Ottawa 
As a small city in the heart of a large river valley, Pembroke is a vibrant getaway destination. The city sits at the confluence of the Ottawa and Muskrat Rivers, two of Pembroke’s major sources for outdoor fun and summer adventures.
The one-mile-wide Ottawa River forms the interprovincial boundary with Quebec.
Credit: City of Pembroke
During the spring and summer, the lush waterfront areas are bright with green foliage and blooming flowers. During the fall, Pembroke’s greenery turns into an assortment of red, yellow, and orange hues.
The arts and cultural scene of Pembroke, from performances and local acts to food and drink, history, and more, is as busy at the parks and trails. A trip to Pembroke could include a wide array of activities, whether you need to relax by the water, explore on the water, or meander around the city.
Did you know Pembroke was the first place in Canada to light its streets with electricity? They lit up Pembroke Street on October 8, 1884.
From outdoor thrills to local charm, here’s how to make the most of your Pembroke getaway:
Thrilling or Relaxing Recreation
Credit: O’Kenny River Tubing
As the “whitewater rafting capital of Canada” there is no doubt that there are thrilling outdoor adventures around Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley. In addition to river exploration, there are other opportunities for adventure around Pembroke. Similarly, there are many other ways to enjoy the great outdoors or a warmer day with relaxing activities.
- O’Kenny River Tubing offers a relaxing way to explore the waters this summer with a 2-4 hour float on the Muskrat River.
- Enjoy the Pembroke waterfront from the Waterfront Park or Riverside Park. These two locations are connected by the Kiwanis Way Trail, a multi-use paved pathway.
- Riverside Park is a source for several types of warm-weather fun, including a public beach on the river. This is also where the City of Pembroke offer their recreational Lending Hub for an array of sport equipment rentals, including kayaks, SUPs, bikes, and Adventure Packs.
- OWL Rafting, Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort are the closest rafting options to Pembroke with both offering adventures on the Ottawa River.
- For those with young kids, head to Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch. Enjoy outdoor fun on a scenic 100-acre farm with U-picks, animal visits, mazes, slides, pedal carts, and more. Kids can play in sandboxes, hop on swings, or explore trails. The Onsite Country Market offers snacks, treats and baked goods.
- You can also use Pembroke as a base camp to explore Bonnechere Provincial Park, and Bonnechere Caves, located about an hour from the city.
Pembroke’s Arts, History, & Culture
One of the simplest ways to embrace the history, arts, and culture of Pembroke all at once is with a walk around the city streets. Over the years, the city has continued to add to its outdoor mural collection, most of which display scenes or symbols from local history and culture. Throughout the mural tour, there will be other places to see and enjoy the local arts or culture.
- Do you like seeing historic buildings and architecture? Pembroke’s Step Back in Time Walking Tour offers a fascinating journey through 22 historic sites that showcase the city’s rich heritage. Explore iconic landmarks like Pembroke City Hall, the Murray L. Moore Hydro Museum (home to the world’s largest stationary diesel generator and Canada’s first electric streetlights), and the Pembroke Armouries. Stroll past Victorian-era homes and early churches.
- Waterfront Park features Portage Sundial, a sculptural timepiece designed by local artist Barbara Blackstein, and the Cockburn Pointer Boat Monument, which honours the iconic wooden boats which were vital to Canada’s logging industry.
- Pembroke’s Heritage Mural Tour is a great way to see the town while learning about the richest parts of its history. The tour includes 35 murals as of 2025.
- The Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre is open from the last week of May until Thanksgiving Weekend in a scenic riverside spot in Pembroke. Step back in time exploring historic homes, shops, fire engines, and the timber industry relics from the the early years of Upper Ottawa Valley.
- Pembroke’s Festival Hall is a local performing arts theatre with weekly shows and concerts. The music played here covers almost every genre while also including other types of acts like magic or comedy. Pembroke’s Streetlight Theatre Company hosts fun theatre-themed events each month.
- Catch more live performances each summer with the City of Pembroke’s Waterfront Live events. These are outdoor concerts from Waterfront Park that happen alongside Movie Nights in the Park.
Where to Eat in Pembroke
There is a ton of dining options available within downtown Pembroke. But for those making their way into the city from a road or day trip, there are also a few options on the west edge of town, like the Westwinds Restaurant, The Beach Burger, Chucks Roadhouse Bar & Grill, or Shanloon Restaurant.
- Pembroke’s Waterfront Park, a great place for a picnic, is located beside Pembroke Street West where several local dining options are set up like the Bonanza Restaurant, Nomada Tacos, The Courtyard Bistro, or Zaytouna.
- From there, the street turns into Pembroke East, with several more places to gather, eat, and socialize.
Where to Stay in Pembroke
Within Pembroke, and around the rural areas west of the small city, are several places to stay, as well as different ways to stay. Choose between more rustic options like tent and RV camping or cabins and cottages. Otherwise, the area is home to several local or chain hotels and inns. Any family or larger group visiting the Pembroke area can take advantage of a handful of resort options , which come with several other amenities and activities for your stay.
- Pembroke’s local Riverside Park is home to a campground open May-October and set beside the beautiful Ottawa River.
- Find more seasonal sites at the Bonnechere Provincial Park, about 45km from Pembroke, or the Achray Campground at Algonquin Provincial Park.
- Stay close by but in the more rural areas west or south of Pembroke. Each spot includes an array of on-site amenities. Check with local places like The Cabin, Opeongo Mountain Resort, Sandy Beach Cottages, Splash Valley Resort & Waterpark, or Sugarcove Cottages.
- Get a stay not only right in the heart of Pembroke but also on the banks of the Ottawa River with several chain hotels or motels along Pembroke Street East.
- And last but certainly not least is the Grey Gables Inn within a minute’s walk of downtown Pembroke. The historic building creates a uniquely luxurious accommodation option.
We hope to see you in Pembroke this year! This is a great overview of the city, but if you want a deeper dive, visit our website for visitors at visitpembroke.ca.
We can’t wait to see you in the Heart of the Ottawa Valley.