Things To Do
in Pembroke
Pembroke is a small city in eastern Ontario on the banks of the Ottawa River, serving as a regional hub for Renfrew County. It blends riverside industrial history, a compact downtown, and easy access to forests, rivers and parks. The community has a mix of Anglophone and Francophone culture, with local museums, festivals and outdoor activities year-round.
Pembroke is a convenient base for day trips to Algonquin Park, Bonnechere Caves and the Ottawa Valley wilderness.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure in Pembroke by wandering through its charming downtown area. Enjoy a cozy breakfast at a local café, where you can indulge in freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. Visit unique boutiques and art galleries that showcase local craftsmanship and art.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along the Ottawa River. Rent a kayak or canoe to appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding nature while enjoying some outdoor activities. Don’t forget to take photos of the picturesque landscapes and wildlife.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner, savoring some hearty Canadian fare. Afterward, consider catching a live music performance or theater show at one of Pembroke's cultural venues. Wind down your day by taking a peaceful walk along the riverbank.
Begin your day by discovering the impressive heritage murals that adorn the buildings in Pembroke. These murals depict the town's rich history, and a guided walking tour will provide you with entertaining insights. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby diner, fueling up for a morning of exploration.
Continue your mural journey while stopping at local shops to pick up souvenirs and handicrafts. Grab lunch at one of the quaint cafés offering scrumptious salads and sandwiches. Spend the rest of the afternoon learning about Pembroke’s past at the City of Pembroke Museum.
After savoring dinner at a restaurant known for its friendly atmosphere, enjoy a movie night at a cinema featuring local films. Alternatively, seek out a cozy lounge to sip a cocktail while mingling with friendly locals. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $60-100 |
| 🚗Local taxi start / short ride | $5-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to outdoor recreation (rivers, trails, Algonquin Park nearby)
- Friendly small-town atmosphere and community events
- Lower costs and less congestion compared with large cities
- Scenic riverfront and good photography opportunities
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural amenities than major cities
- Fewer dining and specialized shopping options
- Seasonal accessibility issues (winter driving, early spring mud)
- Public transit options within the city are limited
Places to Visit in Pembroke
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive views of the Ottawa River, especially at sunrise/sunset; good for river reflections, paddlers and seasonal colours.
Historic buildings, rustic scenes and interpretive displays that make for charming heritage photos.
Dramatic cave interiors and limestone formations — bring low-light camera gear and respect guided-tour rules for photography.
Sweeping panoramas, fall colours, wildlife and misty lakes — excellent for landscapes and nature photography.
Colorful public murals and historic facades capture Pembroke’s local character and community art.
Food in Pembroke
Pembroke Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater fish often served pan-fried or beer-battered at lakeside and riverside restaurants; try it at waterfront pubs or local diners.
Must-Try!
Local maple syrup and treats are common; hearty pea soup appears in regional comfort-food menus — check cafes and farmers’ market stalls.
A Canadian staple found in many pubs and casual eateries: fries topped with cheese curds and gravy — available throughout Pembroke.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market offering local produce, baked goods, preserves and occasional prepared foods; best in summer and early fall for berries, veggies and maple products.
During festivals and summer events you’ll find food trucks and stalls with local comfort food, grilled items and sweets near the waterfront and town square.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Canadians in Pembroke value politeness, patience in lines, and saying please and thank you. Stand in line and wait your turn in shops and at events.
The region has both English and French speakers; using polite French greetings (e.g., bonjour) is appreciated when interacting with Francophone residents.
Follow Leave No Trace principles in parks and on trails; pack out trash and respect wildlife and private property boundaries.
Local festivals and community events are family-oriented and welcoming; observe local rules and support small businesses respectfully.
Safety
Tipping in Pembroke
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants for good service, $1–$2 per drink at bars, and small tips for taxi drivers and hotel porters. Round up or leave a few dollars for casual services. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for farmers’ markets, small vendors or rural businesses that may be card-unfriendly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant temperatures ideal for boating, fishing, hiking and outdoor festivals; expect mosquitoes near wetlands and lakes — bring repellent. Long daylight hours are great for exploring and photography.
Crisp air and spectacular fall foliage from late September to October; perfect for scenic drives, hiking and photography. Cooler nights require layered clothing.
Cold with snow and ice; great for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Roads can be icy so winter tires and warm gear are essential.
Thawing and muddy trails early in the season, with flowering and returning wildlife; variable weather means pack waterproof layers and check trail conditions.
Pembroke at Night
Hiking in Pembroke
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, family-friendly path along the Ottawa River with scenic viewpoints and benches; great for short walks and photography.
About an hour’s drive: offers a range of hikes from short lookouts to multi-day backcountry routes (e.g., Lookout Trail, Centennial Ridges). Excellent for wildlife and fall colours.
Network of shorter trails near the Champlain Trail Museum and nearby conservation areas showcasing local flora, historic sites and river views.
Riverside trails and portage routes with scenic sections, good for day hikes, birdwatching and connecting to canoe routes.
Airports
How to reach Pembroke by plane.
Small regional airport serving general aviation and charter flights; limited commercial service. Useful for private aircraft or local charters, short drive from downtown.
Primary international airport for the region, about 1.5–2 hours’ drive east of Pembroke. Offers major domestic and international flights and better car rental and transport options.
Gatineau is nearby across the river from Ottawa and shares access via Ottawa’s airport; used for alternate routing and services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are English-speaking, with strong roots in trades, agriculture and service industries.
A noticeable Francophone population contributes to bilingual culture, services and events in the area.
The Ottawa Valley region includes Indigenous peoples and nearby First Nations communities with cultural and historical significance.
Many residents live in surrounding townships and rural areas; seasonal cottagers and tourists increase population at peak times.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Community hockey is hugely popular at youth and adult levels; local rinks host games, tournaments and public skates in winter.
Extensive groomed snowmobile trails in the Ottawa Valley attract locals and visitors during winter months.
Popular seasonal sports on the Ottawa River and nearby lakes; recreational fishing and paddling are staples of local outdoor culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pembroke.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options are available though more limited than in big cities: cafés and some bistros offer salads, grilled vegetable plates, soups and vegetarian sandwiches. Calling ahead helps, and larger supermarkets stock plant-based staples.
Vegan choices exist but are sparse; plain salads, vegetable sides, fries and some breakfast items can be adapted. Bring snacks or research restaurants ahead of time for vegan-specific options.
Some cafés and bakeries offer gluten-free items; ask servers about cross-contamination and ingredient sources at restaurants.