Renfrew

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. However, 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.

Renfrew is on Highway 17 (the Trans-Canada Highway), about 90 km west of Ottawa, at the junction with Highway 60.
Renfrew is on the Greyhound Canada bus route between Ottawa and North Bay.

By air

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

• CJ's Taxi

  phone: +1 613-432-2400

• Vincent’s Taxi

  phone: +1 613-432-2921

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.

• McDougall Mill Museum

  phone: +1 613-432-2129
  address: 65 Arthur Ave
  A former grist/flour mill that was run by John Lorne McDougall on property brought from Sir Francis Hincks. It has been converted into a museum featuring artefacts from the town's history and prominent citizens, as well as items of general interest.

• Birthplace NHA/NHL Museum

  phone: +1 343-361-0202
  address: 249 Raglan Street
  The Birthplace NHA/NHL Museum showcases hockey history from Renfrew County, including the fact that M.J. O’Brien and his son Ambrose started the National Hockey Association (NHA) from Renfrew in 1909. The NHA was renamed the National Hockey League in 1917. The museum features pictures and artifacts showcasing the early days of hockey in the NHA and NHL especially as it was represented in Renfrew County.

• O'Brien Theatre

  phone: +1 613-432-6139
  address: 334 Raglan St S
  The theatre offers popular current films, and a series of art, independent and foreign films in a restored 1930 theatre.

• Bonnechere Falls

  address: Thompson Road

• Renfrew Fair

  address: 115 Veterans Memorial Blvd (Hwy 60)
  The fair has been drawing mixed crowds for decades with its mid-way rides, exhibits, demolition derby, musical acts and livestock showcase. The fair takes place on the second weekend of ev

• Valley Bluegrass Festival

  address: 1 Ma-te-Way Park Drive
  Four-day festival in mid-July.

• Blackbird Cafe

  phone: +1 613-432-3599
  address: 1694 Burnstown Rd

• Bonnechere Bakery and Bistro Fine Food

  phone: +1 613-431-1602
  address: 258 Raglan St S
  A family-owned bakery, bistro and fine food emporium. Farm-style bread, soup and salads made freshly everyday. They also have a gluten-free line.

• Rocky Mountain House

  phone: +1 613-432-5801
  address: 409 Stewart St
  Schnitzels, steaks, salads and pub fare.

• Finnigan's Road House

  phone: +1 613-432-8982
  address: 302 Raglan St S
  Live music upstairs during the summer.

• Bide-A-While Bed & Breakfast

  address: 43 Bank St S
  7-minute walk from downtown Renfrew. 2 informal rooms feature air-conditioning; 1 has a sink. The sitting room and the bathroom with shower/tub are shared. 3-course hot breakfast or continental breakfast is served in the dining room, and there's a communal living room with a TV, a DVD player and a library.

• Days Inn & Conference Centre

  address: 760 Gibbons Rd
  Free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, desk, as well as coffee and tea facilities. Fitness centre, outdoor pool, and onsite business centre.

• Renfrew Public Library

  address: 13 Railway Avenue
  Free Wi-fi is available at the library

• Calabogie ski resort is about 30 km (20 miles) from Renfrew
• Algonquin Provincial Park is about 1½ hours west on Highway 60.