The Petawawa area comes alive in the summer with a wide range of outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy the warm weather through various recreational pursuits. These activities offer opportunities to explore the natural surroundings and engage in seasonal fun.
Summer in the area provides options for all ages and interests. From hiking and biking trails to local events and festivals, there’s plenty to keep everyone active and entertained. Enjoy the sunshine and make the most of the summer months with the diverse activities available.
Cycling
You, your bike and your passion for cycling! There is something for cyclist here in Petawawa, no matter what style of biking you enjoy. From single track to road biking and our very own bike skills park and pump track designed by Jay Hoots!
Cycling is one of the greatest ways to get outside and be active. The Town of Petawawa firmly believes in cycling for recreation, transportation and being safe while doing so. Active transportation is a key to get people out of their cars and onto a bike or walking for exercise or to get to and from work or the store.
An excellent resource in the area is the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance with pre-planned routes and events to keep you active.
NO MATTER WHAT – Always wear a helmet and the other safety gear appropriate to the bike style you are participating in.
Trails
There are numerous opportunities for mountain biking in the Petawawa area.
Forest Lea Trails
The Ottawa Valley Mountain Biking Association (OVMBA) maintains the Forest Lea mountain bike trails; 22k of tight, rocky and rooty single track mountain bike specific trails. Trails are marked. Check out the blog site for trail map, directions, and more info.
Petawawa Research Forest
Located just north of Petawawa, off Highway 17, the Petawawa Research Forest established an interpretive bike trail to allow access to some of the trails in the forest. This interpretive trail is well marked with red bike signs.
Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park
Enjoy the looped trails at the top of the Petawawa Terrace . The lower section is predominately a conservation area and MRN would prefer that visitors stay out of this area. There are two trail routes down the hill and the paved road on the southern edge. This is a popular walking area so please watch out for others.
Woodland & Jack Pine Trails
The Woodland and Jack Pine forest areas are two small sections of trails located in Petawawa that are suitable to trail biking.
Roads
Petawawa has some roads that do have paved shoulder sections. These paved shoulders provide a slight advantage for cyclists and giving them some more room.
If you choose to cycle on the roads please make sure to be visible and follow the rules of the road.
Off-Road Vehicles
Explore Petawawa’s Off-Road Adventure!
Gear up and hit the trails—Petawawa is your gateway to off-road excitement! Our network of ATV and side-by-side friendly trails winds through scenic landscapes, offering riders the perfect mix of adventure and nature. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, there’s terrain here to match your pace and thrill level.
Please ride responsibly, respect private property, and follow all local bylaws to help keep our trails safe and sustainable.
Ready to ride? Discover Petawawa’s off-road experience today!
Water-based Activities
There is a never-ending supply of water-based adventure in Petawawa – canoe, kayak, SUP and various other water activities.
Boat Launches & Marinas
Boat Launches & Marinas
The Town of Petawawa operates two municipal boat launches located on each of the Petawawa and Ottawa rivers.
- The Petawawa River boat launch is located at Black Bay on Rantz Rd.
- The Ottawa River launch is located at Petawawa Point Park.
Both launches are available for use at no fee. The docks are put in seasonally as water levels permit. The launch facilities accommodate small motorized craft as well as canoes and kayaks. Users must adhere to the restrictions on parking boat trailers and rigs. Failure to do so may result in fines being levied and/or vehicles being towed. There are no overnight services available at these launch points. Please respect all users of this facility and service.
Jubilee Lodge and Marina on Garrison Petawawa (N 45.55.236 – W 007.16.236) is the only marina located right in Petawawa and is open to the public. They offer the following services:
- 172 regular slips and open for visitors – seasonal slip rentals
- 17 houseboats, 14 wet moorings, 17 regular slips
- fuel and pump out station boat launch
- eagle marine mechanic at marina
- Canoe and Kayak Rentals CAC discounts
- special occasion banquet facility – licensed bar and patio
- 18 hole golf course, beaches, and campground just a short walk.
Nearby Marinas
- Deep River Marina – N 46.10.753 – W 077.48.875
- Pembroke Marina – N 45.82.864 – W 077.11.674
Canoe - Kayak - SUP
With a never-ending supply of paddling adventures and experiences, Petawawa should be your new paddling destination! We are ideally located on both the Petawawa and the Ottawa Rivers. Whether you are in search of a great place to teach the kids how to complete a J stroke, a quiet place to throw a fishing line in the water, or somewhere to get your adrenaline running as you make your way down class II, III, and IV rapids, we’ve got the water for you. Get your paddle in your hands and get ready for a “choose your own adventure” experience. If you love paddling you’re going to love Petawawa and its endless opportunities!
If you want to explore the Ottawa River flatwater, canoes, kayaks and SUPs are available for rent in July and August at Petawawa Point Park by the hour or for the day. There are many great places to explore!
Petawawa is home to the Petawawa Canoe and Kayak Club which meets for social evening paddles and informal get-togethers. The Petawawa River Rats are a whitewater kayak club that meets weekly and gives new paddlers the chance to try out kayaking or work on their paddling skills. The club has boats and safety gear you can use if you want to see what the hype is all about!
Meet friendly paddlers and like-minded outdoor enthusiasts during the Upper Ottawa River Race and Paddle Festival. Take part in races, kayak fishing derby, and a heritage paddle, or just come to watch. It is a full weekend of activities for beginner and experienced paddlers alike.
Hell or High Water is a down-river race on the Petawawa River that takes place in the month of May each year. Put your skills and courage to the test as you can race down the river in kayaks, canoes, or rafts. Watch or take part in dragon boat racing as well. Get a team together and get your game face on for one of many chances to compete!
SAFETY FIRST! Always wear a PFD and have your safety kit with you, which should include a bailer, whistle, floating rope (15m), and a waterproof flashlight. Go paddling with a friend or tell someone where you’re going and never go out paddling when under the influence!
Flat Water Paddling Put-Ins & Take-Outs
Take your boat off your roof racks and get into the great wide-open water. Discover miles of open water on the Ottawa River or find the many paths through the islands and explore the remains of shipwrecks and many picture-perfect moments.
Petawawa Point Beach
N 45.54.583 W 077.15.046
Rantz Road – Black Bay
N 45.52.432 W 077.21.611
Other flat water paddling in and around Petawawa include Algonquin Park lakes and rivers, Bonnechere River, and Muskrat River.
Whitewater Paddling Put-Ins & Take-Outs
The Petawawa River flows in from Algonquin Provincial Park and then runs through the centre of town. The choice is yours whether you want to run the river or grab your boat for a little park and play! Springtime offers class II to class IV rapids and all put-ins are only a short walk from parking and easy to set up for shuttles.
Rantz Road – Petawawa River
N 45.53.219 W 077.18.558
Wilson Ave. – Petawawa River
N 45.53.943 W 077.17.372
Centennial Park – Petawawa River
Park and Play – Catwalk Rapids
N 45.54.187 W 077.16.696
Tall Pine Road – Petawawa River
Park and Play – Golf Course Rapids & Take-out
N 45.54.404 W 077.15.481
Other whitewater paddling in the Petawawa area includes Madawaska, Dumoine, Upper Petawawa, and Ottawa Rivers.
Use our Recreation Map to locate all of the put-in and take-out options in the area.
Looking for guided paddle opportunities there is a local resource that offers this opportunity in Petawawa and the Greater Petawawa area. Connect with Court Outdoors.
Fishing & Kayak Fishing
Petawawa has two great rivers, the Petawawa and Ottawa Rivers, which hold numerous species of game fish.
Species include walleye (known by locals as pickerel), sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, channel catfish, brown bullhead, long nose gar, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, common carp, red horse sucker, common ling, mooneye, lake sturgeon, and fresh water drum.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak Fishing contiunues to grow in popularity as we see more and more kayaks out on the lakes and rivers. It allows access to spots you could never reach by boat or getting back in touch with nature in an active way. If you want to give Kayak Fishing a try, rent a kayak from Petawawa Point Beach. If you are ready to take the next step….make sure to check out the Upper Ottawa Kayak Fishing Derby as a part of the Upper Ottawa River Race and Paddle Festival.
Other Locations to Fish
Lemke Lake, located at Doran Road and Highway 17 is a favorite for families. The Ministry of Natural Resources annually stocks speckled trout in Lemke Lake as a put-and-take lake. It is easily accessible and there is plenty of parking available. Algonquin Park has over 1,500 lakes and 1,200 kilometers of streams with 54 different recorded species of fish. In addition, Algonquin Park is home to some of the finest Brook Trout and Lake Trout fishing in the world! Anglers typically target walleye as the number one fish for table fare, musky and pike for their fighting abilities and bass for tournament anglers.
Most species can be securely caught and landed using medium weight rods in the 6’6 range with line strength at 8-10 pounds. If anglers are looking to catch and release, make sure to use a net to return fish unharmed.
Abundant municipal and provincial lands are available and accessible for bank fishing throughout Petawawa. Ensure proper footwear is worn as river banks can pose common dangers and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Don’t forget your appropriate fishing license and pick up a copy of the Ontario provincial regulations on fishing as many species mentioned above have season and slot limits.
For more information on fishing in Petawawa, please call the Community Services Department at 613-687-5678 or visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website.
Launching Your Boat, Canoe & Kayak
Launch your canoe or kayak from one of many locations in Petawawa, ensuring you don’t go home with the story of the one that got away!
Petawawa Point – Boat & Canoe or Kayak
N 45.54.583 W 077.15.046
Radtke Rd
N 45.52.082 W 077.12.147
Lemke Lake – Canoe & Kayak only
N 45.50.057 W 077.14.930
Jubilee Lodge & Marina – Boat, Canoe & Kayak
N 45.55.236 W 077.16.236
Shoreline Fishing
There are plenty of places to throw a line in the water from the shoreline.
Petawawa River – Tall Pines Rd
N 45.54.404 W 077.15.481
Petawawa/Ottawa River – Islandview Drive
N 45.54.580 W 077.15.041
Petawawa River – Centennial Park
N 45.54.187 W 077.16.696
SAFETY – When boating always make sure to wear your PFD and have all safety equipment with you at all times. Use caution and abide by all boating regulations. Don’t Drink and Boat!
Guide Services
Warren’s Warren
Algonquin Fly Fishing Premium Guide Service
Ottawa River Waterway
Formerly known as the Temiskawa waterway, the Ottawa River waterway has something for everyone. Whatever your travel plans – perhaps just a day of boating, or cruising for a week or two – the Ottawa’s scenic waters are exactly what you’ve been looking for in a uniquely different boating adventure. Anywhere along the way you can nose into shore, pitch a tent and build a fire or dock at a marina and head to a hotel or even spend your nights at anchor.
Join us for a tour of the waterway as it winds its way from Notre-Dame-Du-Nord, at the head of Lake Temiskaming and then down the Ottawa River for almost 500 kilometres, to Arnprior, just outside of Ottawa.
For further information, contact:
Ottawa River Waterway
602, Route 301
Campbell’s Bay, Québec J0X 1K0
Rafting
The Ottawa River in the vicinity of Whitewater Region is home to some of the best whitewater rapids in North America. If you wish to experience a gentle raft trip or the thrill of challenging the rapids some of these local area enterprises can accommodate you. Each offers slightly different amenities and services a review of what you need will help you best decide which company to raft with.
Just across the river, located in Pontiac Quebec, this company offers rafting services in small craft for high adventure experiences. They operate on a number of waterways and international locations. Camping sites are available at their base camp.
Cabins or camping services, lodge for full meal buffet services, retail shop, pontoon boat cruises and rafting services from adventure to family are but a few of the services offered by this company.
Resort accommodations, camping sites, full service restaurant, amenities such as volleyball, basketball, horseback riding, cycling trails, bunging tower and of course a full range of water experiences from adventure to classic rafting.
Golf
Golf enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with a selection of courses that offer enjoyable outings to satisfy all ages and skill levels. CPGA professionally designed courses ensure an effective combination of challenge and reward: rolling tree-lined fairways with magnificent panoramic views of the Ottawa River or Calabogie Lake, bent grass greens, scenic ponds and well placed sand traps.
Need a bit of practice? Spend some time at the driving range and practice greens. From the early days of spring into the cool, crisp colour of autumn, our friendly service, amply stocked pro shops, cart and club rentals and relaxing licensed clubhouses guarantee a memorable time on the greens.
Area Golf Courses
Roanoke Golf Club
Geocaching
Learn the rules of this worldwide treasure hunt at www.geocaching.com. Then use a GPS unit (downloading of geocaches in advance required) or download the app for your smartphone and give geocaching a try. It is a great way to explore your local area as you find yourself trudging through the trees and looking behind rocks to “find the prize.” Let the kids feel like explorers or pirates looking for treasure.
GPS devices are available from the Petawawa Public Library with your library card.