algonquin Trail also accommodates snowmobiles and ATVs.
Parks, waterfront, and time outdoors
Riverside Park includes a beach, campground, sports fields, walking trails, playgrounds, mini golf, and a splash pad. The range of amenities gives you several ways to spend time in the park, from the beach to sports and other activities. The campground offers fully serviced RV sites as well as basic tent sites. As camping is seasonal, check reservations and operating dates for your travel period.
At Riverside Park, you can also borrow paddleboards, kayaks, and bicycles free of charge. Check actual equipment availability if you’re planning your visit around it. Pembroke Waterfront Park includes a marina and a waterfront promenade. Boat slips are available to visitors at Pembroke Marina; this seasonal service depends on operating hours and availability. If you’re planning to use a slip, check both in advance.
Downtown murals
The Pembroke Heritage Murals are large-scale murals on downtown walls. They celebrate the heritage and character of the region. The program has overseen the creation of more than thirty murals by local and national artists; additional works may be added. The murals are about more than individual images—they are also connected to the history they represent.
The history and location of each mural are provided. If you’d like to include specific works in your exploration of downtown, check the current listings and map in advance. This makes it easier to combine the murals with a downtown walk, without requiring a set itinerary.
Market and summer program
The Pembroke Farmers’ Market adds a culinary perspective to your visit, with fresh farm-grown fruit and vegetables, artisan baked goods, maple syrup, honey, preserves, prepared foods, and handmade crafts. The selection appeals to a range of interests, from shopping for local food to browsing crafts. Vendors and schedules may change; check current market information if you’re planning around a particular date or product.
Waterfront LIVE! presents live performances on the banks of the Ottawa River every evening except Tuesdays during the summer. This seasonal program provides a specific evening event to consider when planning your trip. Schedules may vary from year to year, so it’s worth checking the dates for your planned travel period.
Green spaces and other park options
Pansy Patch Park covers 10 acres, is located in the heart of Pembroke, and features flower beds, trees, and the Muskrat River. Its location and features offer a different focus from the extensive amenities at Riverside Park. Rotary Park can also offer something different, with a tennis court, playground, and splash pad. If tennis is important to your plans, this park is another specific option in Pembroke.
Discover more destinations: Golden Lake, Renfrew, Barry's Bay, Greater Madawaska, Petawawa, Foresters Falls, Arnprior, Killaloe.
For the broader travel overview: Renfrew County.
