Shops and Restaurants to Visit in Pembroke, Ontario
Pembroke is known as the heart of the Ottawa Valley. It is a picturesque town with a military community, located in Renfrew County. About an hour and a half west of Ottawa, this quiet town has more than meets the eye. The views of the Ottawa River may be worth the drive alone, not to mention the quality restaurants and truly some of my favourite local shops.
Walk along the Ottawa River and enjoy the view. It is a 2.6KM, easy, straight path trail. Start at the Pembroke Waterfront Park or Riverside Park. Notice Algonquin college campus as you stroll and a canoe statue with an information board about the history transportation on the Ottawa River. The Champlain Trail Museum is also nearby, containing one of the largest collections of Ottawa Valley artifacts.
Must Stop Shops
Bringing you the latest in women’s fashion trends, this boutique carries clothing, footwear and accessories. Thank goodness, I don’t live closer because I’ve never left the shop without buying something! The owner Callee is sweet to talk to and provide outfit suggestions if you wish. All quality and affordable.
The name says it all! Shop a variety of Canadian goods from clothing and accessories, to home décor, bath and body, baby gifts and even workshops and custom designs. Offering DIY home kits during Covid restrictions. They also have a number of eco-friendly goodies. Great spot to find gifts.
This clothing brand, created by two local Pembroke women, recently opened their own shop! Full of cozy sweats, tees, hoodies and even onesies. The brand aims to highlight the joys of the Ottawa Valley; from the beautiful outdoors to be explored to the sense of community.
Unique and classic pieces to add to your wardrobe. This boutique carries women’s clothing and accessories, including many Canadian brands to choose from. They also carry Canadian bath and body products.
A holiday lover’s dream. This shop always has some standards like cozy clothing and home décor, plus rotating seasonal designs. They currently have a gorgeous fall display as you walk in, and a Christmas wall full of accessories and decorations. They also carry Canadian brands we love like Smash & Tess, and work by local artist Emma Allen.
A clothing and accessories shop, with quite the positive twist! Size inclusive clothing, lifestyle products and self-care programs and workshops with you in mind. The classes are geared to help women through limiting beliefs, finding their sexual pleasure and beauty through empowerment.
A new cannabis store in downtown Pembroke, with a selection of both cannabis and accessories. The prettiest cannabis accessories you will find! The owners hope to connect over cannabis and share experiences, while providing attractive accessories that you would love to give as a gift. 19+!
Locally made spirits that taste great and support local community farms. The owner grew up on a dairy farm and is a believer in keeping it home grown! They carry some classic spirits such as vodka and rye, and more unique options like moonshine and rhiskey (rum and whiskey blend). You can browse other local products on the website.
Chahna Fai and Church St. Flowers
Hand crafted and hand delivered floral gifts for any occasion. Unique gifts, house plants and plant accessories available, in addition to floral arrangements. Free delivery within Pembroke!
They offer a variety of floral services for various occasions, including birthdays, weddings, corsages, and other special events. You can speak to an expert regarding your custom floral needs. They also have house plants and pots.
The original store in Renfrew has been family owned and operated for over three generations. The second location here in Pembroke also sells quality footwear for men, women and children.
Food to Stay or Go
European style bakery where everything is made from scratch. They offer a selection of baked goods (pastries, squares, cakes, tarts and pies), breads and simple lunch options.
Known for their artisan bread, Wilkies is a must try – ask any Pembroke resident. They use home recipes and fresh, local ingredients. They also have many treats available.
Both traditional and artisanal doughnuts made from scratch. Some flavours they have on rotation are Salted Caramel, Loopy Lemonade, Cinnful Buns and Boston Cream.
Farmstead Cheese House & Gelateria
A family business and dairy farmers connecting to their community through dairy goods like cheese and gelato. You can also stay for a coffee or a farmhouse lunch. Ask about their gift baskets.
A specialty grocery store that sells premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Must stop if you’re a foodie! They also create items like artisan candles and soaps.
They specialize in canned and pickled goods like dill pickles, beets, carrots and asparagus. Full meals also for sale; baked goods, daily lunch options, home style freezer meals and catering! Full menu online.
This independent grocery store is a modern take on an old-world butcher shop. There is a deli, market and butcher, a bistro opens during lunch hours and event catering. Keep your eyes peeled – you can find some of their products at Farm Boy locations and the European Delicatessen in Ottawa.
Local Pembroke brewery, just past downtown. They are a nano brewery with military ties, using Canadian products and ingredients whenever possible. A portion of their D.D. Amber ale is donated to the V-42 Foundation. Order cans and growlers online; currently pick up only.
Restaurants to Enjoy
A French inspired restaurant specializing in crêpes both sweet and savoury. All dishes made fresh, in house. The Bonne Pomme dessert crêpe was a perfect meal compromise for me – sweet but not too sweet. There are so many options to choose from!
Is it a café, a bistro, a music venue, a pub? Yes! Enjoy coffee and breakfast in the morning, sandwiches and salads midday and beers with your dinner. Spot local artwork and quirky décor on the walls. Usually they host live music and events which are currently on pause due to Covid-19.
The perfect spot for a date night! Enjoy a simple soup and salad, flatbread option, a seafood app, or a full steak entrée. Open for lunch and dinner. They are known for their tasty, unique cheesecakes and I will say I was not disappointed by the Caramilk cheesecake I devoured.
Casual Italian dining with classic meals and a modern twist. Great atmosphere, service and homemade pasta – how could you go wrong? I recommend sitting on the patio if weather allows, for the full European feel. Heat and serve take home options also available.
This smokehouse and grill is a BBQ lovers haven. They have the basics like chicken strips, burgers and gourmet hot dogs, barbeque specialties including ribs, chicken wings and brisket and all the sides and additions; poutine, pizza, and tacos to name a few. Open for delivery and catering too.
The Kitchen Eatery and Catering
Restaurant and catering with set daily specials. Multiple options each day. Wednesday is always pie day, savoury and sweet! Check updates on Facebook.
A small bison farm in the heart of the valley! This veteran owned and operated farm sells a variety of bison meat; steaks, roasts, and other specialties.
Did you know the Ottawa Valley has its own food delivery app?! Valley Eats is currently serving Pembroke / Petawawa, Carleton Place / Almonte, Renfrew / Arnprior, Perth and Smith Falls.
There are many other local gems in Pembroke if you’re looking to spend time there and discover new makers. Enjoy your flow practise at White Pine Yoga and Awe Yoga or satisfy your digital marketing needs with The Paperback Girls. If you’re driving in from Ottawa, you’ll pass right by Whitewater Brewing Co; grab some pints to go.
Looking to explore other small towns near Ottawa?
Would love to be included in your Pembroke article.we have been in business 10 years and We have been voted best pizza in Pembroke AND Petawawa 6 years running. Have ontario’s biggest pizza and are very active in our community. We even got approved by the city to take 3 condemned lots downtown and turn it into an elevated community patio for anyone to use :)
www.facebook.com/joesfamilypizzeria
#localshelpinglocals
#K8Astrong
Lots of great lopclal independent businesses to choose from :)