In Renfrew, industrial history meets a network of varied trails. McDougall Mill on the Bonnechere River tells the story of the river’s former use; the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail and the K&P Trail connect Renfrew to longer routes. Visitors planning a stay can explore the area’s history and landscape through specific connections to the river and railway.
Mill on the Bonnechere River
McDougall Mill was built on the banks of the Bonnechere River in 1855 as a grist mill. Today, it serves as a museum of local history and a visitor information centre in Renfrew. It was part of a once-thriving industrial area: the water drop at Second Chute provided the power to operate the mill. The site brings together the history of the mill and a specific reminder of the importance of water power to this industrial area.
McDougall Mill Museum has three levels of exhibits and a gift shop. Guided tours are also available; check the current tour options before your visit. The Historic Renfrew Swinging Bridge adds another landmark to the area: built by the W. H. Kearney family in 1885, the 100-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the Bonnechere River and connects downtown with McDougall Mill Museum.
Renfrew’s Hockey History
Another historical highlight is the NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum at the myFM Centre in Ma-te-Way Park. Renfrew is considered the birthplace of the National Hockey Association (NHA): the organization was founded there in 1909 and evolved into the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1917. While McDougall Mill explores the area’s industrial history, this museum focuses on the development of the two hockey organizations. Together, they offer two clearly distinct ways to explore Renfrew’s history, each telling a different part of the story.
Multi-Use Trails and Historic Railway Lines
The 296-kilometre Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail passes through the Town of Renfrew. In Renfrew County, it is also known as the Algonquin Trail. The K&P Trail is a 180-kilometre multi-use trail from Renfrew to Kingston and connects with the Algonquin Trail in Renfrew. The two descriptions offer different points of reference: the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail is described by its total length, while the K&P Trail route names Renfrew and Kingston as its endpoints.
The K&P Trail’s history is also reflected in its route: it follows the historic railway line between Kingston and Pembroke and passes through Renfrew. It is important to distinguish the former rail connection from the current trail description: the K&P Trail is described as a multi-use trail from Renfrew to Kingston, not as a railway line.
Trails Along the River and Through Renfrew
For a different kind of trail, the Bonnechere River Hiking Trail follows the south bank of the Bonnechere River and is rated moderate in difficulty. If you plan to hike this trail, check current route conditions. The Millennium Trail offers another point of comparison: it is 3.4 kilometres long and follows the former CN railway line from Barnet Boulevard to Lisgar Street. As trail routes can change, check the current route before making specific plans.
Renfrew offers several different kinds of trail connections: a riverside trail rated moderate in difficulty, the shorter Millennium Trail along a former railway line, and longer multi-use trails linking Renfrew with places beyond it. The figures and descriptions help distinguish the routes by course and scale, without treating them as equivalent offerings.
Discover more destinations: Barry's Bay, Golden Lake, Killaloe, Foresters Falls, Arnprior, Pembroke, Petawawa, Greater Madawaska.
For the broader travel guide: Renfrew County.
