Community Highlight: Arnprior

Our featured community this month is Arnprior located in the beautiful Ottawa Valley!


This picturesque community is surrounded by rural areas where the Madawaka and Ottawa Rivers meet. Arnprior has experienced significant growth since Highway 417 was increased to four lanes. You will find a stunning natural environment, the community spirit of a small town, work in many high-paying jobs, and you are still only 30 minutes from Kanata. With many amenities available along with the small town charm, there is no doubt you will have it all living in this community. You will really enjoy the little slice of the Ottawa Valley that you call home.

Welcome to Arnprior

Arnprior is simply one of the best places to live in Eastern Ontario. It is a town in Renfrew County that enjoys a beautiful location where the Madawaska and Ottawa Rivers meet. Arnprior has been known for lumber, hydropower generation, aerospace, and farming for many years.  Arnprior has experienced significant growth since Highway 417 was increased to four lanes. You will find a stunning natural environment, the community spirit of a small town, work in many high-paying jobs, and you are still only 30 minutes from Kanata.

Arnprior’s recreation facilities include four walking trails, a marina, three ball diamonds, a civic centre with two year-round ice surfaces, an indoor pool, and a curling rink. There are also two municipal beaches, 14 parks, and an airport that offers charter tours, skydiving and flying lessons.

Reasons to move to Arnprior

Proud History and an Exciting Future

The land occupied by today’s Arnprior is part of the traditional territory of the Algonquin Nation. Samuel de Champlain was the first European explorer to visit the area in 1613. Daniel McLachlin was one of the most successful businessmen in the area. He built a sawmill at the confluence of the Madawaska and Ottawa Rivers and expanded the community of Arnprior. The lumber industry kept a significant position until the closing of the Gillies Mill.

Arnprior was incorporated as a village in 1862, and in 1892, it was incorporated as a town. The town is the namesake of Arnprior, Scotland. The history of Arnprior is preserved and documented at the Arnprior and District Museum, and the Arnprior and McNab/Braeside Archives are located next door in the Public Library basement.

Surrounded by Nature

Outstanding areas of natural beauty surround Arnprior. The Madawaska and Ottawa Rivers provide fantastic opportunities for all types of water sports. The Macnamara Field Naturalists’ Club set up the Macnamara Trail. The Trail has boardwalks, viewing platforms and benches that let visitors explore it without disturbing its wild character.

The Trail in the southeast corner of Arnprior allows you to enjoy both of Arnprior’s rivers. The Trail starts along the Madawaska River and through the hydro park. You then get a magnificent view of the confluence of the two rivers at Bell Park. Finally, you can enjoy a view of the Ottawa River at McLean Beach. The many rivers and lakes allow for lots of boating, fishing, and canoeing.

The Old Voyageur and Miner’s Trail is 2.3 km long near Arnprior and features a beautiful lake. The Trail offers several activity options and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this Trail but must be kept on a leash.

A Great Place to Do Business

The economy of Arnprior has gone from strength to strength. The highly educated workforce, the proximity to Ottawa, access to Highway 417, having a local airport, full services, and infrastructure have contributed to making Arnprior the location for multinational and Canadian companies. The Arnprior and Area Chamber of Commerce has over 100 members. It supports and advocates for corporations and small to medium-sized businesses. There are many excellent companies in Arnprior: Arnprior Aerospace Inc, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc, Nylene Canada Inc, Pacific Safety Products, Pillar 5 Pharma, and Sandvik Materials Technology Canada.

Some of the Many Attractions in Arnprior

So Many Great Neighbourhoods at Affordable Prices

Arnprior is an exciting, friendly, and growing town. It has a full range of housing options for everyone from singles to families. There are detached, semi-detached, multiples including townhouses and garden homes. Close to town, there are subdivisions and country houses with large plots of land. Whatever type of housing that you select, it will be more affordable in Arnprior.

Antrim Truck Stop

There are many excellent restaurants and service centres in the Arnprior area. The Antrim Truck Stop is the most famous, and it is well known to truck drivers, anyone driving by and many local community members. The services include gas pumps, truckers’ support and amenities, and the Hangar Restaurant. The restaurant has outstanding meals with a great variety. The Bakery has an exceptional choice of bread, rolls, squares, cookies, cakes, and pies. They also offer gluten-free products.

Come and Take a Look

Arnprior is the perfect town to call home. If you are a single-family with children or retirees, there is everything you will want or need in Arnprior.  There are many good jobs in Arnprior; however, if you work in Kanata or Ottawa, there is just a short commute because of the excellent transport links that allow you to have a much larger home with lower monthly costsThere is a strong economy, affordable housing, natural scenery, and friendly communities. There are all types of homes to choose from and even living on a lake or river is possible. It is a special place to play any sport and take part in many cultural and outdoor activities. At the same time, you are only 30 minutes from Ottawa.

Take the short drive to Arnprior, check out the Antrim Truck Stop for a meal or snack, and you will want to come back very soon.

Full-Service Arnprior

While the population of Arnprior is minimal in comparison to other suburbs or Ottawa, the amenities within the city are here to serve. Arnprior’s central location between Ottawa and the upper Ottawa Valley offers residents access to the entertainment and events of Ottawa while enjoying the natural environment and beauty of the Ottawa Valley.

Arnprior has several historical landmarks and all the modern conveniences, including shopping, its own hospital, recreation, restaurants, water sports facilities, and beaches. Arnprior has been recognized as the top community in its class for its heritage conservation and community involvement. Arnprior also has many cultural groups, including historical organizations, live theatre, chamber music, dance, choir, service clubs, and an active artistic community with many studio tours and exhibits.

Contact The Agent DK Team today to see how you can make your move to Arnprior toda