The Prior’s living guide to what’s actually worth your time in town — written by people who live here, updated year-round.

Outdoors

Gillies Grove

A rare stand of old-growth forest right inside town limits, home to towering white pines — including one of the tallest trees in Ontario [VERIFY: current “tallest white pine in Ontario” status and height]. The walking trails are flat, shaded, and doable with kids or dogs. Free, open year-round, and genuinely one of the most special places in the Ottawa Valley.

Robert Simpson Park & the Beach

Arnprior’s waterfront park sits where the Madawaska River meets the Ottawa River. Sandy beach, splash pad [VERIFY: splash pad current status], picnic areas, and the best sunset view in town. Check the Town’s website for beach water-quality advisories in summer.

Macnamara Trail

A roughly 4 km nature loop [VERIFY: exact length] maintained by the Macnamara Field Naturalists’ Club, known for spring wildflowers and birding. Trailhead parking off Goshen Road [VERIFY: trailhead location].

Madawaska River & Ottawa River

Paddling, fishing, and swimming in season. Boat launch at [VERIFY: launch locations and fees].

Indoors & culture

Arnprior & District Museum

Housed in the town’s historic post office building with its landmark clock tower — the one lit up in different colours through the year for community causes. Local history from the McLachlin lumber era onward. Hours: [VERIFY].

Nick Smith Centre

The town’s recreation hub: arena, pool, fitness facilities, and public skating and swim schedules. Home ice for Arnprior hockey. Schedules: [VERIFY: link to current NSC schedules].

O’Brien Theatre

A classic small-town movie theatre on John Street [VERIFY: current programming and status] — first-run films without the Kanata drive.

Eat & drink

Downtown John Street and Madawaska Street hold most of the town’s independent restaurants, cafés, and shops — and yes, the famous Antrim Truck Stop on the edge of town draws people off Highway 417 from across the region for good reason. See our Arnprior Business Directory for the full local list.

Annual events worth planning around

  • Canada Day celebrations (July 1)
  • The Arnprior Market season [VERIFY: market day, season dates, location]
  • Santa Claus Parade [VERIFY: date]
  • Fall fair and community festivals [VERIFY: names and dates]

Our Events Calendar tracks everything happening this month.

Know something we missed? This guide grows with reader tips — tell us what belongs here. And for everything happening in town this week, join The Prior’s free weekly newsletter.