Moving to Petawawa

Why People Move to Petawawa

Let's be honest — most people don't just stumble across Petawawa on a map and decide to pack up their lives. The vast majority of newcomers arrive because of a posting to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa, one of Canada's largest and busiest military installations. Home to 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and several other units, the base is the beating heart of this community, and it has been for well over a century.

But here's the thing that surprises a lot of people: Petawawa is a genuinely great place to live, military or not. It sits on the banks of the Ottawa River in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, surrounded by forests, lakes, and some of the best outdoor recreation in Ontario. The town has a population of around 18,000, which means you get real amenities — grocery stores, restaurants, a decent gym, a brand-new community centre — without the noise and congestion of a big city.

If you're arriving on a military posting, you're joining a community that deeply understands the military lifestyle. Your neighbours have been through the same moves, the same deployments, the same adjustment periods. That shared experience creates a support network you won't find in many other places. And if you're moving here for civilian reasons — maybe you landed a job in Pembroke, or you're drawn to the affordable housing and outdoor lifestyle — you'll find a welcoming community that's happy to have you.

This guide covers everything you need to know to make your move as smooth as possible: where to live, what it costs, how the schools stack up, where to find a doctor, and all those little details that make a real difference when you're starting fresh in a new town. If you're here on a military posting, be sure to also check out our CFB Petawawa Military Guide for base-specific information.

Finding a Home

The housing market in Petawawa is one of the most attractive things about living here, especially if you're coming from Ottawa, Toronto, or any of the other overheated Ontario markets. As of early 2026, the average home price in Petawawa sits in the $400,000 to $500,000 range, which gets you a lot more house than that same money would buy just about anywhere else in southern Ontario.

Neighbourhoods to Know

Petawawa isn't huge, but the different areas do have their own character. Here's a quick rundown of the main neighbourhoods:

Petawawa Terrace (PMQs / Residential Housing Units): The on-base housing managed by CFHA. If you're military, this is the most convenient option — you're right at work, and the kids can walk to the base schools. The trade-off is that the houses are older and you're living on base, which isn't everyone's preference. Apply through CFHA as soon as you get your posting message, because wait lists can be long.

Petawawa Boulevard / Town Centre: The commercial core of Petawawa runs along Petawawa Boulevard (also known as Highway 17 through town). Living near here puts you close to shopping, restaurants, and most services. There's a mix of newer subdivisions and older established homes in the streets branching off the main drag.

Doran Road / Murphy Road Area: Popular with families, this area in the south end of town has seen a lot of newer construction over the past decade. You'll find modern two-storey homes, bungalows, and semi-detached properties. It's quiet, residential, and close to trails and green space.

Civic Centre Area: Near the Petawawa Civic Centre and the newer community facilities, this neighbourhood is great if you want easy access to the arena, library, and parks. Several newer subdivisions have gone in nearby with a mix of singles and townhomes.

Laurentian Hills / Rural Petawawa: If you want a bit more space and don't mind a short drive, the rural areas surrounding Petawawa offer larger lots, hobby farms, and a quieter pace. You'll get more land for your money, though you may need a well and septic system rather than municipal services.

Renting vs. Buying

This is the eternal question for military families, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're on a short posting (two to three years), renting often makes more sense — you avoid the transaction costs of buying and selling, and you have flexibility if your posting changes. Rental apartments and houses in Petawawa typically run between $1,400 and $2,200 per month, depending on size and condition. The rental market can be tight, so start looking early.

If you're on a longer posting, or if you think you might stay in the area after your career, buying can be a smart move. The relatively affordable prices mean your mortgage payments may be comparable to rent, and you'll build equity instead of paying a landlord. Just be aware that the Petawawa resale market is closely tied to posting cycles — spring and summer are the busiest times, which is when you'll face the most competition as a buyer but also have the most options.

New Construction

Petawawa has seen steady new home construction over the past several years, with several active subdivisions offering modern, energy-efficient homes. New builds typically range from the mid-$400s for townhomes up to $600,000+ for larger detached homes with all the upgrades. If you're considering a new build, keep in mind that construction timelines can stretch, so factor that into your posting schedule.

Whether you're buying, renting, or building, the key advice is to start early. If you're military, reach out to a local real estate agent as soon as you get your posting message — many will do virtual tours and handle the early legwork remotely so you can hit the ground running when you arrive.

Cost of Living

One of the biggest perks of living in Petawawa is the cost of living, which is noticeably lower than Ottawa and dramatically lower than Toronto or the GTA. Here's how it breaks down:

Property Taxes

Property taxes in Petawawa are moderate by Ontario standards. For a home assessed at $400,000, you can expect to pay roughly $4,000 to $5,000 per year in combined municipal and county taxes. That's competitive with Pembroke and other Ottawa Valley communities, and considerably less than what you'd pay in Ottawa or any GTA municipality for a comparable property.

Groceries and Everyday Shopping

Petawawa has a Walmart Supercentre, a Food Basics, and a few smaller grocery options right in town. Prices are fairly standard for Ontario — maybe a touch higher than big-city discount stores, but nothing dramatic. If you want more variety, Pembroke (a 15-minute drive) adds a Freshco, Independent Grocer, and other options. Most families find they can do all their regular shopping between Petawawa and Pembroke without any issues.

For larger purchases — furniture, electronics, specialty items — many people make the drive to Ottawa (about 1.5 hours) or order online. The lack of a Costco nearby is something people mention a lot; the nearest one is in Kanata (Ottawa's west end).

Utilities

Electricity in Petawawa is provided by Hydro One, and rates are standard Ontario regulated prices. Expect your electricity bill to run $150 to $250 per month depending on home size and season. Most homes in town are heated with natural gas (Enbridge), propane, or electric heat. Natural gas is generally the most affordable option — budget roughly $100 to $200 per month for heating, averaged over the year. Water and sewer are municipal services billed quarterly.

Internet and Phone

Internet options in Petawawa include Bell, Cogeco, and several smaller providers. Speeds and prices are comparable to what you'd find in other mid-sized Ontario communities. A reliable internet package typically runs $80 to $120 per month. Cell coverage is solid in town from all major carriers, though you'll notice gaps if you head deep into the backcountry.

The Bottom Line

A family of four in Petawawa can live comfortably on a significantly lower household income than the same family would need in Ottawa or Toronto. The combination of affordable housing, reasonable taxes, and standard utility costs means more of your paycheque stays in your pocket. For military families receiving Post Living Differential (PLD), Petawawa's rate reflects its lower cost of living compared to postings in higher-cost areas. Factor that into your financial planning when comparing postings.

Schools & Education

If you're moving with kids, schools are probably near the top of your list. The good news is that Petawawa has solid school options across all boards and grade levels.

Elementary Schools

Petawawa has several elementary schools serving the community:

Herman Street Public School — A well-established K-8 school in the heart of Petawawa, part of the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB). Known for strong community involvement and a supportive environment for military families.
Petawawa's Pine View Public School — Another RCDSB school offering K-8 education with a good reputation for academics and extracurriculars.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School — Part of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB), serving JK-8 students. A popular choice for Catholic families.
General Panet Public School — Located on the base, this RCDSB school is convenient for families living in PMQs.

Secondary Schools

Valour JK-12 is a relatively new addition to Petawawa's school landscape. Opened as part of the RCDSB, Valour offers a unique JK through Grade 12 model, meaning your child could potentially attend the same school from kindergarten right through to graduation. It's a modern facility with good programs and has quickly become a popular choice.

For high school, students also have the option of Fellowes High School in Pembroke (RCDSB) or Bishop Smith Catholic Education Centre in Pembroke (RCCDSB). School bus transportation is provided for students in the catchment areas.

French Immersion

French immersion programs are available through the RCDSB, starting in Grade 1. Given the bilingual nature of the Canadian Forces, French immersion is a popular choice among military families. Spots can fill up, so register early — ideally as soon as you know you're moving. The Conseil des ecoles catholiques du Centre-Est also operates French-language Catholic schools in the region for Francophone families.

For a deeper dive into all the school options, including before- and after-school care, special education resources, and registration tips, head over to our Petawawa Schools Guide.

Healthcare

Healthcare access is one of the trickier aspects of living in a smaller community, and Petawawa is no exception. Here's what you need to know so you can plan ahead.

Hospital

The nearest hospital is Pembroke Regional Hospital, located about 15 minutes from Petawawa. It's a full-service community hospital with an emergency department, surgical services, diagnostic imaging, maternity ward, and most of the services you'd expect. For specialized care or complex cases, patients are typically referred to The Ottawa Hospital, which is about a 90-minute drive or can be reached by air ambulance in serious situations.

Finding a Family Doctor

This is the big one, and there's no sugarcoating it — finding a family doctor in Petawawa and the surrounding area can be challenging. Like much of rural and semi-rural Ontario, the region faces a shortage of family physicians. If you're military, you'll receive primary care through the Canadian Forces Health Services Centre on base, so this isn't an issue for serving members. However, spouses and dependents need to find civilian care.

Here's what to do: register with Health Care Connect (Ontario's program for matching patients with doctors accepting new patients) as soon as you know you're moving. Don't wait until you arrive. Walk-in clinics in Petawawa and Pembroke can handle routine care in the meantime, but having a family doctor is important for ongoing health management. The Petawawa Family Health Team serves the community and periodically accepts new patients.

Dental Care

Dental care is somewhat easier to find than a family doctor, though some practices do have wait lists for new patients. There are several dental offices in Petawawa and Pembroke. Book early, especially for children's appointments, as popular time slots fill up fast.

Other Health Services

Pharmacies are well represented in Petawawa, with Shoppers Drug Mart and other independent pharmacies in town. You'll also find physiotherapy clinics, optometrists, and chiropractors locally. For mental health support, the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) on base offers counselling and referral services for military families, and there are several civilian mental health practitioners in the area as well.

Setting Up Your Home

Once you've found your place, it's time to get everything set up and running. Here's your checklist for getting connected and settled in Petawawa.

Utilities

Setting up your utilities is straightforward but does require a few separate calls:

Electricity: Contact Hydro One to set up your account. If you're moving into a home that's been vacant, allow a few business days for connection.
Natural Gas: If your home is heated by gas, contact Enbridge Gas to set up your account. Most homes in newer subdivisions are connected to natural gas.
Water and Sewer: Contact the Town of Petawawa directly. Water and sewer services are billed quarterly based on metered usage.
Internet and TV: Bell and Cogeco are the main providers. Compare packages and book your installation early, especially during peak moving season (summer). Starlink is also an option, particularly for rural properties outside the town core.

Heating and Cooling

Petawawa winters are no joke — temperatures regularly drop to -25C or colder in January and February, and heating season runs from roughly October through April. Make sure your furnace is serviced before winter hits. If you're buying a home, ask about the age and condition of the furnace, water heater, and air conditioning unit. Central air is becoming more common in newer homes, and summer temperatures can push into the mid-30s with humidity, so it's a worthwhile investment.

Electrical Work

Whether you need a panel upgrade, hot tub hookup, generator installation, or just want to add some outlets in the garage, having a reliable electrician is important. Petawawa's building code requirements follow Ontario standards, and you'll need proper permits for significant electrical work.

Snow Removal and Lawn Care

If you're coming from a city where you didn't have a driveway, welcome to the world of snow removal. Petawawa gets an average of around 200 cm of snow per year, and you'll need a plan. Options include doing it yourself (invest in a good snowblower — a shovel alone won't cut it for a full driveway), or hiring a local plow service. Most residential plow services charge $400 to $700 per season depending on driveway size. Book by October because the good operators fill up fast.

Home Maintenance Tips

A few Petawawa-specific things to keep on your radar: get your eavestroughs cleaned in fall before they freeze, seal any gaps around your foundation before winter (mice are very motivated when it gets cold), and if you have a septic system, get it pumped every three to five years. If your home has a sump pump, make sure it's working before the spring thaw — basement flooding is the most common homeowner headache in the area during March and April.

Essential Services

Moving to a new town means setting up a bunch of things you probably haven't thought about in years. Here's a rundown of the essential services you'll need to get sorted.

Legal Services

If you're buying a home, you'll need a local real estate lawyer to handle the closing. It's also worth establishing a relationship with a lawyer for wills, powers of attorney, and other life admin that tends to get neglected during a move. Military families in particular should have updated wills and powers of attorney — it's one of those things you don't want to deal with after the fact.

Banking

You'll find branches of the major banks in Petawawa and Pembroke: TD, RBC, BMO, and Scotiabank all have locations. There's also a Caisse Alliance (for Francophone banking needs) and several ATMs around town. Most people don't need to switch banks when they move here, but if you're looking for in-person service, TD and RBC tend to have the most convenient hours and locations in the immediate Petawawa area.

Shopping

Petawawa has the essentials: Walmart, Canadian Tire, Dollarama, Tim Hortons (of course), and a growing selection of restaurants along the boulevard. For anything beyond the basics, Pembroke adds more retail options including a mall, home improvement stores, and specialty shops. The Pembroke Mall and the stores along Pembroke's commercial strip will cover most of your regular needs.

For bigger shopping trips, many families head to Ottawa a few times a year to hit Costco, IKEA, and the specialty stores you can't find locally. It's about a 90-minute drive to the west end of Ottawa (Kanata/Stittsville area), which makes for an easy day trip.

Licensing and Registration

If you're coming from out of province, you'll need to switch your driver's licence and vehicle registration to Ontario within 60 days of becoming a resident. The nearest ServiceOntario location is in Pembroke. Bring your current licence, proof of insurance, and vehicle ownership documents. If you're military, note that you're generally exempt from the 60-day requirement while on active service, but your spouse and dependents are not — so add this to the to-do list early.

For a complete directory of professional services in the area, visit our Petawawa Services Guide.

Getting Around

There's no way around this: you need a car in Petawawa. There is no public transit system, and the town is spread out enough that walking and cycling, while great for recreation, aren't practical for daily errands — especially in winter. If you're a two-adult household, two vehicles will make life significantly easier.

Major Highways

Highway 17 (the Trans-Canada) is the main artery, running east-west through Petawawa. It connects you to Pembroke (15 minutes east) and eventually to Ottawa (about 1.5 hours east via Highway 17). This is the road you'll drive most often, and during peak hours — particularly around 7:30 to 8:00 AM and 4:00 to 4:30 PM when the base shift changes — the stretch through Petawawa and into Pembroke can get congested. It's not Ottawa-level traffic by any means, but it can add 10 to 15 minutes to your drive.

Highway 41 runs south from Pembroke toward Napanee and connects to Highway 7 and the 401. It's a scenic but winding two-lane highway through the Canadian Shield. If you're heading to Kingston or points south, this is your route.

Commuting to Pembroke

A lot of services, shopping, and some employment are based in Pembroke, so expect to make this 15-minute drive regularly. In good weather, it's a straightforward run along Highway 17. In winter, give yourself extra time — the highway is well-maintained but can be slippery during and after snowfall.

Commuting to Ottawa

Some people do commute to Ottawa from Petawawa, but it's a long haul — about 150 km each way. In good conditions, it's roughly 1.5 hours. In winter, budget two hours. If you're considering this commute, many people do it a few days a week and work remotely the rest. Highway 17 between Arnprior and Renfrew has been undergoing improvements, which has helped, but it's still mostly a two-lane highway through small towns with reduced speed zones.

Winter Driving

If you're new to Ontario or coming from somewhere with milder winters, take winter driving seriously. Winter tires are not legally required in Ontario (unlike Quebec), but they are absolutely essential here. Budget for a set of four quality winter tires and rims — it's not optional, it's a safety necessity. Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle: blanket, flashlight, phone charger, small shovel, and sand or kitty litter for traction. Highway 17 between Petawawa and Ottawa is well-salted and plowed, but whiteout conditions can happen quickly, especially in the open stretches between Renfrew and Arnprior. Check our weather page before heading out on longer drives in winter.

Lifestyle & Recreation

This is where Petawawa really shines. If you love the outdoors, you've landed in one of the best spots in Ontario.

The Ottawa River

The Ottawa River is Petawawa's backyard, and it's spectacular. In summer, the river is your go-to for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and just soaking up the scenery. Petawawa Point — where the Petawawa River meets the Ottawa — is a beautiful sandy beach and park area that's perfect for families. It's also a popular launch point for paddlers. The Petawawa River itself is famous among whitewater enthusiasts, with sections ranging from gentle flatwater to serious Class III rapids.

Outdoor Activities by Season

Spring and Summer: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, golfing (Island Brae Golf Club is right in town), and camping. Algonquin Provincial Park is less than an hour from your door — that alone is worth the move for nature lovers. The base also has excellent recreational facilities including a golf course, pools, and sports fields that are available to military families.

Fall: The fall colours in the Ottawa Valley are truly stunning. Petawawa is surrounded by mixed forest, and from late September through mid-October, the landscape lights up. Hunting is popular in the region for deer, moose, and small game — just make sure you're familiar with Ontario's licensing requirements.

Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skating. The OVAS (Ottawa Valley Adventure Ski) trails offer groomed cross-country routes nearby. Snowmobile trails connect to the wider Ontario trail network, so sledding enthusiasts can ride for hundreds of kilometres. Downhill skiing is available at Calabogie Peaks (about 1.5 hours south) and Mount Pakenham (about 1 hour southeast).

For the full rundown on trails, parks, and outdoor activities, check out our Outdoor Recreation Guide.

Community and Culture

Petawawa has an active community events calendar, from the annual Canada Day celebrations and Heritage Days to farmers' markets, charity runs, and holiday events. The Petawawa Civic Centre hosts hockey games, figure skating, and community events throughout the year. The town's newer recreation facilities include a splash pad, playground structures, and an outdoor fitness area.

Pembroke adds even more to the cultural scene with the Festival of the Arts, the Waterfront Concert Series, and a solid selection of restaurants and local businesses. The Ottawa Valley has a proud cultural identity rooted in logging history, Celtic traditions, and Francophone heritage — you'll notice it in the music, the festivals, and the storytelling traditions that are still very much alive here.

Check our events page for upcoming happenings in and around Petawawa.

Tips for Newcomers

After talking to hundreds of people who've moved to Petawawa over the years, here are the practical tips that come up again and again:

Before You Arrive

Register with Health Care Connect immediately. The wait for a family doctor can be months. Don't put it off.
Line up housing early. Whether renting or buying, start your search as soon as you get your posting message or job offer. Peak moving season (June through August) means the best options go fast.
Register kids for school early. Especially for French immersion, where spots are limited. Contact the school board as soon as you know your address (or even your expected neighbourhood).
Book your moving company early. If you're moving during the summer posting season, moving companies get booked up quickly. Military members should coordinate with BGRS/BGIS as soon as possible.

After You Arrive

Visit the MFRC. Even if you're not military, the Military Family Resource Centre hosts community events that are often open to everyone. For military families, the MFRC is an invaluable resource for settling in — they run welcome programs, playgroups, deployment support, and can connect you with just about anything you need.
Join the local Facebook groups. The Petawawa community is active on social media, and local Facebook groups are where people share recommendations, sell furniture, post about local events, and help each other out. Search for "Petawawa Community" and related groups.
Introduce yourself to your neighbours. This isn't the kind of place where people keep to themselves. A knock on the door with a friendly hello will go a long way, and your neighbours are often your best source for finding a good plumber, the best pizza in town, or where the fish are biting.
Get winter tires before November. Seriously. Every year people are caught off guard by an early snowfall. Get them mounted by mid-October and you won't have to worry about it.
Stock your pantry. Petawawa doesn't get snowed in like some remote communities, but heavy snowstorms can make you not want to leave your house for a day or two. Having a well-stocked pantry and a few days' worth of essentials on hand is just good practice.

Getting Connected

The best way to get the most out of living in Petawawa is to get involved. Here are a few ways to start:

Check petawawa.com regularly — we keep an updated calendar of local events, business listings, and community news.
Sign up for our newsletter — a weekly roundup of what's happening in Petawawa delivered to your inbox. It's free and it's the easiest way to stay in the loop.
Try a new activity. Whether it's joining a hockey league, signing up for a fitness class, volunteering at a community event, or just showing up at a farmers' market — putting yourself out there is the fastest way to make Petawawa feel like home.
Give it time. Moving is stressful, and adjusting to a new community takes a while — especially if you've come from a big city. The pace of life is different here, and that's a feature, not a bug. Within a few months, most people find they've built a routine, made friends, and started to genuinely enjoy what Petawawa has to offer.

Welcome to Petawawa. We're glad you're here.

Why People Move to Petawawa

Finding a Home

Neighbourhoods to Know

Renting vs. Buying

New Construction

Cost of Living

Property Taxes

Groceries and Everyday Shopping

Utilities

Internet and Phone

The Bottom Line

Schools & Education

Elementary Schools

Secondary Schools

French Immersion

Healthcare

Hospital

Finding a Family Doctor

Dental Care

Other Health Services

Setting Up Your Home

Utilities

Heating and Cooling

Electrical Work

Snow Removal and Lawn Care

Home Maintenance Tips

Essential Services

Legal Services

Banking

Shopping

Licensing and Registration

Getting Around

Major Highways

Commuting to Pembroke

Commuting to Ottawa

Winter Driving

Lifestyle & Recreation

The Ottawa River

Outdoor Activities by Season

Community and Culture

Tips for Newcomers

Before You Arrive

After You Arrive

Getting Connected

Explore More Guides

Petawawa Military Guide

Petawawa Real Estate Guide

Schools in Petawawa

Petawawa Services Guide