Petawawa’s natural surroundings provide ample opportunites for adventure and nature exploration. We have a wealth of nature bounty and beauty not only in our own backyard but in neighbouring communities within an hour or two of our centralized location. Plan to stay with us and feel free to explore the Greater Petawawa Area.
For more details and a map of local hot spots check out our Outdoor Adventures map. We welcome you to explore our dynamic nature!
View the Beautiful Parks, Beaches, Trails and Outdoor Spaces in Petawawa
The Town of Petawawa owns and operates a number of community and neighbourhood parks. Residents in most neighborhoods have the opportunity to walk to a local park to enjoy its facilities and amenities. A full listing of neighborhood/community parks in Petawawa and their locations are available below. Check the list for accessible amenities also. If you see something that needs to be addressed, please contact municipal staff at the Petawawa Civic Centre by calling (613) 687-5678 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Parks & Play Grounds
The Town of Petawawa owns and operates a number of community parks and playgrounds. A full listing is available in the drop down menu below.
Briar Patch Park
25 Briarwood Drive
Briar Patch Park has accessible play features, a play structure, play ground and swing set. The park main entrance is located at 25 Briarwood Drive, but it can also be accessed through a connecting trail from Spruce Street.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is the jewel of the Petawawa park system. Known by locals as the Catwalk, Centennial Park offers scenic backdrops, the Evergreen Stage an accessible bandstand, and a wedding gazebo making it a perfect spot for outdoor events or photo shoots.
The Millennium Trail cuts through the park from its entrances located at Park Drive and Victoria Street. Additional entrances are located off Victoria Street and Petawawa Boulevard near the bridge. Ample parking and accessible washroom facilities are available at the Park Drive entrance. Playground equipment is located adjacent to the trail. The water quality is not monitored nor suitable for swimming at Centennial Park.
To request use of the park or rent the stage or gazebo, please contact the Community Services Department.
Email: bookings@petawawa.ca
Phone: 613-687-5678 ext. 2112
Please note that the park remains open to the public during private events.
Centennial Park features accessible play features, a band stand, drinking fountains, gazebos, lighting, military displays, park benches, parking, a play structure, play ground, swing set, walking trails, washrooms and spectacular views of the Petawawa River rapids.
Civic Centre Park
Civic Centre Park
Located at 16 Civic Centre Road, the Civic Centre is the hub of Petawawa’s recreational services. It is home to our arena, multiple sports fields and ball diamonds, construction yard bike park, track and field facilities, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, mini putt amenities and the Civitan Playland park which includes an accessible children’s play park and a splash pad. Civic Centre site amenities include:
- Baseball Diamonds (three)
- Community Garden
- Construction Yard Bike Park
- Container Market
- Hockey Rink
- Mini-Putt
- Scentral Dog Park
- Splash Pad
- Tennis Courts/Pickle Ball Court
16 Civic Centre Road, Petawawa
Construction Yard Bike Park
Construction Yard Bike Park
This park offers off-road cycle enthusiasts a variety of riding experiences professionally designed by Jay Hoots Inc. It features a beginner course, a skills area, multi-level jumps, pump tracks, and a wallride. This park had been designed to offer riders progression in their riding experience while using the park.
The Construction Yard is a community-driven project with funding from Town of Petawawa, Petawawa Civic Centre Fundraising Committee, dozens of local businesses, and community partners. The construction process was also facilitated through a significant in-kind contribution from RGT Clouthier Construction Ltd.
Grab your bike and helmet and come out to test and develop your skills!
Hours of operation:
Please note the Bike Park is closed during and after periods of heavy rain in order to repair any water damage.
During the open season, check our Closures and Cancellations page for updated information. Park is subject to closing at On-Duty Operations Manager’s discretion.
The Bike Park opens mid-May. The opening date is weather and maintenance dependant.
Spring – Mid-may to End of June:
Weekdays 4:30 pm to 7:00 PM
Weekends 10:00 am to 7:00 PM
Summer – As of July 1st :
Weekdays 10:00 am to 7:00 PM
Fall – September to Thanksgiving:
Weekdays 4:30 pm to 7:00 PM
Weekends 10:00 am to 7:00 PM
The Bike Park will be closed for the season on Thanksgiving weekend.
General inquiries:
Phone: 613-687-5678 x 2104
Email: tmarcotte@petawawa.ca
Enchanted Forest Park
Enchanted Forest Park
Enchanted Forest Park has accessible play features, a play ground, play structure, swing set, picnic tables, park benches, a bike rack and parking.
Fish Hatchery Park
Fish Hatchery Park
Fish Hatchery Park is located next to the Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park. While the address is 9 Sunset Crescent the main access and parking lot is off of Laurentian Drive. The park features a play ground, play structure, swing set, park benches, picnic tables, lighting and access to the provincial park.
Jack Pine Park
Jack Pine Park
Jack Pine Park features accessible play features, a play structure, play ground, swing set, basketball court and park benches.
Kiddyland Park
Kiddyland Park
Kiddyland Park has accessible play features, a baseball field, spectator seating, a basketball court, bike racks, park benches, a play structure, play ground, picnic tables, parking for off road vehicle trailers, two vehicle parking lots (one at 11 Norman Street, the other on Herman Street), a Visitor Information Centre and four season washroom facilities.
Kramer's Korner Park
Kramer's Korner Park
Kramer’s Korner Park has accessible play features, a play structure, swing set, park benches, a play ground and walking trails.
Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park
The park on Lakeview Avenue features a play ground, play structure, swing set and open space for playing.
Natures Acres Park
Natures Acres Park
The Natures Acres Park features a play ground, play structures, swing set, a bike rack, park benches and slo-pitch.
Petawawa Point Park
Petawawa Point Park
Petawawa Point Beach is a beautiful and popular public space along the Ottawa River. With its scenic views, sandy shoreline, and a busy boat launch, it’s a favourite spot for residents and visitors to cool off during the summer months. The park features a playground, rwater
Unsupervised Beach – Swim at Your Own Risk
Petawawa Point Beach is an unsupervised public beach. There are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming is at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park
Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park
Approximately 331 groups of herbaceous plants can be found within the park, including several that are provincially rare. Special features on the property include a 30 m high sand terrace, natural springs, and several provincially and regionally significant life science features.
There are no visitor facilities available. Cross country skiing is permitted in the park but please note, there are no groomed trails.
The Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park is located next to Fish Hatchery Park which features a play ground, play structure, swing set, park benches, picnic tables, lighting and access to the provincial park.
Pineridge Park
Pine Ridge Park
Pineridge Park features a basketball court, park benches, picnic tables, a play ground, play structure, a swing set, parking and in the winter is turned into an outdoor ice skating rink.
Turtle Park
Turtle Park
This neighbourhood park has a swing set, play ground, play structure, and park benches.
Woodland Park
Woodland Park
This neighbourhood park features accessible play features, a play structure, parking, benches, a swing set and walking trails.
Off-Leash Dog Parks
Three off-leash dog parks are available in Petawawa. The Scentral Bark Park is maintained by the Town and located on the Civic Centre property while the North and South Side Dog Parks are located on and managed by Garrison Petawawa.
Scentral Bark Park
Scentral Bark Park - 16 Civic Centre Rd.
Scentral Bark Dog Park is a leash-free dog park located at what locals refer to as the “back 40” of the Civic Centre property, behind the ball fields. It offers a blend of open space and treed forest, providing dogs an area to run. Dog owners can enjoy the sun/rain shelters to seek shade and protection from the elements. The entire area is fenced for security.
All dogs must have a Park Tag for entry. Park Tags can be purchased for $20.00 at the Recreation Office located at 16 Civic Centre Road. Park Tags are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase and must be renewed upon expiry should you wish to continue to access the Dog Park.
*Please note that owners must be in possession of a municipal dog tag and dogs must have current rabies vaccination to obtain a Dog Park Tag.
Scentral Bark Dog Park users are asked to familiarize themselves with the rules of use for the park.
For more information:
Email: bookings@petawawa.ca
Phone: 613-687-5678 ext. 2101
North Side Dog Park
North Side Dog Park - Garrison Petawawa
Operated by and located on Garrison Petawawa. The North Side Dog Park is at the corner of Ypres Boulevard and Regalbuto Avenue.
South Side Dog Park
South Side Dog Park - Garrison Petawawa
Operated by and located on Garrison Petawawa. The South Side Dog Park is located on Borden Avenue.
Beaches & Splash Pads
Beautiful sandy beaches and an abundance of access to the water in Petawawa from municipal beaches and splash pads to amenties at Garrison Petawawa and Algonquin Park.
Petawawa Point Beach
Petawawa Point Beach
The Point is right at the junction of the Petawawa and Ottawa Rivers, and is Petawawa’s premiere waterfront park. Sandy beaches with sun-shades, stunning vistas, a boat launch, kids play structure, volleyball court, picnic tables, and washroom facilities can all be found at The Point. In addition, the washrooms are accessible and there is a mobi-mat for wheelchair access to the beach and accessible boat launch for water wheelchairs and accessible paddleboards. Please note the beach is not supervised and there are no lifeguards on duty – please swim responsibly and wear a lifejacket or PFD if not a confident swimmer. Watercraft rentals including canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboards are available.
Civitan Splash Pad - Petawawa Civic Centre
Civitan Splash Pad
Hours of operation: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from June to September. The Splash Pad will close if the weather forecast includes heavy rain and/or thunderstorms. It closes for the season on the third weekend in September. However, if we have an unusually warm fall we may try to keep it open longer until about Thanksgiving weekend.
For further information:
Email: tmarcotte@petawawa.ca
Phone: 613-687-5678 ext. 2104
Garrison Petawawa Splash Pad
North Side Splash Pad
Located on Garrison Petawawa and operated by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), the North Side Splash Pad is a great place to cool off in the warmer months! Washrooms are available on-site.
Black Bear Beach & Campground
Black Bear Beach & Campground
Black Bear Beach at Garrison Petawawa is one of many pristine beaches on the beautiful Ottawa River. Lifeguards on duty at designated times.
Boat Launches & Marina's
The Town of Petawawa offers two public boat launches for convenient access to local waterways. In addition, the Jubilee Lodge and Marina, operated by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), provides further launching and docking facilities. Whether you’re heading out for fishing, leisure, or water sports, these locations make it easy to get on the water.
Black Bay Boat Launch
Black Bay Boat Launch
The Boaters Point Boat Launch is located on Black Bay along Rantz Road. The boat launch is a dirt base and has parking available nearby for boat trailers. Boaters are asked to be respectful of others using the launch. The Boaters Point boat launch provides boat access to Black Bay and the upper Petawawa River.
Petawawa Point - Ottawa River Boat Launch
Petawawa Point Boat Launch
The Petawawa Point Boat Launch is 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. Please respect all users of this facility and service.
Jubilee Lodge & Marina
Jubilee Lodge & Marina
Located on Garrison Petawawa and operated by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), Jubilee Lodge Marina offers 232 slips and moorings, a boat launch, and 42 houseboats. Amenities include a fully serviced fuel station, pump-out service, guest docking, shower facilities, and a licensed bar with patio. Guests can enjoy seasonal outdoor activities, private function rentals, and the rustic charm of a log lodge built by British Army Engineers in 1976.
Forests & Trails
Cycling, running, and walking are excellent ways to explore and move through our community. With well-maintained pathways, scenic routes, and safe connections between neighbourhoods, Petawawa makes active living both enjoyable and accessible.
Algonquin Trail
Algonquin Trail
The Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (known locally as the Algonquin Trail) is a 296 km multi-use trail partnership between Lanark County, Renfrew County, and Papineau-Cameron Township connecting communities from Smiths Falls to Mattawa along the former Canadian Pacific Railway. The Algonquin Trail is the name of the section that runs through Renfrew County including Petawawa. The Town of Petawawa has twinned the portion of the trail that runs through the Town to separate motorized off road vehicles from other trail users.
Baron Canyon Trail
Baron Canyon Trail
Located in Algonquin Provincial Park, the Barron Canyon Trail is a 1.5 km loop trail with stunning views of the Barron Canyon. This trail leads to and runs along the north rim of the spectacular 100m deep Barron Canyon.
Caution: This trail travels by an unfenced cliff, keep children close by and pets on a leash at all times. The trail is rated moderate in difficulty.
It is located 10 km from the Sand Lake Gate entrance to the park and 35 km in total from the junction of the Barron Canyon Road and the Trans Canada Highway. A valid park permit is required for trail use.
Garrison Petawawa Running Routes
Garrison Running Routes
Garrison Petawawa has marked out designated routes at 5km, 8km, 10km, 15km and an 8.9km fitness trail.
Jack Pine Trails
Jack Pine Trails
The Jack Pine Trails are an array of trails in the wooded area around the hydro corridor between Water Tower Road and Black Bay Road. Please note that the hydro corridor is private property so spend more time in the forest while you are there! Access with parking is located at Jack Pine Park off Carla Street or on Water Tower Road. On foot or bike, you can also enter across from 100 Industrial Road.
Kramer's Forest
Kramer's Forest
Kramer’s Forest features a monument and walking trails. It’s easily accessible for neighbourhood residents. Only street parking is available.
Local Walking Loops
Petawawa Walking Loops
Petawawa has developed walking loops that can be found throughout Town. Each loop has a trail head map to indicate where the loops take you as well as directions and descriptions of each loop. The Town designated walking loops vary from 2km to 7km in distance.
Off-Road Trails
Off-Road Trails & Paths
Off-road vehicles are permitted on many roads in Petawawa. Designated trailer parking to access the Algonquin Trail is located at Kiddyland Park next to the Visitor Information Centre at 15 Norman Street in the Town of Petawawa.
Petawawa Research Forest
Petawawa Research Forest
The Petawawa Research Forest (PRF) is located in the northern portion of the Department of National Defence’s (DND) Garrison Petawawa in the Township of Laurentian Hills.
With over 100 years of research history, the PRF is in a unique position to develop, test and validate the application of large datasets to meet current and emerging forest management challenges.
Extensive road networks are available for vehicle use throughout the spring, summer and autumn. Roadways in the PRF are closed to the public during the winter.
The forest is available to scientists and collaborators from across federal and provincial departments, academia and industry. Predominant tree species include:
- White, red and jack pine
- Red oak
- Yellow birch
- Red and sugar maple
- White spruce
Woodland Trails
Woodland Trails
The Woodland Trails are a 30-60 minute trail system through the forest and is excellent for hiking and snowshoeing. There is one large loop, finalized in the fall of 2019, and there are a few small trails to enjoy as well, including a loop extension on the western edge.
Access with parking is off Woodland Crescent by the water tower. An additional access point is located at the end of Sammy Drive. You can also come in off Murphy Road; however, this passes through a marshy area so is better for winter only.