Are you planning your engagement or family photos in the Ottawa Valley and wondering where the best locations are? From quiet waterfronts and rolling hills to forests, lookouts and charming small-town backdrops, The Renfrew County has no shortage of stunning, natural and meaningful places to capture your story.

Below are some of the top engagement and family session locations across The Renfrew County including what makes each spot unique, the type of lighting you can expect, and why everyone love them.

1. Burnstown Beach & The Surrounding Village

• Best for: Golden hour glow, boho-romantic vibes, casual summer sessions
• Why couples love it: Soft sandy shoreline and a peaceful lakefront atmosphere
• Bonus features: Cute coffee stops & art studios nearby for more candid lifestyle-style photos
• Ideal time: Sunset for warm light and calm water reflections

2. Calabogie Peaks & Calabogie Lake

• Best for: Mountain views without leaving the Valley
• Why couples love it: Pine forests, walking trails, lakeside docks and scenic fall colours
• Bonus features: Can combine multiple looks in one session; forest, waterfront and open spaces
• Ideal seasons: Fall for colour, winter for cozy snow-filled photos

3. Eagles Nest Lookout

• Best for: Dramatic views and adventurous couples
• Why couples love it: Panoramic cliffs, rugged Canadian Shield rock and sunrise light
• Bonus features: Short hike with huge payoff; looks like destination photos without a flight
• Ideal time: Early morning for soft lighting and privacy

4. Pembroke Waterfront & Riverside Park

• Best for: Urban-meets-nature settings
• Why couples love it: Boardwalks, marina views, open grassy spaces and framed river light
• Bonus features: Nearby murals and downtown textures add variety
• Ideal seasons: Spring blossoms and late summer glow

5. Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park

• Best for: Wooded, quiet, natural-light sessions
• Why couples love it: Winding boardwalks, tall pines, marsh areas and soft filtered lighting
• Bonus features: Works in every season, especially dreamy in fog or light snow
• Ideal time: Late afternoon for directional light through the trees

6. Shaw Woods

• Best for: Fairytale-forest energy and adventurous couples
• Why couples love it: Old-growth forest, mossy trails, waterfalls and cathedral-like trees
• Bonus features: Great for storytelling sessions with movement and walking shots
• Ideal season: Summer and fall to get lush greens or rich tones

7. Bonnechere Caves & Fourth Chute

• Best for: Unique scenery and dramatic water movement
• Why couples love it: Powerful falls, rocky landscapes and cinematic backdrops
• Bonus features: Works beautifully for more editorial or documentary-style images
• Ideal time: Sunrise or sunset to avoid harsh mid-day light

8. Renfrew Swinging Bridge & O’Brien Park

• Best for: Iconic local landmark + river views
• Why it works: Suspension bridge movement adds candid, natural moments
• Bonus: Combine with Renfrew’s historic downtown for a second look

9. Round Lake & Bonnechere Provincial Park

• Best for: Wide sandy beach & calm water
• Why it works: Endless horizon lines, quiet mornings and soft golden light
• Bonus: Perfect for cozy blanket sessions or barefoot summer photos

10. Lake Clear Beach

• Best for: Sunset water reflections
• Why it works: Peaceful shoreline with clear water and soft pastel skies
• Bonus: Not as busy as other beaches = privacy

11. Foymount Lookout

• Best for: Big valley views and dramatic skies
• Why it works: One of the highest accessible elevations in Ontario
• Bonus: Stunning fog in the mornings and fiery sunsets

12. Westmeath Provincial Park / Sand Dunes

• Best for: Minimalist, editorial-style backdrops
• Why it works: Tall grasses, sand dunes and open skies giving coastal vibes
• Bonus: Perfect for flowy outfits and movement-based shots

13. Muskrat Lake & Cobden Waterfront Park

• Best for: Lakeside engagement sessions close to town
• Why it works: Docks, soft shoreline and rolling clouds over the water
• Bonus: Ice cream stop at Whitewater Brewery afterward = cute candid moments

14. Logos Land Trails

• Best for: Wooded paths + small waterfall feature
• Why it works: Variety in one location with water, forest and open fields
• Bonus: Gorgeous in fall with rich tones

15. Zurakowski Park & Barry’s Bay Waterfront

• Best for: Small-town charm + lakeside views
• Why it works: Boardwalk, open grass, pine trees and quiet shoreline
• Bonus: Can pair with Opeongo Road for scenic long-road shots

16. Palmer Rapids & Conroy’s Rapids

• Best for: Fast-moving water and rocky river edges
• Why it works: Dramatic textures and adventurous energy
• Bonus: Stunning in low water late summer when rocks are exposed

17. Wilno Lookout & Heritage Park

• Best for: Rolling hills and cultural backdrop
• Why it works: Panoramic valley views + unique wooden architecture
• Bonus: Gorgeous at sunset with deep golden tones

18. Black Donald Lake & Centennial Lake Lookouts

• Best for: Remote and cinematic landscapes
• Why it works: Deep blue water, cliffs and untouched forest
• Bonus: Perfect for couples who want privacy and some adventure

19. Petawawa Point Beach

• Best for: Soft light over the Ottawa River
• Why it works: Sandy beach, long shoreline and calm evening water
• Bonus: Works beautifully for both sunrise + sunset sessions

20. Laurentian Valley Forest Trails

• Best for: Clean, even light in every season
• Why it works: Tall pines, straight paths and soft filtered light
• Bonus: Ideal backup location for moody or rainy days

21. Deacon Escarpment Trail

• Best for: Winding roads + elevated lake views
• Why it works: Long leading lines and panoramic overlooks
• Bonus: Dreamy foggy mornings in spring and fall

22. Golden Lake Deacon Beach

• Best for: Romantic and airy summer sessions
• Why it works: Sandy shoreline, clear water and pastel reflections
• Bonus: The nearby church and heritage buildings add variety for a second look

23. Opeongo Mountain Resort Trails

• Best for: Wooded and private setting
• Why it works: Forest trails, open clearings and quiet lakeside moments
• Bonus: Ideal for couples wanting a calm, nature-focused session

24. Mateway Park Trails

• Best for: Evergreen forests and open fields
• Why it works: Consistent lighting + accessible paths
• Bonus: Stunning in winter and fall

25. Robert Simpson Park

• Best for: Gardens + waterfront
• Why it works: Gazebos, stone walls, boardwalks and wide beaches
• Bonus: Beautiful sunset horizon

26. The Grove

• Best for: Wooded, romantic, nature-filled engagement sessions
• Why it works: The Grove offers tall, mature trees, winding forest paths and beautifully filtered light that creates a soft, dreamy atmosphere perfect for candid, movement-focused photos.
• Bonus: Located right beside the hospital with easy parking and well-maintained trails, it’s accessible year-round and especially magical in fall when the entire forest glows with warm colour.
• Ideal time: Late afternoon or early evening when the sun filters through the tree canopy for golden highlights and even lighting.