Our cottage is on Percy Lake, a beautiful 2.3km section of the Petawawa River that opens up between two sets of rapids. An easy 1.5 hour drive from Ottawa, it is located near some of the finest outdoor amenities in Eastern Ontario, and only ten minutes from the town of Petawawa. A great place and play no matter what the season!
The cottage is two stories, including a walk-out basement. There are three bedrooms: two small bedrooms on the main level (each with a bunk bed) and one master bedroom downstairs. The couch downstairs is also a pull-out for extra guests. There is one bathroom equipped with a shower. Kitchen is modern and has a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle and stove. There is a BBQ and table for outdoor dining on the deck. Water is well water and is drinkable. There is no a/c, but bedrooms have ceiling fans. The cottage has electric heat as well as a cozy wood burning stove for winter evenings. Starlink internet is provided and cellular reception is quite good.
The cottage property slopes down to the water. A wrap-around deck provides a nice view of the water. There is a small sandy entry to the water on one side of the property; the remainder of the waterfront is natural and rocky with a gradual entry. The lake water is beautifully clean and wonderful for swimming and fishing, as the Petawawa River drains straight from Algonquin Park. Because the river is blocked on either end by rapids, there is minimal boat traffic. A canoe, kayak, paddle board and lilypad floating mat are available for use. The outdoor firepit is perfect for roasting marshmallows and stargazing.
Note: There are no homes across the lake, as this area is part of the National Defence military base. The area is heavily forested and public entry is forbidden. From time to time, the military runs exercises and you may hear artillery fire and other assorted noises. The actual exercises are taking place quite a distance away. Sometimes military helicopters will fly low over the river.
Things to do in the Petawawa area:
Paddling:
• Whitewater kayaking: the Petawawa River runs through town, and there are several put-in spots. Note, there are several rapids of varying levels of difficulty, up to class 5.
• Black Bay is about a 5 minute drive away. There is a public boat launch there, and you can connect to the Petawawa River/Barron River/Barron River Provincial Park.
• The Ottawa River is nearby, with numerous paddling spots along it, as well as white water rafting tours further afield (Owl Rafting and Wilderness Tour Rafting).
Beaches:
• Petawawa Point Beach (10 min. away). This is the local beach and boat launch for the town. It’s quite large, and canoe/kayak/paddle board rentals are available.
• Black Bear Beach Campground (10 min away). It’s on the base in town, but the beach is public. It’s on the Ottawa River, and quite scenic.
• Deep River (25 min away) – there are several nice (sandy, shallow) beaches along the Ottawa River.
ATVing/Snowmobiling:
• There are tons of snowmobile and ATV trails nearby (https://www.renfrewcountyatv.ca/)
Hiking/walking:
• Algonquin Provincial Park (Sand Lake Gate entrance is 30 minutes away, although you will have to drive further into the park to reach hiking and camping). Lots of hiking (Barron Canyon Trail, High Falls cheater trail), paddling (Barron Canyon) and camping (Achray – there is also hiking there). There is a fee for park entrance.
• Bonnechere Provincial Park (~25 min away). There is a beautiful beach in the park on Round Lake, as well as a playground and the winding Bonnechere River (which is fun to paddle). In the summer there is a fee for day use (Fri, Sat, and Sun). In winter you can walk through the campground and beach for no fee.
• Petawawa Research Forest (10 min away). Really nice spot for walking, snow shoeing, biking, etc. Big trees! Lots of different trails, suggest downloading a map before you go.
• Petawawa Centennial Trail & Park / Emerald Necklace Trail (10 min away). Waterfront park in town with nice views of the Petawawa River rapids. Connects to the Emerald Necklace trail system.
• Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park (15 min away). This is in town. There are a few trails of varying length to choose from, including one that goes down the hill to the river.
• There are several hiking trails in Deep River (25 min away).
Biking:
• Biking: Rantz Road and neighbouring Black Bay are good for road biking. There are also lots of bike trails through Petawawa.
• Petawawa Construction Yard Bike Park (10 min away). Bike park with jumps and a pump track.
• Forest Lea (10 min away). Very good for trail mountain biking, fat biking and x-country skiing. Can also be used for hiking. Note: the trail riding is challenging and best suited for adults/experienced riders. In rainy weather, can be muddy. It has a large network of trails; using an app like Trailforks is really helpful for finding your way around.
Fishing:
• Good fishing in the Petawawa River, as well as in Black Bay and on the Ottawa River.
Other:
• Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch is about 20 minutes away. When in season, you can pick your own blueberries. They have other seasonal activities as well. Fun for families.
• Pembroke (20 minutes away) is a larger ‘Ottawa valley’ town with lots to see and do. Pembroke Waterfront Park has walking trails (including the Kiwanis Way Trail), a beach, and playgrounds; Pembroke Street West has lots of shopping and places to grab a bite.
