Petawawa River Spring

## Overview The Petawawa River Spring is a small natural spring that emerges from exposed rock along the banks of the Petawawa River, near the town of Petawawa in eastern Ontario. The spring water seeps out from the rock face and flows across relatively flat stone before joining the river below. Situated between the well-known Catwalk section of the river and the next set of large rapids downstream, this spring occupies a scenic stretch of the Petawawa that also offers views of the dramatic Suicide Rapids visible from the beach side. The Petawawa River itself has a long history as a travel corridor — its name is believed to derive from an Algonquin word, and the river has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and later by loggers during Ontario's timber trade era. The spring sits within a rugged landscape of Canadian Shield rock, which is characteristic of this part of the Ottawa Valley. The exposed Precambrian bedrock that feeds the spring is part of one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, and the cold, clear water that emerges from it is typical of shield-country groundwater sources. ## Directions 1. Head to **Summit Trail** (also known locally as Cemetery Side Road) near Petawawa, Ontario. The GPS coordinates **45.902963, -77.272749** can guide you to the general area — the nearest address reference is 36 Summit Trail, Petawawa, ON K8H. 2. Follow the trail system along the river. Continue past the **Catwalk** section, heading downstream. 3. Watch for a **river bank of clear, exposed rock** above a bend in the river. The spring emerges from the rock at this point and flows as a small, cold stream across the flat stone surface toward the river. 4. You'll know you're in the right area when you can see the **Suicide Rapids** at the end of the river from the beach side. *Note: The trails can be rugged and the terrain is natural Canadian Shield rock — wear sturdy footwear and use caution near the river banks.* ## What to Expect The spring is modest in size — water seeps from cracks in the exposed rock and flows in a thin sheet across relatively flat stone before reaching the Petawawa River. Because of this flat flow pattern, collecting water can be somewhat challenging; bringing a shallow container or flexible bottle may help. The water is notably cold and clear, fed by groundwater filtering through ancient shield rock. While the spring has historically been visited as a natural water source, water quality has not been independently tested, and visitors should be aware that no guarantees of potability can be made. The surrounding area is rich with wildlife. If you carefully lift any of the small rocks in the cold spring stream, you are likely to spot **salamanders** sheltering beneath them — a sign of the water's clarity and the health of the local ecosystem. Please replace any rocks gently to protect their habitat. The setting is beautiful in every season, though spring and summer offer the easiest access and the most comfortable conditions for exploring the trails. The views of the Petawawa River, the Catwalk, and the Suicide Rapids make this a worthwhile stop even beyond the spring itself. The area is popular with hikers, paddlers, and nature enthusiasts exploring the Ottawa Valley's rugged riverscapes.