Petawawa
Around Petawawa
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Town and around · Ontario · 18k people
Petawawa
Locals say Ottawa Valley
Where the river runs deep and the pines stand tall.
Deep forest greenRiver blue
Welcome to the Ottawa Valley! Whether you're here for the river, the trails, or just to relax, you'll find a friendly community with a love for the outdoors. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and don't miss a chance to try a butter tart.
Clubs for Petawawa
No clubs for Petawawa yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Petawawa. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Petawawa. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- CFB Petawawa Military Museum Exhibits on Canadian military history, located on base
- Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park Hiking trails and a beach along the Petawawa River
- Deep River Waterfront Public beach and picnic area on the Ottawa River
- Chalk River Laboratories Nuclear research facility, a local landmark
- Petawawa Point Sandy beach and day-use area on the Ottawa River
- The Ottawa River Whitewater rafting and boating hub
- Outdoors Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River
- Outdoors Hiking at Petawawa Terrace
- With kids Swimming at Petawawa Point Beach
- With kids Picnicking at Deep River waterfront
- Evenings Local pubs
- Evenings Community centre dances
- Locals love Cottage rentals
- Locals love Campgrounds
Through the year
- Petawawa Canada Day July July 1st celebrations with fireworks and family activities
- Deep River Music Festival August Classical and jazz performances in August
- Petawawa Winter Carnival February Outdoor winter games and ice skating
Continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Best: Summer for water sports and fall for hiking
Talk like a local
- “The Valley”
- The Ottawa Valley region
- “Cottage country”
- Area with many cottages and lakes
- “The bush”
- Wilderness or forested area
Getaways
Local flavour
Rooting for Ottawa Senators (NHL), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Ottawa Redblacks (CFL), Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL)
Eat and drink
- Poutine A Canadian classic, widely available in local diners and chip stands.
- Beavertails A fried pastry treat, popular across Canada and a nostalgic favourite.
- Butter tarts A quintessential Canadian dessert, common in the region's bakeries.
Where people go
- CFB Petawawa A major Canadian Army base that shapes the community's identity and economy.
- Cottage country The region is dotted with lakes and rivers, making cottages and cabins a defining feature.
- Campgrounds and hiking trails Proximity to Algonquin Provincial Park and local trails makes outdoor recreation a way of life.
- River beaches Sandbanks and swimming spots along the Ottawa River are popular summer gathering places.
Heritage and traditions
Petawawa and the Ottawa Valley are proud of their deep roots in military service and nuclear science, set against the rugged beauty of the Ottawa River and the forests.
This time of year in Petawawa
- Fall colour tours Fall The forests blaze with colour, and locals enjoy drives and hikes to see the leaves.
Say it like a local: “toque” — A knitted winter hat.
Landmarks with a story
- Deep River and District Museum Tells the story of Deep River's founding as a planned community for nuclear scientists at Chalk River.
- Chalk River Laboratories Site of Canada's first nuclear reactor, a landmark of scientific achievement.
Food traditions
- Maple syrup season In early spring, local sugar bushes open for tours and pancake breakfasts, a tradition from the region's French-Canadian and pioneer heritage.
- Fish fry Locals catch walleye and bass from the Ottawa River and fry them up at community gatherings and family dinners.
Music and arts
- Ottawa Valley fiddle music A distinctive style of fiddle playing with Irish and Scottish roots, often accompanied by step dancing.
A little history
- 1944 Chalk River Laboratories established
- 1945 Deep River founded as a planned community
- 1905 Petawawa established as a military training base
- 1800s Logging era on the Ottawa River
Locals speak with a distinct Ottawa Valley accent, influenced by Irish, Scottish, and French Canadian settlers, and use common Canadian terms.
Only here
- The first nuclear reactor outside the United States was built at Chalk River.
- Deep River was a planned community built specifically for nuclear scientists.
- CFB Petawawa is one of the largest military bases in Canada.
- The Ottawa River was once used for massive log drives, a key part of the region's history.
New here? A few tips
- Be prepared for cold, snowy winters; invest in warm gear.
- Learn about the military base and its impact on the community.
- Try poutine from a local chip stand – it's a Canadian staple.
- Explore the Ottawa River and its tributaries for fishing and boating.
- Join a local hockey or curling club to meet people.
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Nearby
Every areaPembrokeOntarioWhere the river meets the pinesPontiacQuebecRiver, forest, and the quiet life.Renfrew CountyOntarioWhere the Ottawa River runs deep and the forests stand tallHastings CountyOntarioGranite shores and pine-scented airVallée-de-la-GatineauQuebecWhere the river runs through the pinesHaliburton HighlandsOntarioWhere the shield meets the skyOttawa–GatineauOntarioWhere the canal freezes and the shawarma flowsNorth BayOntarioBig skies, deep lakes, and a warm northern welcome.
Petawawa. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.