To the west of Pembroke lies Algonquin Park and to the north the Laurentian Mountains. With such natural bounty nearby, Pembroke offers the outdoor enthusiast a wealth of choices. Cross-country skiing and skating on the Rideau Canal beckon during winter. In summer, walking, cycling and horseback riding take visitors cross-country. On water, Pembroke's outlet onto the Ottawa River and its 135-boat marina open up the waterways to boaters. Historically, Pembroke has deep roots in the history of Ontario and Canada going back to Samuel de Champlain's visit in 1613, a legacy reflected in a wealth of heritage buildings and in a series of murals decorating the street scape of Pembroke. On Labour Day every year, music and dance lovers flock to Pembroke for the Fiddle Festival, a celebration of the instrument and step dancing.