Petawawa Area Driving Guide

Petawawa sits where the Petawawa and Ottawa rivers meet, about 160 km northwest of Ottawa. Known for Garrison Petawawa, the area is also a gateway to Algonquin Park and offers Ottawa River scenery that rivals anything in the province.

Getting There

From Ottawa: Highway 17 west, 1.5 hours. From Toronto: Highway 400 to 11 to 60, about 4 hours. The Highway 17 approach follows the river. The Highway 60 approach goes through Algonquin Park.

Local Stops

Petawawa Point Beach where the rivers meet. Petawawa Heritage Village for garrison history back to 1905. The Military Museum with the Canadian Airborne Forces Collection.

Routes from Petawawa

North on 17 to Deep River (40 km) for river views and Point Alexander beach. South on 62 to Barry's Bay (80 km) for Algonquin access. East to Pembroke (20 km) for downtown murals and restaurants. See our Ottawa Valley guide and road trip ideas.