Petawawa

Petawawa is on the south shore of the Ottawa River, and exists primarily to support the CFB Petawawa military base.

History

The earliest settlement in the Petawawa area was inhabited by the Algonquin First Nation. The name of Petawawa originates from a local Algonquin language word, biidaawewe, meaning "where one hears a noise like this".
In the late 19th century, the area was surveyed and settled by emigres from Scotland, Ireland and Germany. The land was unsuitable for crops, but the heavily forested surroundings were useful for logging. The Canadian military acquired land in the area in 1905, which later became Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. An internment camp was set up at the Militia Camp in Petawawa from December 1914 to May 1916; it also housed German prisoners-of-war during World War II.
CFB Petawawa is one of Canada's largest ground forces bases with members deployed throughout the world on various missions supporting the United Nations in peacekeeping or the War on Terror.

Climate

Petawawa has a humid continental climate with long, cold, snowy winters and warm summers.

By car

The main way in and out of town is Trans-Canada Highway 17.

By bus

Greyhound and Ontario Northlands provide bus service from Ottawa.

By plane

There is an airport in Pembroke (YTA) with no scheduled flights. The closest major airport is Ottawa-Uplands (YOW).

• Take a walk along the Emerald Necklace trail system
• Drive around town. Maps are available at Town Hall, 1111 Victoria St.

• CFB Petawawa Military Museum

  phone: +1 613-588-6238
  address: 63 Colborne Road, CFB Petawawa
  A tank, a helicopter, a wide selection of artillery, vehicles, tanks, weaponry, exhibits about regiments stationed here.

• Petawawa Heritage Village

  phone: +1 613-633-6287
  address: 176 Civic Centre Rd
  Archives and collections cover the German immigrant settlement era, reaching back to the traditions and teachings of the First Nations people.

• Centennial Park

  address: Park Dr
  Beautiful park along the Petawawa River. Two playgrounds. Washrooms. Many good spots for a picnic.

• The Country Cupboard

  phone: +1 613-687-4729
  address: 3221 Petawawa Blvd
  Gift shop, home decor.

There are a couple of fast food joints, like McDonald's and Subway, and a few pizza joints. Kelsey's has a restaurant near the Quality Inn.

• Madameek

  phone: +1 613-687-6872
  address: 1024 Victoria Street
  Lebanese. Shawarma, homemade Kebeh, Fattoush salad, Tabouleh salad.

• Danny's Restaurant & Steakhouse

  phone: +1 613-687-6211
  address: 47 Highway Street
  Chops, pasta, seafood, steaks.

• Fijisan Sushi

  phone: +1 613-687-8888
  address: 3477 Petawawa Blvd

• Quality Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 613-687-2855
  address: 3119-B Petawawa Boulevard
  Free continental breakfast, smoke-free, pet-friendly, fitness centre, business centre.

• Petawawa River Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 613-687-4686
  address: 3520 Petawawa Blvd
  Singles and doubles with kitchenettes, to full suites for long term stays. High-speed Internet included, coffee makers, fridges, microwaves, and hair dryers in every room. Pets welcome in designated rooms.

• Rantz Riverside Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 613 687-6095
  address: 284 Rantz
  This two-story home offers a modern kitchen, dining room, and large walk-out deck overlooking the Petawawa River. Satellite TV. 2 bedrooms. Guest shared 4 piece bath, plus 2 piece bath. Breakfast served in dining room overlooking the river. Smoking allowed outside.

Wireless Internet hotspots are available at the McDonald's and Petawawa Pizzeria, both on the main strip in Petawawa.

• Algonquin Provincial Park