Nestled on the shores of the mighty Ottawa River, the pretty little city of Pembroke, Ontario was established in 1858. It was a rough and ready frontier spirit that first forged the town as it evolved into a bustling centre for the logging industry. Evidence of this rich past can be found in the architecture of the historic homes, stores and churches in the downtown district. Today, much of that energetic drive still exists, and Pembroke is the largest regional service centre between Ottawa and North Bay.
There are several parks and playgrounds that the community enjoys, including Pansy Patch with its Victorian gazebo, numerous flowerbeds, and a network of pathways and bridges. Riverside Park offers breathtaking views of the river, as well as soccer fields, ball diamonds, a public beach, and camping facilities. It is linked to Pembroke’s spectacular Waterfront via a 1.5 km walkway. At the Waterfront, a 600 seat Amphitheatre and a Bandstand provide the public with a place to enjoy free nightly entertainment during the summer months. A Boardwalk, several picnic gazebos, and a children’s playground make the Waterfront a “people place” and one of Pembroke’s premier attractions in the heart of the downtown area.
Pembroke is also renowned for its murals, and is home to one of Canada’s largest outdoor art galleries, with 31 full-scale murals depicting Pembroke’s rich heritage on the walls of the downtown buildings. The murals also include a 360 degree CPR water tower, and a fabulous 264 ft long Millennium Mural featuring the people of Pembroke.
The City is officially renowned as Hockeytown Canada, and each year plays host to North America’s largest junior hockey tournament, The Silver Stick. It is also the home of the Old-time Fiddling and Step Dancing Competition each Labour Day weekend when thousands of visitors flock to Fiddle Park to enjoy traditional music and dance.
In 2007 Pembroke was national winner in its population category in the National Communities in Bloom competition making it one of the prettiest towns in Canada and a very special community in the heart of the Ottawa Valley.
