Where to Stop, Stretch, Snack, and Sightsee along Highway 17

You’re on the road between Ottawa and Mattawa when that familiar urge hits you. Whether it’s hunger, your legs need a break, or another urgent need is making itself known, one thing is sure; you can’t ignore muscle pangs forever. So take breaks often to ward off cramps and fatigue.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a variety of pit stops over the years. This time, I returned to Highway 17, enjoying rest areas, restrooms, scenic locations, and hiking trails, all in the name of research and road trip blogs.

Lucky for you, from Arnprior to Deux Riviere, this section of the Ottawa Valley has many options. Whether you need a walk to restore blood flow, a foodie stop to satisfy road trip cravings, or when nature’s call is difficult to ignore, this list is for you. 

Rest Stop, Haley Station

Sometimes, that last cup of caffeine before starting the road trip runs through me quicker than I’d hoped, so this little pull-off always comes as a relief and is never a minute too soon. The Rest Stop near Haley Station is about an hour from Ottawa, complete with basic facilities and one covered picnic area with panoramic views of the farm fields. There isn’t room for even a tiny stroll, so lean on your vehicle, stretch your legs, and then continue your journey.

Cobden Marsh Interpretive Trail, Forester Falls

Cross the boardwalk and walk around Cobden Marsh on raised gravel-topped berms, keeping the trails high and dry. The route circles the marsh, a provincially significant wetland with plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. I didn’t explore the entire trail, but I’d guess the Cobden Marsh Interpretive Trail is no longer than 1.5 km if the loop is still intact. At least if you come to a dead end, walking back around the wetland will be a flat-out breeze.

Veterans Memorial Park & Cobden Tourist Information, Cobden

There are plenty of picnic tables for relaxing and a small playground structure for kids in the Veterans Memorial Park. Stretch your legs; follow the walking path down to the lakefront and along the water to Cobden Beach for a pleasant stroll. Sitting and listening to the waves on the shores of Muskrat Lake is a wonderful way to unwind the stress of driving on Highway 17.

Pembroke Waterfront Park, Pembroke

A mere 4.8 km off Highway 17 is the Pembroke Waterfront Park. There’s plenty of parking, a lovely boardwalk along the waterfront and expansive views of the Ottawa River and L’Ile-Aux-Alumette, QC., across the water. A welcome breeze comes off the river, and with the numerous park benches at the riverside, there are plenty of spots to rest, relax and recharge before continuing your road trip.

Petawawa Rest Area, Petawawa

The Petawawa Rest Area, set in a stand of pines, is a small and picturesque rest stop I’ve used so often that I should be collecting frequent flyer miles for the visits. I love sitting under the trees in the dappled light at the picnic tables. I always feel recharged and refreshed after spending time at this forested pullover. 

Riverbank Park, Deep River

A short and sweet single kilometre off Highway 17 is Riverbank Park, with superb views of the Ottawa River and the Laurentian Mountains on the Quebec side. When I was there in May, the scene and devoid of boats, but last year in September? The river was dotted with fishing vessels and pleasure cruisers - everybody was out enjoying the water.

 

Meilleurs Bay Picnic Area, Meilleurs Bay

Meilleurs Bay Picnic Area is a pretty parkette tucked in the trees, and the water is visible through the greenery. It’s gorgeous. There’s lots of room to stretch, walk or even play a game of tag or kick the ball around if the kids have the energy to burn. While there, I played catch-me-if-you-can with black flies as a Canada Goose, and fledglings watched me in horror. I’m joking about the games, not the bugs. If you’ve travelled to or from Northern Ontario, you know biting insects are part of life. Besides, you no longer feel the sting once you've been bitten enough times.

Reilly Bird Nature Preserve, Meilleurs Bay

Will there be biting insects at Reilly Bird Nature Reserve? Yes, because warm-weather birdwatching and bugs go hand in hand. So pull on your bug net, and spray your repellent before the hike. For the best start in life, even adult birds that feast on seeds and nuts will catch protein-rich caterpillars, spiders, and other crawlies for their fledglings.

I had planned on hiking to the lookout while birding, but I took the wrong trail! I didn’t study the map well enough at the trailhead. The trails are well marked, so, in the end, I wasn’t lost, just confused.

Mackey Creek Boat Launch, Mackey

Like most boat launches, it's easy to miss if you’re not looking for the signage. There will be one brown and white sign of the boat launch symbol with an arrow indicating the upcoming turn, then one other at the turn. If you plan to pull in, start slowing and signal your intention because the turn-off is tight and sharp, pulling off onto a short gravel lane leading you to the launch and parkette. 

Driftwood Provincial Park, Mackey

Don’t forget to register for your Daily Vehicle Permit before heading into Driftwood Provincial Park to the end of the road. The small gravel parking is adjacent to the boat launch and dock, facing the parkette and beach. From here, choose your adventure! Have a picnic on the beachfront and look for driftwood, hike on the Oak Highland Trail, or both! 

The beauty of this park, its trails, beachfront park and views make it a favourite stop of mine. Whenever I pass this way, I spend an hour listening to the waves, eating snacks and recharging my internal batteries before continuing the journey on Highway 17.

Gibson Lake Rest Area / Mosquito Trail, Deux Rivieres

The Gibson Lake Rest Area is a beautiful and scenic stop. I take breaks here for a stretch every time I pass this way. Picnic tables, with views of the water and Jack pines, make me feel like I’m on the edge of the northern wilderness - not next to a busy highway. At this point of your road trip, you’ve probably noticed the signs that say “Take a Break. Fatigue Kills.” And it’s true, so I use all the rest stops available to stay fresh and alert while I drive. 

Lacroix Municipal Park, Deux Riviere

I almost missed this Historic Site on the Ottawa River, but I had it marked on my map this time, so I didn’t drive past the Lacroix Municipal Park and Boat Launch. There’s a Heritage Plaque about how “some of the river’s most spectacular and dangerous rapids were located immediately downriver from here: [...] the construction of the Des Joachims generating station, [the rapids] had been submerged in the dam’s headpond, Holden Lake.”

This section of the Ottawa River is one of the calmest for paddlers to explore. However, it still commands respect and humility - it’s a mighty river, and the currents can carry away the careless adventurer.

Where Are You Headed Next?

I love road trips on familiar routes and heading down unknown roads, but I need to know where there are convenient rest stops to ease my journey. Check out my blogs Highway 60, Highway 62, or Highway 7 if you’re driving those routes in Ontario’s Highlands. Find out more of my favourite spots and insider tips!