Getting around Pembroke means choosing between driving, Ottawa River Transit’s on-demand service, and specialized door-to-door transport. From Champlain Motor Inn, the city centre is about 4 minutes by car, and Pembroke Airport is about 11 minutes by car; Pembroke has more than 200 kilometres of paved roads.
- City centre: about 4 minutes by car or 42 minutes on foot from Champlain Motor Inn.
- Local transit: Ottawa River Transit operates on demand within Pembroke city limits.
- Airport: Pembroke Airport is about 11 minutes by car from the inn.
- Parking: Most Pembroke streets offer free parking, with a three-hour maximum on municipal streets.
Where the Main Local Stops Are
Pembroke city centre and the Champlain Trail Museum are both easy to reach by car. City-centre travel takes about 4 minutes by car or 42 minutes on foot from the inn, while the museum is about 6 minutes by car or 72 minutes on foot.
The city centre is a useful starting point for getting oriented. The Pembroke City Centre visitor guide covers the area, while the museum provides another local destination to include in your plans.
Driving Around Pembroke
Driving gives you access to Pembroke’s extensive paved-road network and municipal parking. The City of Pembroke says there are hundreds of municipal parking spots; most streets offer free parking, subject to a three-hour maximum on municipal streets.
Downtown metered parking costs $0.25 per half hour, payable by coin or through the Honk Mobile app. Accessible parking spaces include six at Cockburn Parking Lot, five at First Responders Way Parking Lot and 10 at Pembroke Memorial Centre Parking Lot.
Their time limits and seasonal conditions differ, so check the official site before you go. For your stay, you can review the inn’s room options.
Level 3 electric-vehicle chargers are at Scotiabank, 81 Pembroke St. W., and Pembroke Regional Hospital. Level 2 chargers are at City Hall, Pembroke Memorial Centre, Pembroke and Area Community Centre (Pem Ice II), Pembroke Waterfront Park and Pembroke Regional Hospital.
Walking and Local Connections
Walking from the inn takes about 42 minutes to the city centre and about 72 minutes to the Champlain Trail Museum. By car, those trips take about 4 minutes and 6 minutes, respectively.
Ottawa River Transit (ORTC) is an on-demand bus service within Pembroke city limits, rather than a fixed-route service. You can book rides up to seven days ahead through the Blaise Transit app, at ride.blaisetransit.com, or by calling 613-631-1766.
Rides are first come, first served, and the fare is $5 per ride; children under 12 ride free with a paying adult.
ORTC uses virtual stops, with pickup and drop-off at the closest stop to the locations you request. Stop locations and status can change with one day’s notice.
Summer hours run from the first Monday in May to Labour Day: Monday–Wednesday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Thursday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. After Labour Day, hours are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. There is no Sunday or statutory-holiday service.
For passengers whose health or mobility makes regular transport difficult, Pembroke and Laurentian Valley Handi-Bus offers door-to-door service. Call 613-735-6998 to book or ask about the service. Trips to Petawawa can be booked with 72 hours’ notice, subject to availability.
Planning Airport Transfers
Pembroke Airport is about 11 minutes by car from the inn. The Pembroke & Area Airport is in Petawawa and offers taxi service and car rental. For a broader look at arrival logistics, the Pembroke Airport access guide covers local planning.
Petawawa Airport is about 43 minutes by car from the inn, while Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is roughly 128.79 km away. The Pembroke & Area Airport has a 5,000-foot by 100-foot asphalt runway, a full-length paved taxiway and a terminal building with a parking ramp.
For travel between the airport in Petawawa and Pembroke, Petawawa Airport travel to Pembroke covers the connection. Check the airport operator’s official site before you go for current service details.
FAQs
Is there public transit in Pembroke?
Yes. Ottawa River Transit is an on-demand bus service within Pembroke city limits. It has no fixed route or schedule, and rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do you book Ottawa River Transit?
Book up to seven days in advance using the Blaise Transit app, online at ride.blaisetransit.com, or by calling 613-631-1766. Pickups and drop-offs use virtual stops near the locations you request.
Is there accessible transportation in Pembroke?
Pembroke and Laurentian Valley Handi-Bus provides door-to-door transportation for people whose health or mobility makes regular transport difficult. Call 613-735-6998 for bookings or information.
Where can you park in Pembroke?
The city has hundreds of municipal parking spots. Most streets offer free parking with a three-hour maximum, while downtown metered parking costs $0.25 per half hour.