Renfrew: Trails and Local History

Renfrew offers insights into local history and a variety of routes through the town. McDougall Mill tells the story of the area’s former industry along the Bonnechere River; trails also run along the river and former railway lines. When choosing a hotel in Renfrew, these themes may help guide your decision: Would you like to focus mainly on the town’s history or make the trails the centerpiece of your trip?

Mill and Hockey History

McDougall Mill was built in 1855 as a grist mill on the banks of the Bonnechere River. Today, it serves as a local history museum and visitor information centre in Renfrew. The mill was part of a once-thriving industrial area. The drop in water at Second Chute made it possible to operate the mill and is therefore part of the history of this site.

At the McDougall Mill Museum, exhibits are spread across three levels, and there is also a gift shop. The museum offers tours. As tour options may change, it is a good idea to check before visiting.

Another chapter in the town’s history takes us to ice hockey: the NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum is located in the myFM Centre at Ma-te-Way Park in Renfrew. Renfrew is considered the birthplace of the National Hockey Association (NHA), which was founded there in 1909 and developed into the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1917. These dates mark two distinct milestones: the founding of the NHA and its later development into the NHL.

The Historic Renfrew Swinging Bridge is also connected to the town’s history. The W. H. Kearney family built it in 1885. The 100-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the Bonnechere River and connects downtown Renfrew with the McDougall Mill Museum.

Trails and Their Different Routes

The 296-kilometre Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail runs through the Town of Renfrew. In Renfrew County, the same trail is also known as the Algonquin Trail. The name Algonquin Trail also appears in connection with the K&P Trail: this 180-kilometre multi-use trail runs from Renfrew to Kingston and connects with the Algonquin Trail in Renfrew. It also follows the historic railway line between Kingston and Pembroke.

One locally described route is the Millennium Trail. It is 3.4 kilometres long and follows the former CN railway line from Barnet Boulevard to Lisgar Street. Among the trail distances given, this is the shortest; the two longer trails are described as 180 and 296 kilometres. The routes mentioned therefore differ significantly in scale.

The Bonnechere River Hiking Trail offers another way to explore the area: it follows the south bank of the Bonnechere River and is rated moderate. This sets it apart from the descriptions of the long multi-use trails and the former railway route of the Millennium Trail. If your travel plans depend on a particular route or difficulty rating, you can take these differences into account when planning.

For a history-focused visit, both the former grist mill and the story of the NHA’s founding are highlights in Renfrew. Trail length, route, and the connection between the K&P Trail and Algonquin Trail help you distinguish between the routes. Before your visit, check the museum’s current tour options and trail information, as operators may update trail routes.

Discover more destinations: Barry's Bay, Greater Madawaska, Golden Lake, Killaloe, Arnprior, Petawawa, Pembroke, Foresters Falls

For the broader travel overview: Renfrew County.