Explore Petawawa’s Trails with Your ORV!
Rev up your adventure! Petawawa is your gateway to off-road excitement with trails designed for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Multi-Purpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles, and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ORVs). Whether you’re cruising through the Algonquin Trail or exploring scenic routes from your doorstep, there’s plenty of adventure waiting.
Trail Access Made Easy
Algonquin Trail Access Route: Local residents on designated streets can ride directly to the trail—no trailer required!
Respect your neighbours: If you don’t live on a designated street, meet your friends on the trail instead.
Riding Season & Hours
When: May 1 – November 30
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Speed:
Up to 20 km/h on roads with a 50 km/h limit or less
Up to 50 km/h on roads above 50 km/h
Stay Safe & Ride Smart
Only ride on designated routes approved by Council.
Off-Road Motorcycles and Extreme Terrain Vehicles are not permitted to operate on the designated routes.
Safety first: Helmets, proper equipment, and factory-standard exhaust systems are mandatory.
Respect public spaces: Parks, playgrounds, sports fields, sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and municipal property (except the staging area at Norman Behnke Hall) are off-limits.
Petawawa’s trails are ready for you—so gear up, follow the rules, and experience the thrill of off-road riding in a beautiful natural setting!
Check out the full ORV By-Law HERE.
Park & Ride: Direct ORV Access to the Algonquin Trail
Trailer your ORV to the designated parking area at 15 Norman Street for direct access to the Algonquin Trail.
On site is also our Visitor Information Centre which offers public washrooms and makes a great stop for a break while on the trail.
Click HERE for directions.
ORV Trails
ORV FAQs
Do I need a Trail Permit?
A trail permit is not required for an ORV to travel on the designated routes in the Town of Petawawa.
A trail permit is required to access the Algonquin Trail.
Where can I operate my ORV?
- ORVs are only allowed on designated routes in Town (see the ORV Bylaw for details). Riding outside these routes may result in OPP fines of $250–$405 plus fees.
- The Algonquin Trail Access Route allows residents on designated streets to reach the Algonquin Trail directly from their homes. It cannot be used for other destinations.
- ORVs may be operated on the Algonquin Trail with a valid trail permit.
- View the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail online map for the OVRT and K&P Trails.
- The Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV) provides an online trail map. A trail permit is required.
Does the Town's ORV By-law apply to Garrison Petawawa's North and South Townsites?
No. For inquiries, contact Garrison Public Affairs at 613-687-5511 or petawawapublicaffairs@forces.gc.ca
My road is not on a designated route. How can I access the Algonquin Trail?
Trailer your ORV to the designated parking/staging area at Norman Behnke Hall, 11 Norman Street, for access to the Algonquin Trail.
Snowmobiling
Petawawa is a premier stop for snowmobilers exploring the Snow Country Snowmobile Region (OFSC District 6). Conveniently located along the A Trail, our community offers all the essentials you need to fuel your ride and recharge—gas stations, restaurants, cozy accommodations, three snowmobile dealerships, and plenty of local shops for gear and supplies.
Locally, the A Trail is known as the Algonquin Trail, a scenic multi-use corridor that winds through Petawawa. Part of the 296 km Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, it stretches from near Smiths Falls to just shy of Mattawa, passing through Lanark County, Renfrew County, and Papineau-Cameron Township. With its expansive reach from Vankleek Hill to Geraldton, this makes Petawawa a perfect hub or overnight stop on your snowmobiling journey.
Looking to venture even farther? Petawawa also connects to the B Trail, providing access all the way to Wiarton—opening up endless possibilities for long-distance riders.
With trailside access, full amenities, and stunning winter scenery, Petawawa is ready to welcome riders from near and far. Whether you’re planning a weekend tour or a full-day ride through Ontario’s backcountry, make us your base for adventure.
Ride safe and enjoy the trails!
Discover Snow Country – OFSC District 6
Petawawa is part of the Snow Country Snowmobile Region, known for its rugged terrain and true Canadian Shield landscape. With 2,850 km (1,770 miles) of scenic trails weaving through rolling farmlands and mixed forests, riders can enjoy well-marked and expertly groomed trails from mid-December to late March.
This extensive network spans west from Arnprior to Deux Rivières and south from the Ottawa River to Perth, Sharbot Lake, Bancroft, and Haliburton County. It’s maintained by dedicated local clubs, including our own Keetna Snowmobile Club (Petawawa).
Other clubs in the region include:
- BonnTrae (Deacon)
- Calabogie & District (Calabogie/Arnprior)
- Eganville Sno-Drifters (Eganville)
- Griffith-Matawatchan Sno-Dusters (Griffith)
- Haliburton County S/A (Haliburton/Minden)
- Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers (Lake St. Peter/Bancroft)
- Missing Link (Stonecliffe/Deux Rivières)
- North Renfrew S/A (Deep River)
- Opeongo Snowbirds (Barry’s Bay/Whitney)
- Peterson Pathfinders (Combermere)
- Snow Road (Ompah, Perth)
- Timberline (Pembroke)
- Whitewater Sno-Goers (Cobden/Renfrew)
