Off the Beaten Track

By Madeline Kallio

Birthplace of the NHLUpper Ottawa and Renfrew County are known for its hockey history and so much more

The ghosts of the timber barons whosought the green gold of the majestictall pines that towered over the valleysand rushing rivers of the Ottawa Val-ley echo through the towns and vil-lages. The rolling hills, magnificentforests and interesting places to visitmake this part of Ontario an absolutedelight.In 1823, a Dutch French-Canadian,

Joseph Brunette, is credited with beingthe founder of current-day Renfrew, or,as it was known then, Second Chute,and, subsequently, Renfrewville.

John McDougall, aretired furtrader, arrived

Old Post Office building.

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McDougall Museum.

in 1840 and built the first store and became a magistrate.In 1848, the post office was named Renfrew for the townand shire in Scotland. McDougall built a grist mill in 1855,which is today the beautiful grey stone McDougall MillMuseum (613 432-2129 in season; 613 432-7015 off sea-son; www.renfrewmuseum.ca), 65 Arthur Street in O’BrienPark, beside the second chute and overlooking the Swing-ing Bridge. The three floors of artifacts include personalitems which belonged to Dr. Charlotte Whitton, once Mayorof Ottawa and a local Renfrew girl.

On December 3, 1909, the National Hockey Association(NHA) was formed, largely by the initiative, influence, re-sources and organizational skills of the Honourable M. J.O’Brien and his son, Ambrose. In 1917, the NHA became theNational Hockey League and is memorialized at the HockeyMuseum (343 361-0550; www.nhlbirthplace.ca), locatedabove Renfrew’s historic post office in the centre of down-town.

From late May to October, the fairground hosts theRenfrew Farmers’ Market (613 432-8918) with an eclec-tic mix of vendors who sell fresh produce, flowers, pre-serves, honey and more.

Local bed and breakfasts are happy to play host to vis-itors who would like to stay for a few days and enjoy thesights and ambiance of the area. Bide a While B and B

(613 432-4207; www.bide-a-while.ca), 43 Bank Street South,offers a three-course Canadian breakfast or continental fare.Full and continental breakfasts are served at Lochiel Bedand Breakfast (866 433-3752; www.bbcanada.com), 270Lochiel Street, which has a hospitality area with complimen-tary pop, juice and bottled water.

Renfrew is also home to an inn and a lodge, both ofwhich offer accommodation and restaurant services. TheRocky Mountain Schnitzel House and Lodge (866 372-2210; www.therockymountainhouse.com), 409 StewartStreet North, has fireplaces and the region’s largest sit-downhome-cooking restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch anddinner, specializing in schnitzels and steaks. The Crownand Kilt is a Scottish pub, offering single malt whiskeys,draft beer and pub fare. The Best Western Renfrew Innand Conference Centre (800 668-0466), 760 GibbonsRoad, offers accommodation, and fine dining can be foundat the Four Continents Restaurant and Bar. All interna-tional culinary masterpieces are coordinated by ChefRoopesh Kakkat.

The town also has a good selection of other restaurants.Taylor’s Rise and Shine (613 431-7473), 158 RaglanStreet South, offers an all-day breakfast and home-cookedmeals. An incredible variety of creative and Greek dishesare the order of the day at Coco Jarry’s Restaurant and

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the Thirsty Parrot Cocktail Bar (613 432-3310), 314Raglan Street South. Great food and lively entertainmentare served up at Finnigan’s Road House (613 432-8982),302 Raglan Street. Authentic-style pizza, subs, pasta, don-airs and more are created by Renfrew Pizzeria (613 432-9898), 100 Raglan Street. Karras Way (613 432-8222), 194Raglan Street South, features authentic Greek cuisine, aswell as Montreal-style pizza. Santa Fe Southwestern Grill(613 432-1600; www.santafeswgrill.com), 168 Raglan StreetSouth, uses fresh ingredients in their truly Southwesternrecipes. A wide variety of choices are available at theFlamingo Dining Lounge (613 432-4959), 445 O’BrienRoad. Cantonese, Szechuan and Thai foods are the order ofthe day at Kung Po House of Chinese Cuisine (613 432-3880), 32 Duke Street, while the Shanloon Chinese Cui-sine House (613 432-8807), 41 Raglan Street South, is afamily restaurant and has an all-you-can-eat buffet. If yourtastebuds call for sushi, check out the 7 Star Sushi and

Grill (613 433-9947), 248 Raglan Street South. Located inthe old Renfrew town hall building, the Renfrew TeaRoom (613 432-7970), 128 Raglan Street South, has spe-cialty coffees, gourmet teas, light lunches and decadentdesserts. The Bonnechere Bakery Restaurant (613 433-8998), 289 Raglan Street South, serves tea room fare withfresh baked goods. Tracey’s Dairy (613 432-2914), 61Lorne Street North, offers 60 fabulous flavours of ice creammade in-house. A number of fast food restaurants also offer

Swinging Bridge.

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sustenance for the weary traveller or exuberant shopper. An eclectic mix of shops and businesses line Renfrew’s

streets. The Dish on Main (613 432-2424), 162 Raglan StreetSouth, whose motto is “Every great party begins at the Dish,”has an array of specialty kitchen items. Through the adjoiningdoor is the Flower Factory and A Dash of Fab is a delightfor the fashionista and also offers interesting art pieces. Bon-nechere’s Pastries and Fine Food Emporium (613 431-1602) 260 Raglan Street South, sells in-house baked goodsand has gourmet foods, cheeses, home decor, etc. WheatlessWonders (613 431-3131); www.wheatlesswonders.ca), 204Raglan Street South, specializes in non-contaminated, gluten-free foods and staples, seasonal local produce and organically-grown meats. Pick-It-Fence (613 432-8368), 190 RaglanStreet South, stocks candles, quilts, giftwear, jewellery and fur-niture. Fraser’s Clothes Shops (613 432-2211), 254 RaglanStreet, opened its doors in 1891 and carries a large selection

of top quality fashions, from suits to casual clothing, for theentire family. Giant Tiger, 48 Raglan Street North, offers animpressive variety of stock, including dry goods, clothing andgifts. A Sense of Country (613 433-9925; www.asenseof-country.com), 169 Raglan Street South, stocks giftware, nos-talgic candy, a year-round Christmas room, soaps and candles,and more. Everything chocolate is available at J & J’s Choco-late Sensations (613 432-6767; www.jjchocolatesensa-tions.ca), 200 Raglan Street South, as well as gift items andclothing. Keeping Company and Ella’s (613 433-9192;www.keepingcompany.ca), 187 Raglan Street South, is a giftshop with a ladies’ wear boutique.

Driven by the history and culture of the area, a numberof events highlight the year. On Canada Day, the commu-nity celebrates at Ma-Te-Way Park. In July, the Valley Blue-grass Festival (www.valleybluegrass.ca) brings familiesout to the Johnston Farm on Castleford Road to listen to

Rocky Mountain House.

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top-rate performers. For six days in early September, theRenfrew Fair (613 432-5331; www.renfrewfair.com), isheld on the 12-acre (five-hectare) fairgrounds at 115Coumbes Street. In the fall, the fairgrounds are one of thelocations for Taste of the Valley, a one-day event featuringlocal producers, artisans and entertainment. The SantaClaus Parade is held on the first Saturday in December.

During the summer months, a tourism kiosk operateson O’Brien Road beside the historic railway caboose. Allyear long, visitors can contact the Renfrew Chamber ofCommerce (613 432-7015; www.renfrewareachamber.ca),161 Raglan Street South, for information on places andevents to visit in the area.n

This article is meant only to give potential visitors aglimpse into the community. Many people you willmeet will share the history and further informationabout the attractions and events so you can continueto explore. Because some of the businesses may be sea-sonal, it is wise to call ahead.

Dish on Main.

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