Our History & Culture

Renfrew County has a long history and rich culture beginning with the Algonquin People who were the original stewards of this land.

Following first contact with European Explorers, waves of immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany and Poland came to Renfrew County with the hopes of a prosperous new life.

As the region developed, our sector economies including agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, science & technology and tourism started to take shape, carving out new areas of opportunity and growth.

Today, festivals and events honour our history and long standing traditions while celebrating proud cultures and achievements and through music, food and the arts.

Some of Renfrew County’s notable historical and cultural identities include:

Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation – annual Pow Wow held the third weekend in August
Chalk River – Home to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories/Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.
Deep River – Home to Canada’s only Clock Museum
Douglas - The Irish Capital of Canada
Killaloe (Birthplace of Beavertails) – celebrates Irish roots during the Irish Gathering Festival in August
Pembroke – Home to Canada’s largest Step Dancing & Fiddling Contest (Labour Day Weekend)
Renfrew – Birthplace of the National Hockey Association/National Hockey League
Wilno (Canada’s First Polish Settlement) – celebrates Kashub Day on the first Saturday in May

As the largest geographic county in the Province of Ontario, Renfrew County is rural by nature, yet the many urban centres and major employers in the county make sure that residents have access to the supports and services they deserve.

Today, Renfrew County offers a full range of services, activities and opportunities for its citizens. From Municipal services, award winning trails, a Canadian Heritage River, the Whitewater Capital of Canada, and the continued friendship of the Algonquin First Nation People, Renfrew County is a truly a fantastic place to live.

So, come for a visit, Experience Our History and Share Our Future!