Major city · Canada
RenfrewRenfrew, Ontario
One night is enough: museum, hockey birthplace and a walk across the Swinging Bridge, then push on to Calabogie, Pembroke or Algonquin.
Renfrew is a town of about 8,200 on the Trans-Canada Highway, roughly 90 km west of Ottawa at the Highway 60 junction. It works as a half-day stop or a single night on the way to whitewater, skiing and Algonquin Provincial Park, not as a multi-day base. Two small museums, a 1930 cinema and a riverside downtown fill an afternoon; the outdoors around it fills the rest.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the museums and the river; Feb–Mar for snowmobiling and Calabogie skiing
- avoid Nov and early Dec (grey, wet, little open); late Apr for mud season
- Airports
- YOW · YTA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Renfrew911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario (24 h health advice)1-866-797-0000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Renfrew, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA small, quiet town and safe for visitors.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-888-310-1122 Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency) · 1-866-797-0000 Telehealth Ontario (24 h health advice)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYOW Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (About 1 h 15 min by car east on Highway 417; the practical gateway.).
- Getting aroundA car is the default: sights and the Bonnechere Falls are spread out and there is no local transit.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastryC$5–9 (≈ US$4–7)
- Street or quick mealBakery lunch (soup, sandwich)C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within town limitsOut-of-town trips are quoted per destination.C$7 (≈ US$6) flat
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedB&B room, a night, per roomC$130 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedB&B room, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YOW Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (About 1 h 15 min by car east on Highway 417; the practical gateway.) · YTA Pembroke Airport (Personal aircraft only; no scheduled service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Best
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Mar
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
Avoid*
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Avoid*
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Feb–Mar, Jun–Sep. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Renfrew: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
12 rd
Feb
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
10 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
10 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
12 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the default: sights and the Bonnechere Falls are spread out and there is no local transit. In town, taxis run a flat rate within the town limits; out-of-town trips are quoted per destination. Ontario Northland coaches stop in Renfrew on the Ottawa–Sudbury run.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Calabogie
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Highway 508 west, about 30 km (19 mi) by carHighway 508 west, about 19 mi (30 km) by car
Ski hill in winter, lake and trails in summer; the closest real outdoor day out.
Arnprior
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Highway 417 east by car, or Ontario Northland coach
Riverside town with a bigger grocery and restaurant choice; easy half-day.
Door to door: About 45 min
Highway 17 west by car, or Ontario Northland coach
Best base for the eastern edge of Algonquin and Ottawa River paddling.
Algonquin Provincial Park (west gate)
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Highway 17 west, then Highway 60 west
Too far for a comfortable return day with hiking; sleep in the park or in Pembroke.
Barry's Bay
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Highway 60 west by car
Village on the Madawaska with a bakery stop and access to the park corridor.
Maynooth
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Highway 62 south by car
Thin on services; go only if you are heading into the Hastings Highlands anyway.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Renfrew (Raglan Street)
Walk to the museums, cinema and cafés; a B&B or two on the side streets.
Highway 17 strip
Chain motels with parking and pools; you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Highway motel double1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Car fuel, Ottawa return (about 180 km)1 × C$30 · check | C$30 |
| Museum entries, both museums2 × C$15 · check | C$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$58 |
| Trip total≈ C$319 per person per day, bed included | C$638≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry | C$5–9 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Bakery lunch (soup, sandwich) | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Pub main (schnitzel, steak) | C$18–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Cinema ticket at the O'Brien TheatreCheaper on Tuesdays and at matinees. | C$8–11 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi within town limitsOut-of-town trips are quoted per destination. | C$7 (≈ US$6) flat |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Museum hours are short and seasonal: the mill museum is summer-only, the hockey museum drops to three days a week outside July–August.
- Winter driving on Highway 17 is the real risk: snow squalls, black ice and long gaps between services.
- Cell coverage is patchy on Highway 60 toward Algonquin; download offline maps before you leave town.
- Ticks are present in the surrounding brush from spring to autumn; check after walks.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)
- 1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario (24 h health advice)
- 1-866-797-0000
Pocket card
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RenfrewRenfrew, Ontario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- OPP non-emergency1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario1-866-797-0000
Embassy
No embassies in Renfrew; the US embassy and most others are in Ottawa, about 90 km east.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi within Renfrew town limits: C$7 (≈ US$6) flat (check)
- Ontario Northland coach, Ottawa → Renfrew: about C$30–45 (≈ US$25–35), about 1 h 30 min (check)
- Drive Renfrew → Ottawa (Highway 417): about 90 km (56 mi), about 1 h 15 minabout 56 mi (90 km), about 1 h 15 min
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Where is the washroom? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- I need help — I need help
Tipping is expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Renfrew. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the museums and the river; Feb–Mar for snowmobiling and Calabogie skiing · avoid Nov and early Dec (grey, wet, little open); late Apr for mud season · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YOW: last Ottawa–Renfrew drive times field-checked, coach fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Raglan Street downtown, the Bonnechere riverfront and Swinging Bridge, the Highway 17 strip.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (McDougall Mill Museum, Birthplace NHA/NHL Museum, O'Brien Theatre, Bonnechere Falls) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of Renfrew
- officialMcDougall Mill Museum
- officialBirthplace NHA/NHL Museum
- officialOntario Northland
- secondaryWikivoyage: Renfrew, revision 5302337 (CC BY-SA 4.0)