Photo: Cross-country skiing in Petawawa © Courtesy of Ottawa Valley Tourist Association
There is something about winter that makes getting away feel especially rewarding. Crisp air, snow-covered trails, a warm drink after an afternoon outside, and a comfortable place to come home to can turn the coldest months into something worth looking forward to.
In Petawawa, Ontario, you can find all of that without having to choose between wilderness and comfort.
Set where the Ottawa and Petawawa Rivers meet, and surrounded by the natural beauty that has earned the town its “Dynamic by Nature” motto, Petawawa makes it easy to step away from the everyday and release a big exhale. Here, a winter escape can be active, restful, or a little of both.
Step Into the Snow
Start with Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park, located right in town and just minutes from local accommodations. Its 12-kilometre trail network winds through forests and natural landscapes that take on an entirely new character beneath a layer of snow.
Bundle up for a winter hike, or rent snowshoes or cross-country skis and spend a few hours exploring at your own pace. Interpretive panels along the trail offer another way to connect with the landscape and the wildlife that calls this part of Ontario home.
For a different way to experience winter, head to the Algonquin Trail. The former rail corridor passes directly through Petawawa, creating an accessible route for outdoor adventure. Rent a fat bike from GearHeads on Petawawa Boulevard and set out for a ride through the snowy scenery. GearHeads also offers seasonal equipment, including snowshoes and ski gear, making it easy to embrace winter even if you didn’t bring your
own equipment.
Warm Up, Petawawa Style
After time outside, enjoy a visit to Ottawa Valley Coffee, lingering over a cup of tea or coffee in a welcoming space with a vintage-inspired atmosphere. More than a coffee shop, it is a local gathering place, marketplace, and bakery, with house-made cookies, muffins, scones, and other treats to tempt you into staying just a little longer.
When the day winds down, settle in at the Quality Inn & Suites Petawawa. Known for treating guests like family coming home to visit, the award-winning hotel offers a comfortable base for exploring the area. Better yet, some of Petawawa’s best outdoor experiences are only minutes away, so there is less time spent getting from place to place, and more time enjoying your getaway.
Make Winter Something to Look Forward To
Petawawa is a place where winter does not have to mean staying indoors and counting down the days until spring. It can mean fresh tracks through the snow, rosy cheeks after an afternoon outside, something warm waiting nearby, and the simple pleasure of reconnecting with nature.
Shake off the winter blahs and start planning your escape to Petawawa, Ontario.
Plan your winter getaway at OttawaValley.travel/places-to-visit/communities/town-of-petawawa
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The Ottawa Valley is a welcoming, adventurous region spanning Renfrew County, parts of Western Quebec, and the outskirts of Ottawa that offers outdoor activities for any season and pace.