Eager for a getaway, I was very happy when my dear friend O. invited us over, in the city where she’s been living for a while: Pembroke. Five hours from Toronto didn’t seem too long when the landscape we passed by was amazing, especially after we got off the main Highway 401. Nestled on the shores of the highlands of Ottawa River, the little and cozy city of Pembroke was first settled in 1828, due to the developing logging industry, as the first settlers found a rich region of white and red pines.
Evidence of this rich past can be found in the architectural style still visible on the main street, and even though I visited the city during the weekend, and the city looked a bit deserted,
I was amazed at the energy generated by the walls of the buildings who spoke by themselves through some paintings.
Walking through Pembroke’s downtown I started to see more and more murals, and actually I found out later that there are more than 30 large-scale murals depicting the history, settlement and heritage of the Ottawa Valley, painted by both local and national artists. A true outdoor gallery, probably the largest in Canada.
Some images are worth a thousand of words, bringing the time back: they all are an opened history book, reminding us where we came from, and where we headed to, making us realize all our achievements, and accomplishments.
A lesson of history, moreover when it is combined with a lesson of art, it makes a perfect way to capture attention.
Once I saw the first mural I kind of knew there are more, and then I started my walking tour through the Pembroke little downtown. There is a map of all of them which I didn’t know at that time; anyway the majority of the murals can’t be missed as they are so close to each other.
One amazing thing that happened to me while trying to make a photo of the 264 foot long mural Marching Toward the Millennium was when a lady who was driving a truck had stopped in the middle of the street to let me take the photo, as I was on the other side of the street. Kind souls, I was really impressed, as they give priority to the tourists rather than the traffic.
Great place to spend the evening was the Marina: to observe the swallows, or the river, to fish, or simply watch the sunset. Famous for fishing, we took our chances in Ottawa River and tended our rods while admiring the views. We had a moment of joy when we noticed a bold eagle on the other side of the Muskrat River, who perched for more than half an hour on the top of a tree.
We admired the unmistakable gliding of the famous swallows, playing and flying above our heads.
And of course the quiet and the peaceful sunset.
** visited in July 2019
Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful summer, wherever you are! Happy travels, wherever you go!
This was a marvelous gallery of very fine murals, Christie. Murals are not easy to photograph with light, pedestrians, and most of all, big size to contend with — and you did so well. Even did a good job presenting the 3D Timber Raft mural with wood and flora included. I enjoyed each mural; the tribute, art design, colors and presentation. It must have been so exhilarating to walk by one after another after another. It’s quite extraordinary. When I came to the lumber mural that was painted by 1,400 people I read and re-read it to make sure I had that right. Crazy! Thanks for this lovely post.
Thank you Jet for your nice words. Indeed, it was exhilarating to walk by through the city, especially because I didn’t expect such a great street exhibition in a small city. I actually missed some of the murals, as I didn’t know there is a map with all of them, but definitely lucky to be able to learn a little bit of history while enjoying the art.
Wow, these are awesome murals. I’m always amazed at the size and detail – how do they do it? These capture history so well. It seems like a nice place to visit.
Nothing better than a summer road trip! The murals are astounding, and the natural scenery looks pretty nice, too.
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I love road trips, and this area has so many to offer. I will definitely go back one day to see more the surroundings. Thank you!
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What an interesting city. This street art is amazing!
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I love the street art! It is like a free art museum🙂
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This was a marvelous gallery of very fine murals, Christie. Murals are not easy to photograph with light, pedestrians, and most of all, big size to contend with — and you did so well. Even did a good job presenting the 3D Timber Raft mural with wood and flora included. I enjoyed each mural; the tribute, art design, colors and presentation. It must have been so exhilarating to walk by one after another after another. It’s quite extraordinary. When I came to the lumber mural that was painted by 1,400 people I read and re-read it to make sure I had that right. Crazy! Thanks for this lovely post.
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Thank you Jet for your nice words. Indeed, it was exhilarating to walk by through the city, especially because I didn’t expect such a great street exhibition in a small city. I actually missed some of the murals, as I didn’t know there is a map with all of them, but definitely lucky to be able to learn a little bit of history while enjoying the art.
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Wow, Marching Toward The Millennium is incredible! Love this post and murals Christie.
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Thank you! This little town was a surprise for me, and I enjoyed the walking so much!
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I love seeing the murals in new places. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Indeed, they speak a lot about a place. Thank you!
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Wow, these are awesome murals. I’m always amazed at the size and detail – how do they do it? These capture history so well. It seems like a nice place to visit.
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Thank you for your kind note Pam. Indeed, Pembroke is a cozy place to visit, the murals were a huge bonus for us🙂
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