Ottawa Valley · Renfrew County

Renfrew

Renfrew real estate: hockey heritage on the Bonnechere.

An established Ottawa Valley county town on the Bonnechere River, about an hour west of Ottawa, with real history, everyday amenities, and often more home for your money. It’s also, famously, where the NHL was born.

By April Mohr, Team Lead & REALTOR® · Mohr Properties Real Estate Group |

Last updated September 28, 2026

Renfrew sits on the Bonnechere River about an hour west of Ottawa. It’s an established county town with genuine history, everyday amenities, and often more house for your money than the faster-growing towns nearby.

The character

The town that gave us the NHL

Renfrew’s claim to fame is genuine: the National Hockey Association (forerunner of the NHL) was launched here in 1909, and in 1910 local tycoon M.J. O’Brien built the legendary Renfrew Millionaires, luring stars like “Cyclone” Taylor in a bid for the Stanley Cup. That heritage lives on at the NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum. Add the Bonnechere River, the 1850s McDougall Mill Museum, the Swinging Bridge, and one of Canada’s longest-running fairs, and Renfrew has a character all its own.

Homes

Homes in Renfrew

As an established county town (population about 8,190), Renfrew offers character century homes, riverfront and in-town properties, and settled neighbourhoods, often at better value than the fast-growing commuter towns nearby. A steadier market with a strong sense of place.

Lifestyle

Life in Renfrew

On the Bonnechere

Ma-te-Way Park trails for walking, biking, and skiing, plus the Swinging Bridge.

Hockey History

The NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum and Renfrew’s famous Millionaires legacy.

Heritage

The McDougall Mill Museum, an 1850s stone gristmill on the river.

Community

The Renfrew Fair, golf, and a walkable heritage downtown.

A good fit for

Who Renfrew is right for

Buyers who want established small-town amenities and heritage character, value-minded families and downsizers, and anyone who’d rather be a comfortable hour from Ottawa than in the middle of it.

Explore Renfrew

Everything Renfrew

Homes for Sale

Browse current Renfrew listings.

Market Report

How the market is moving, updated monthly.

Living in Renfrew

Daily life, the river, downtown, and heritage.

Schools & Family Life

Schools, recreation, and family amenities.

A Good Place to Buy?

Our honest take on value and trade-offs.

Selling in Renfrew

How we market and sell homes here.

Thinking about Renfrew?

Let’s talk. Honest, local advice from a team that knows the Valley.

or call 613-857-3423

Good to know

Renfrew FAQ

Where is Renfrew?

Renfrew is a town on the Bonnechere River in Renfrew County, Ontario, about an hour west of Ottawa.

Why is Renfrew called the birthplace of the NHL?

The National Hockey Association (the NHL’s forerunner) was founded here in 1909, and the 1910 Renfrew Millionaires are a famous chapter of early pro hockey.

What’s it like to live in Renfrew?

An established county town with real heritage, riverfront trails, everyday amenities, and generally good value.

Is Renfrew a good place to buy?

For value-minded buyers who want an established community, often yes. See our honest take on the Good Place to Buy page.