Renfrew · Renfrew County

Living in Renfrew

An established town on the Bonnechere.

What daily life is really like in Renfrew: heritage, the river, and honest trade-offs.

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

Last updated September 28, 2026

Downtown & heritage

Real history, everyday amenities

Renfrew’s walkable downtown carries genuine heritage, from the 1850s McDougall Mill Museum to the town’s famous role as the birthplace of the NHL. You’ll find everyday shopping, services, healthcare, and one of Canada’s longest-running agricultural fairs each fall.

Outdoors & recreation

On the Bonnechere

Ma-te-Way Park offers trails for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing, and the Swinging Bridge is a local landmark over the Bonnechere River. Add the Renfrew Golf Club and riverside parks, and there’s plenty to do close to home.

Getting around

Renfrew is about an hour west of Ottawa, a comfortable distance for those who want space and value, with the city reachable when you need it.

The honest part

You’re a bit further from Ottawa than towns like Arnprior, and the population skews older. For buyers who want an established, quieter community, that’s a feature, not a flaw.

Curious if Renfrew fits your life?

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or call 613-857-3423