About Pembroke
Pembroke is the largest urban centre in Renfrew County, with a population of roughly 14,364 residents in 2021.
The city developed as a timber and supply hub along the Ottawa River in the mid-1800s, and that history is still visible in its heritage brick streetscape, waterfront parks, and compact downtown core.
Today, Pembroke functions as a regional service centre for the Upper Ottawa Valley, with healthcare, education, retail, and employment anchoring the local economy. Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, located north of the city, is one of the region’s largest employers and contributes significantly to the broader community.
Homes in Pembroke
Based on the 2021 Census, single-family detached homes make up a major share of Pembroke’s housing stock, with many of those homes built pre-1960.
This gives many neighbourhoods established street trees and character architecture. Newer construction is available on the city’s outskirts. Compared with Ottawa, Pembroke has historically offered lower detached-home values.
At the time of writing, active Zolo listings for Pembroke showed an average price for detached houses of approximately $457,000. Since these figures are active asking prices rather than final sale prices, buyers should review current listings and speak with a local real estate agent before making decisions.
To compare available homes in Pembroke and surrounding communities, browse our currentproperty listings.
Schools in Pembroke
Families moving to Pembroke have access to English and French-language schools through public and Catholic school boards, with options from elementary through secondary school.
- Location: 200 Isabella St
- Grades: JK-Grade 8
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- Location: 1255 Pembroke Street West
- Grades: K-Grade 6
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- Location: 390 Bell Street
- Grades: K-Grade 8
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- Location: 399 Isabella St
- Grades: K-Grade 12
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- Location: 320 Herbert Street
- Grades: JK-Grade 8
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- Location: 299 First Ave N
- Grades: JK-Grade 6
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- Location: 535 Irving St
- Grades: JK–Grade 6
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- Location: 362 Carmody Street
- Grades: Grade 7-12
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- Location: 1257 Pembroke Street West
- Grades: Grade 7-12
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- Location: 399 Isabella St
- Grades: K-Grade 12
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- Location: 420 Bell Street
- Grades: Grade 9-12
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- Location: 1 College Way
- Grades: Post-Secondary
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Shopping in Pembroke
Pembroke has a practical mix of shopping options, making it easy for residents to handle most daily errands without leaving the city.
Pembroke Mall is one of the city’s main retail destinations, with additional big-box and national retailers nearby. Residents have access to Walmart Supercentre, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Winners, Staples, Mark’s, and Giant Tiger.
For groceries, Pembroke offers several familiar options, including Metro, Food Basics, Tony & Jill’s No Frills, Farm Boy, and Wholesale Club.
Public Transportation
Pembroke does not currently have a public transit system. Residents rely primarily on personal vehicles. The City has an Ottawa River Transit Connector (ORTC) service providing limited regional connections.
Healthcare in Pembroke
Pembroke is well-served for a city of its size, with several healthcare options anchoring the region.
- Pembroke Regional Hospital
- Pembroke Family Medicine Teaching Unit
- West Champlain Family Health Team
- Renfrew County and District Health Unit
These services make Pembroke an important healthcare hub for residents throughout the Upper Ottawa Valley.
Community and Entertainment in Pembroke
Pembroke has a strong community calendar, especially in the summer when the waterfront becomes a gathering place for concerts, movie nights, markets, and local events.
Pembroke Waterfront Park & Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts free summer concerts and outdoor movie nights along the Ottawa River.
Pembroke Memorial Centre is the community’s main arena, offering skating and recreational programming year-round.
Skylight Drive-In Theatre is a local favourite for families and one of the few remaining drive-in theatres in the region.
Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch offers pick-your-own blueberry experiences and seasonal agritourism in the surrounding countryside.
Pembroke Public Library and the Pembroke Farmers’ Market round out the community calendar.
Dining Out in Pembroke
Pembroke’s dining options run from casual neighbourhood spots to proper sit-down restaurants, with enough variety to keep regulars from repeating themselves.
The Butcher’s Wife is a well-regarded local restaurant known for its focused menu and quality ingredients.
Anthony’s Italian Grill is a go-to for classic Italian in a relaxed setting.
Fresco’s Tap & Grill draws regulars for pub-style food and a casual atmosphere.
The Nook Creperie offers a lighter, café-style option popular for lunch.
The Courtyard Bistro is a local favourite for a more polished dining experience.
Westwinds Restaurant is a full-service restaurant inside the Best Western Pembroke Inn, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Schmecken Bakery is a European-inspired bakery with artisan breads, croissants, cheesecakes, soups, and sandwiches.
Pembroke Big Stop Restaurant is an Irving Oil Big Stop offering full-service dining around the clock, a familiar option for travellers and locals along the highway corridor.
Parks in Pembroke
With the Ottawa River running through the city, Pembroke residents have easy access to waterfront green space alongside a wide network of neighbourhood parks.
The City of Pembroke maintains a wide range of parks and green spaces, including:
- Alfred Street Parkette
- Cecil Street Park
- Centenary Park
- Coronation Park
- Dunlop Park
- D’Youville Park
- Golfview Park
- Harvey Fraser Nature Park
- Hillcrest Park
- IOF Park
- Kinsmen Park
- Lea Street Park
- Memory Garden
- Pansy Patch Park
- Pembroke Waterfront Park
- Riverside Park
- Rondeau Park
- Rotary Park
- Shamrock Park
- War Memorial Park
Ready to Call Pembroke Home?
Pembroke’s combination of affordability, established amenities, and Ottawa River setting makes it one of the strongest options for buyers who want more space and a sense of community than the capital region delivers at a comparable price point.
For buyers still comparing communities, our guides to Ottawa’s top neighbourhoods and up-and-coming Ottawa neighbourhoods are a great place to start.
When you’re ready to talk, our team is ready to help.
Paul Rushforth
Since 2004, Paul and his team have helped over 7000 families reach their real estate dreams. He continues to train and consult agents throughout the industry and is considered one of the most forward thinking pioneers in the industry, blazing trails for those around him.