Explore Petawawa through a range of interests: trails for several types of activities, things to do on the water, and insights into military history. When planning your stay, you can start by considering which of these interests will shape your trip. Local places and offerings differ clearly by activity and season.
Choose trails by activity
In the centre of Petawawa, Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park has an upper and a lower trail network. The trails are suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, cycling and cross-country skiing. This offers a range of activities, but trail conditions and seasonal availability may vary. Check these before setting out, especially if you are planning a specific activity.
The Construction Yard Bike Park at the Petawawa Civic Centre offers something different. Its features include a beginner course, a skills area, jumps at several levels, pump tracks and a wall ride. This distinguishes it from the Provincial Park’s broader trail network: the bike park focuses on purpose-built bike features, while the park has trails for several activities. If cycling is part of your plans, this distinction can help you narrow down the type of activity you’re looking for.
A section of the two-part Algonquin Trail is open to non-motorized use from the Town Centre to Portage Road. These two endpoints help indicate the section’s route; the access information may be updated by the municipality. Check the latest information before your trip.
Water and trails by the river
Petawawa Point Beach is at the confluence of the Petawawa River and the Ottawa River. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent there seasonally. These rentals offer a specific option for planning water activities, but are seasonal and should not be assumed to be available year-round.
The City of Petawawa operates two municipal boat launches, which are separate from the rentals: one is on the Petawawa River and the other on the Ottawa River. The docks are installed seasonally, as water levels permit. When choosing a water activity, it is therefore worth keeping in mind both the seasonal rentals at Petawawa Point Beach and the conditions for the boat launches.
For walking trails and river views, visit Centennial Park: it offers walking trails and impressive views of the Petawawa River rapids. The Millennium Trail runs through the park, with access points at Park Drive and Victoria Street. Conditions and access details may vary seasonally, so check them before your visit.
Military history and planning your visit
The Petawawa Military Museum is located within Garrison Petawawa. Its collections include uniforms, medals and photographs; military vehicles are displayed outdoors. The indoor and outdoor collections offer different ways to explore Petawawa’s military history.
A directory listing checked on September 14, 2026, gave seasonal opening hours for the Garrison Petawawa and Canadian Airborne Forces Museum from April to September: Monday to Friday, 12:30 to 16:30, and Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 to 16:00. Museum hours may change; check the opening hours before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Barry's Bay, Renfrew, Greater Madawaska, Arnprior, Golden Lake, Pembroke, Foresters Falls, Killaloe.
For the broader travel overview: Renfrew County.
