About Renfrew
Renfrew, Ontario, is a welcoming Ottawa Valley town that blends historic charm with modern convenience. Just 45 minutes from Kanata and under an hour from downtown Ottawa, it offers an affordable alternative to city living while maintaining easy access to highways and nearby amenities. Set along the Bonnechere River, in Renfrew County, Ontario, Renfrew attracts families, retirees, and first-time buyers who value the combination of small-town warmth and natural beauty.
With roots as a proud lumber town, Renfrew has grown into a community of nearly 10,000 residents. Its historic downtown is alive with revitalized buildings, family-owned shops, and the landmark O’Brien Theatre. Locally owned restaurants, pubs, and cafés add to the close-knit atmosphere, where neighbours know one another and community pride runs deep.
Outdoor recreation is a big part of life in Renfrew. From the long-running Renfrew Fair to nearby trails, parks, and rivers, there are countless opportunities for boating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more. Combined with steady employment in healthcare, education, retail, and local manufacturing, Renfrew offers enviable stability and lifestyle in one of the Ottawa Valley’s most welcoming settings.
Homes in Renfrew
Single-family homes dominate housing in Renfrew, many of them heritage homes with character and generous yards, adding to the town’s historic charm and sense of permanence. You’ll find modest starter homes in Renfrew as well as large farmhouse properties and residences.
Townhomes, multi-unit buildings, and new developments are rare, making it a community best suited to those looking to settle down rather than rent.
Affordability is a major draw, especially in recent years. Average home prices in Renfrew fall between $425,000 and $450,000, offering an excellent value. However, due to limited inventory, homes that come on the market sell quickly, often leading to bidding wars.
For first-time buyers priced out of other areas, and retirees seeking space and tranquility, Renfrew is a wonderful option to explore.
Schools in Renfrew
Choosing the right school is an important part of finding the perfect Ottawa-area neighbourhood. In addition to considering the options below, families in Renfrew can also explore options in neighbouring communities.
Please note: We have included a Fraser’s Institute Ranking where applicable. This is not the only way to determine school quality. For more information, please contact the individual schools.
- Location: 140 Munroe Avenue East
- Grades: JK – Grade 6
- Fraser Institute Ranking: Score: 2.9/10
- Visit website: https://cen.rcdsb.on.ca
- Location: 100 Veterans Memorial Boulevard
- Grades: JK – Grade 6
- Fraser Institute Ranking: Score: 5.2/10
- Visit website: https://qel.rcdsb.on.ca
- Location: 182 Stone Road
- Grades: JK – Grade 6
- Fraser Institute Ranking: N/A
- Visit website: https://adm.rcdsb.on.ca
- Location: 228 Mason Avenue
- Grades: JK – Grade 7
- Fraser Institute Ranking: Score: 7.2/10
- Visit website: https://rccdsb.ca/our-lady-of-fatima
- Location: 41 Bolger Lane
- Grades: JK – Grade 7
- Fraser Institute Ranking: Score: 7.9/10
- Visit website: https://rccdsb.ca/st-thomas-the-apostle
- Location: 835 First Street
- Grades: 8 – 12
- Fraser Institute Ranking: Score: 6.4/10
- Visit website: https://rccdsb.ca/st-josephs-catholic-high-school
- Location: 184 Bonnechere Street South
- Grades: 7 – 8
- Fraser Institute Ranking: Score: 5.6/10
- Visit website: https://rci.rcdsb.on.ca
- Location: 184 Bonnechere Street South
- Grades: 9 – 12
- Fraser Institute Ranking: Score: 5.6/10
- Visit website: https://rci.rcdsb.on.ca
Shopping in Renfrew
Renfrew offers a mix of independent shops, essential services, and specialty boutiques.
Much of Renfrew’s shopping district is centred along Raglan Street, where you’ll find everything from clothing shops and gift stores to bakeries and professional services. Just off Raglan, O’Brien Road features many of the town’s essential conveniences, including grocery stores and pharmacies.
While there are many places to shop in Renfrew, it does not have large-scale business outlets like Costco or Home Depot. Luckily, residents aren’t too far from the larger centres of Arnprior, Kanata, and Ottawa. This balance of small-town shopping with nearby access to big-box stores is part of what makes the community convenient without losing its historic charm.
Public Transportation
Getting to and from Renfrew is easy, but it requires a vehicle, as the town does not have extensive public transit.
Its position along Highway 17 keeps Renfrew residents well connected to both local amenities and larger urban centres. The town has also benefited from improved and widened roadways that make commuting very efficient.
Healthcare in Renfrew
Residents of Renfrew have access to quality healthcare both in town and across the Ottawa Valley. The Renfrew Victoria Hospital is a major employer in the area and provides a full range of services, while several nearby hospitals offer additional care options.
- Renfrew Victoria Hospital — Full-service community hospital offering emergency care, diagnostic services, surgery, and specialized clinics.
- Arnprior & District Memorial Hospital — About a 25-minute drive southeast, with 24/7 emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and rehabilitation programs.
- Pembroke Regional Hospital — Roughly 40 minutes northwest, this larger facility provides comprehensive emergency, surgical, and mental health services.
- St. Francis Memorial Hospital — Located in Barry’s Bay, approximately an hour west, offering emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care.
- Deep River & District Hospital — About 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest, with emergency services, acute inpatient care, and long-term care.
Community and Entertainment in Renfrew
The town of Renfrew offers a rich blend of small-town tradition, local culture, and outdoor recreation.
From annual fairs to museums and historic venues, there’s a lot for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Renfrew community calendar is a go-to source for seasonal events, festivals, and town-sponsored gatherings, keeping residents connected throughout the year.
- Renfrew Fair – Held each September, this long-standing agricultural event brings together thousands for livestock shows, midway rides, and local crafts.
- McDougall Mill Museum – A town landmark that preserves and shares the history of the town through exhibits, programs, and heritage events.
- NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum – Located in the expansive myFM complex, this museum celebrates Renfrew’s role in the founding of the National Hockey Association, which later evolved into today’s NHL.
- O’Brien Theatre – A restored historic playhouse hosting live performances, film screenings, and seasonal events.
- Swinging Bridge – Renfrew’s famous suspension bridge spanning the Bonnechere River is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
- Renfrew Wolves – An active junior hockey team in the Central Canada Hockey League.
- Renfrew Golf Club – The Renfrew Golf Club is an 18-hole course that also features two golf simulators, allowing you to enjoy practice and golfing all winter long!
Dining Out in Renfrew
From cozy cafés to lively pubs and family-friendly spots, there are plenty of options for enjoying a meal out with friends or family in Renfrew.
A stylish, modern bistro in downtown serving globally inspired cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Manitou Bistro’s menu features everything from small plates to hearty entrées, complemented by carefully crafted cocktails and an inviting atmosphere.
A long-time local favourite, this Bonnechere Bakery and Bistro is known for its comfort food made in-house, homemade breads, baked goods, and fresh lunches.
Renfrew’s destination for authentic Greek cuisine, Karras Way, offers generous portions of souvlaki, gyros, and other Mediterranean favourites.
Finnigan’s is a family-style restaurant and pub that has become a staple in the community. The menu ranges from classic Canadian comfort food to hearty pub fare, all served in a warm and relaxed setting.
Specializing in pizza and Italian cuisine, Zio Nicolas is loved for its fresh dough, flavourful sauces, and wide selection of pasta dishes. It’s a popular choice for both dine-in and takeout.
A casual, no-frills spot in Renfrew known for hearty breakfasts, daily specials, and homestyle cooking. It’s a simple, affordable option that keeps locals coming back.
Parks in Renfrew
Renfrew is home to a variety of parks and green spaces, giving outdoor enthusiasts plenty of options for fresh-air fun year-round.
- Ma-te-Way Activity Park
A year-round recreation hub, Ma-te-Way Activity Park has something for all ages. The park offers a BMX and skateboard area, splash pad, playground, and dog park in summer, with skating and sliding hills drawing visitors in winter. - Horton Heights Park
A welcoming neighbourhood park featuring multiple play structures, a sand pit with toys, grassy open space for games, and picnic tables that make it an easy stop for families. - myFM Centre Recreation Complex
One of the largest sports complexes in the Ottawa Valley, the myFM Centre hosts hockey, figure skating, and community events year-round. It’s also home to the NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum. - Bonnechere River Park and Trail
Set along the river, the Bonnechere River Park features peaceful walking trails, access to the water, and opportunities for paddling, fishing, and enjoying nature close to town. - O’Brien Park
A beautiful Renfrew park with grassy spaces for kids to play, but no playground. Offers amazing views of the Bonnechere River from the iconic Swinging Bridge and McDougall Mill Museum. - Fortington Park
A smaller, quiet park that’s great for younger children.
Ready to Call Renfrew Home?
Renfrew combines small-town warmth, historic character, and easy access to Ottawa Valley amenities, making it a wonderful place to put down roots. If you’re searching for affordability, a quieter lifestyle, or planning a retirement move, it offers a range of options to suit your needs.
Thinking about making Renfrew your home, or interested in exploring other popular Ottawa neighbourhoods? Connect with the team at Paul Rushforth Real Estate. We’re here to help you find the right community.
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.