The new Rural Ramble Set to Showcase the Ottawa Valley

(Pembroke) - The new Rural Ramble in the Ottawa Valley is getting ready to celebrate rural living. Showcasing three weekends of exploration, agriculture, arts and history, this year’s event begins September 18th and runs until October 3rd.

Organized by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA), the Rural Ramble is a free, self-guided, driving tour set against a backdrop of beautiful fall colours. This year’s event will showcase many natural and human-built wonders of the Ottawa Valley; the various agricultural and rural operations of the scenic countryside; the vibrant arts and cultural communities; as well as the rich history and heritage of Ottawa Valley residents.

“We are very excited about the new format of the Rural Ramble and are pleased to see so many new sites participating”, noted Lauren McIllfaterick, OVTA Communications Coordinator. “This year’s event promises to be exciting with more sites, more attractions, and no admission fee to the public. It’s the perfect opportunity for visitors of all ages to come to Renfrew County and experience our Valley hospitality first-hand!”

Each year, more than 2,000 visitors flock to Renfrew County to enjoy the fresh air and glorious fall colours, while experiencing some of the best of what the Ottawa Valley has to offer! With an unprecedented 37 sites participating this year, there are lots of new things to see and do, including:

• Learn about the heritage of the Ottawa River while whitewater rafting with RiverRun Rafting & Wilderness Resort
• Paint pictographs, carve soap stone, and explore the Algonquin culture and history at The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre
• Celebrate the Fall season with larger than life storybook characters at Storyland
• Participate in the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour and visit the private studios of Ottawa Valley artists
• Help build and paint a giant paper-maché turtle at the South of 60 Arts Centre
• Join the Renfrew County ATV Club’s “Rally in the Valley”
• Sample local honey and Eganville’s Finest gourmet ice cream at Serendipity on the River
• Learn about recycling and composting at the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre
• Zipline above whitewater between prehistoric rock walls at Chutes Coulonge Park

Additionally, visitors can enjoy special Rural Ramble menu items at some of the restaurants or take advantage of the “Rural Ramble Weekend Sales” being held at various specialty shops on the tour. Some of the returning favourites on the Ramble are the Peruvian alpacas at Ballintotas Alpacas, bats at the Bonnechere Caves, pumpkin boat races at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch, maple syrup making at Mapleside Sugar Bush and speaking “on air” with a DJ at Valley Heritage Radio 98.7FM.

“We are extremely grateful to the numerous businesses for coming on board as sponsors and promoters of this year’s Ramble. The event would not be possible without the support from the local community,” added McIllfaterick.

This year’s event is free to the public which means there are no bracelets to buy, however admission fees may apply for certain activities (refer to the official event guide for further details). Ramblers can pick up a copy of the official Rural Ramble event guide at various retail outlets located throughout Renfrew County or download a copy via the OVTA’s website at www.ottawavalley.travel.

The OVTA is the Ottawa Valley’s official destination marketing organization, proudly representing more than 230 tourism businesses and suppliers, comprised of attractions and events, accommodation, dining and retail establishments, rafting companies and outfitters, artists and galleries, as well as media and industry suppliers. The OVTA gratefully acknowledges the support of its’ corporate partners: Blue North Web Studios, Calabogie Peaks Resort, Discount Car and Truck Rental, myFM, the City of Pembroke and the County of Renfrew.