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Location | Petawawa, Pembroke, Beachburg, Braeside, Arnprior |
Distance | Paved Roads – 82 km; Granular Trail – 16 km |
Surface Type | Paved Roads, Granular Trail |
Points of Interest | Champlain Trail Museum |
Printable Maps | Voyageur Cycling Route Map 15 and Map 16 |
The Algonquin Trail is only occasionally interrupted by roadway between Petawawa and Pembroke and is a popular trail for recreation and transportation anchored by two urban centers. In Pembroke, the Algonquin Trail passes Algonquin College, Pembroke’s destination Waterfront Park, the downtown core and Farmer’s Market. The Park is animated with the City’s history including its close connection to the Ottawa River and is a social gathering place for the community. There is a direct connection to Quebec’s La Route verte at Highway 148 at the south end of Pembroke.
Leaving Pembroke, the cycling route follows county roads through the communities of Beachburg and Braeside. This section of the route is characterized by quiet country backroads through an agricultural landscape. Most of the roadways have at least a 1m paved shoulder making for a comfortable ride for most touring cyclists. The proximity of the cycling route to the whitewater action on the mighty Ottawa River adds to its attraction as a destination with adventure. The cycling route winds back to the Ottawa River with the occasional view of the river.
The Algonquin Trail officially opened for use in 2018 through Braeside to Arnprior creating an alternative off-road route is preferred. The Algonquin Trail allows for recreational travel across two major barriers; the Madawaska River and Highway 417. The trail bridge over the Madawaska River has a spectacular view of Arnprior and the waterway coursing below. The trail passes under the four-lanes of Highway 417 by way of an impressive underpass then continues through the Ottawa countryside into Lanark County.