Let’s keep this party going! Next up in the Ottawa Valley community itineraries is our Petawawa itinerary. To recap, in collaboration with the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, we have created itineraries that have featured: Whitewater Region, Bonnechere Valley, Admaston/Bromley, Horton, North Algona Wilberforce, and Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards Townships. You can find links to those two blog posts here and here.
One of the main reasons why we chose to feature Petawawa this month is due to the Petawawa Ramble. Put on by the Town of Petawawa, “the Petawawa Ramble is an opportunity to enjoy autumn splendour and to savour, sample and experience the bounty of our community offerings.” (Source: Petawawa Ramble website). There are several different events that are happening under the Petawawa Ramble umbrella. Some of these events are “on your own” and others happen during a specific time.
Petawawa Ramble Events
One of my favourite events of the Ramble is the pumpkin folks display. There is a map that outlines all of the displays, which is fun because then you can plan out your route. This year, there is a photo scavenger hunt that has been incorporated into the ramble festivities. For the photo scavenger hunt, there are 10 different categories that require the participant to submit one photo for each category. An example of one of the categories is “submit a photo from one of the displays representing a service business.” It is also worth noting that the public can vote for their favourite displays and businesses can win prizes. This is a fun way to venture around Petawawa.
Fusion of the Senses is set to take place on Saturday, October 16th from 17:00 – 23:00 at the Civic Centre Kin Hut. This is a fundraising event for the Petawawa Rotary Club. Tickets are $100, which includes a glass; five drink tickets; four food tickets; and live music. If you wish to attend, make sure you buy your tickets in advance as there are only 100 tickets to this event. These tickets can be purchased at Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer and the Community Service office at the Petawawa Civic Centre.
Other events happening during the Ramble include:
- A pig roast is being hosted by Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer in collaboration with J & E’s Bored n’ Saucy – October 16th. They will be serving pork on a bun with salad and a drink;
- Photography session at the Prairie and Luna Cannabis display – October 15th;
- Harvest hike photography sessions – sponsored by Petawawa Employment Services and PMFRC, scheduled for October 16 & 17, sessions are to be pre-booked through one of the five photographers linked to this event. Photo locations include Centennial Park, Terrace Park and Petawawa Point. Photos taken at any of those locations will turn out absolutely gorgeous; and
- On October 17th, at 1pm the Project Playhouse Draw will be finally drawn. Tickets for the playhouses, which are on display in front of Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer, can be purchased at Hyska’s between now and then.
For more information on the events occurring during the Petawawa Ramble check out the Town of Petawawa website here.
While you’re prancing around Petawawa during the Ramble, why not check out some of the many small businesses that make up the community.
Places to Eat
One of my favourite places to eat in Petawawa is Madameek, which is on Victoria Street. I love that it is a family business, which was inspired by their family member – Marc Diab. It was a lifelong dream of Marc’s to open up a Lebanese restaurant next to Garrison Petawawa. “From dream to reality, Madameek restaurant was born as a Tribute to our Fallen Hero, Trooper Marc Diab, who loved a juicy Shawarma and a homemade Kebeh, Fattoush salad and our famous Tabouleh salad.” (Source: Madameek – about page). My favourite menu items are the chicken shawarma (with both garlic and hummus on the pita) and the Picklnie Salad. The staff are so darn friendly and they treat everyone who walks through the door like family.
I will always have a soft spot for Bored n’ Saucy. They catered our wedding and did a phenomenal job. Everything they make is from scratch and with love. I am obsessed with their chicken strips, I especially love the chicken in their Lucious Lu’s wrap. I get it with Caesar dressing (which is also made in-house) and white cheese. J & E’s Bored n’ Saucy is located in the same plaza as Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer and Starbucks.
There is something so endearing about this brightly coloured take-out spot. The Shed oozes Newfoundland Pride and everyone who works at The Shed exudes the famous Newfoundland hospitality. I enjoy that everyone who walks through the door of The Shed is treated like family. They serve up poutine and the most delicious donairs. Sometimes they even have donair egg rolls as a special, which are finger-licking good since they come with The Shed’s famous donair sauce. I am sad to say for this year, The Shed’s last day open is October 17, 2021.
Located at 2991 Petawawa Blvd, this unassuming location makes food that packs a punch in the flavour department. They create delicious wraps, burgers, poutines and have a gluten-free section on their menu. I should note that you can order Vally SmokeHouse through the Valley Eats application.
Petawawa Golf Club & All Ranks Service Club
Another delicious option for food is Petawawa Golf Club & All Ranks Service Club. The first time I tried Petawawa Golf Club & All Ranks Service Club’s food was last summer and I am still absolutely blown away by the calibre of the food. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but regardless it was absolutely delicious. I had a Moe’s Burger, which is a beef burger topped with bacon, cheddar, onion ring, tomato, lettuce and Forty Creek BBQ sauce. For more information, check their Facebook page linked above.
Things to Do
Shopping
Newly opened, Valley Creations sells products that from the local area and from across Canada. They sell everything from home goods, to bath & body products, to pantry items, and clothing. This is my favourite type of store to stroll around. You never know what you will find and everything is from a small business. There is something about supporting small businesses that just hits right. Their grand opening is taking place on October 15th.
The last day of the container market is October 17th. This means that during the Ramble is your last opportunity to check out the container market. Be sure to check out The Petawawa Container Market Instagram page here for more information on vendors who will be popping up during the Ramble.
According to their Facebook page “the Country Cupboard is more than a country store…it is a destination. We’re serious about providing our customers with the best brands and quality products found in the gift industry today.” They sell the cutest decor like right now they are selling these Halloween gnomes which are just calling to come home with me. This two-storey store is a country decor and gift shop heaven.
Trails to Check Out
Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park
Would you believe that until recently I had not been to Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park until recently? This park is located off of Laurentian Road and I should note that the parking lot is very small. The trails at this park a very family-friendly. The trails are wide, flat and well-groomed. When I visited there were also lots of leashed dogs. Surrounded by coniferous trees, the Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park is the perfect spot for photos. This also happens to be one of the locations available for the harvest hike photography sessions. Seriously, how beautiful is this place?!
Another gorgeous spot in Petawawa is Centennial Park. Located along the Petawawa River behind the Township office and the fire hall. Sometimes I enjoy just sitting on one of the benches and watching and listening to the water. Centennial Park is also one of the other locations available for the harvest hike photography sessions. If you are interested in one of these sessions, make sure you book in advance to guarantee your spot.
Where to stay
I would be remiss if I did not include some places to stay in our Petawawa itinerary. Below are two hotels that have received rave reviews.
Recently opened, this hotel is very modern and features lots of clean lines in the decor. All of the rooms at this hotel are suites, this is perfect if you are in Petawawa for an extended period of time, like for a house-hunting trip. This hotel is within walking distance of the Civic Centre Kin Hut.
This hotel is across the street from TownPlace and features both regular hotel rooms and suites. This hotel is an even shorter walk to the Petawawa Civic Centre. Worth noting, there is an electric vehicle charging station that is a few short meters away from the hotel.
Next up
For our next Ottawa Valley community itinerary, we will be featuring McNab/Braeside Township, the Town of Arnprior and White Lake.