45 Best Things to Do in Almonte Ontario (2024)

If you’re looking for things to do in Almonte Ontario, look no further!

This list has something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs.

With its prime location near Ottawa, this is an easy day trip for anyone to enjoy. You can even visit as part of a trip from Toronto or Montreal on a weekend to enjoy this Ontario small town.

So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy all that this charming town has to offer! Let’s dive right in to the best things to do in Almonte, Ontario!

Where is Almonte Ontario?

Almonte is located in Lanark County in Eastern Ontario, Canada. It is situated on the Mississippi River, just a short drive from Ottawa.

This makes it the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Almonte has a population of just over 5,000 and is known for its small-town charm.

There is no shortage of things to do in Almonte! This quaint town offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Most people don’t even know this town exists – I definitely passed by it on my first drive from Ottawa to Algonquin Park without a second glance.

But once you know this hidden gem is so close to the Canadian capital city, you can’t help but stop in! (I do, probably far too often considering my chocolate bills.)

Best Place to Stay Near Almonte: Bookstreet Hotel

“The Friendly Town” of Almonte Ontario

Almonte’s history dates back to before the founding of Canada as a nation. It was first settled by Europeans in 1818 to set up a Mill. But it actually didn’t get its name until 1855.

Oddly, the name isn’t based on any member of the town. It’s actually named for Juan Almonte, a Mexican General fighting the Americans. During this time, the US and Canada were also in territorial disputes, so it’s likely the name was changed as they viewed him as a sort of heroic, David vs. Goliath figure.

It is likely the only community in Canada named for a Mexican General.

Almonte experienced rapid growth in the early 1900s due to its location on the Mississippi River and its proximity to Ottawa. The town was home to a number of mills and factories, which employed many residents.

The town’s heyday came to an end in the 1950s with the closure of the mills and factories. However, Almonte has continued to thrive as a charming small town with a lot to offer visitors.

The town has been nicknamed “The Friendly Town” due to its welcoming residents. And it’s no wonder why – everyone I’ve met in Almonte has been incredibly friendly and helpful!

Fun Fact: Almonte doesn’t technically exist! It’s actually an amalgamation of two towns: Ramsey and Pakenham. It’s now technically actually Mississippi Mills. But no one calls it that. To us locals, it’ll forever be Almonte.

What is Almonte Ontario known for?

Almonte was put on the map by James Naismith – the inventor of basketball. He was born in Almonte in 1861 and you can learn all about him at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The town is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Old Stone Mill – which is one of the oldest working grist mills in North America!

To me, Almonte is best known as the home of Hummingbird Chocolate Factory, which has the BEST chocolate in all of Ottawa!

26 Best Things to Do in Almonte Ontario

1. Stoll the Almonte Riverwalk

The Almonte Riverwalk is one of the best things to do in Almonte Ontario. This scenic trail follows the Mississippi River through town.

It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a morning run. You’ll find a number of locals out and about, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Make sure to stop at the cascading waterfalls for a photo op!

The river is an extremely important part of Almonte’s history, as it’s where the prosperous mills were located.

Following this path from Old Town Hall to the Metcalf Geoheritage Park is literally a chance to walk through history.

How long is the Almonte Riverwalk?

The Almonte Riverwalk is approximately 3km in one direction from the Old Town Hall to the Geoheritage Park.

There are plenty of benches to stop and sit along the way. This easy hike is accessible, as it’s built up of a boardwalk.

What river runs through Almonte Ontario?

The Almonte Riverwalk follows the Mississippi River – not the US one!

This Mississippi River is a small, freshwater river that runs through Almonte and the surrounding area. It’s a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

2. Cycle the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail

The Ottawa Valley Rail Trail is a former rail line that has been converted into a cycling and walking trail. It’s an abandoned rail line that closed down in World War 2 after a tragic accident. It’s still a popular spot for photo ops!

It stretches 160km from Smiths Falls to Renfrew.

It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, as it’s an easy and scenic way to explore the area.

A section of the trail runs through Almonte, making it one of the best things to do in town.

The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for all skill levels. You can cycle at your own pace, stopping to enjoy the scenery along the way.

If you don’t have your own bike, no worries! There are a number of places to rent bikes in town.

The trail is open year-round, but it’s especially enjoyable in the spring and summer months.

3. Canoe on the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is one of the best things to do in Almonte. This scenic river runs through town and offers a number of different canoeing and kayaking routes.

There are a number of different companies that offer canoe rentals. They’ll drop you off at your starting point and pick you up at your ending point.

This is a great activity for all skill levels, as the river is relatively calm.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even bring your own canoe. Just be sure to check the river conditions before you head out!

4. Kayak to the Blakeney Rapids

The Blakeney Rapids are one of the most popular kayaking spots in Almonte. They’re located just outside of town and offer a challenging paddle for experienced kayakers.

If you’re up for an adventure, put your kayaking skills to the test on this thrilling trip! Just be sure to heed the warning signs, as the rapids can be dangerous.

Less experienced kayakers who don’t want to take on the white water can instead kayak from Almonte to near the rapids to get a pretty sight, before heading back to town.

After a day of kayaking, you can relax at one of the many campsites located along the river.

This is a great spot for a weekend getaway!

5. Shop in Downtown Almonte

I’m not much of a shopper usually, but I LOVE a small-town boutique.

Seriously, my childhood bedroom was covered in random knick-knacks from small towns around the world.

Now I mostly hunt for food and books at shops, but that doesn’t stop me from window shopping!

Here are the best shops I’ve found in Almonte:

Tin Barn Market – An eclectic store of hand-picked home decor and even some antiques.

Mill Street Bookstore – Small town bookstores will always have my heart!

L.G. Lee and Sons – I don’t garden or use tools (other than the Ikea Allen key), so you wouldn’t expect me to love this hardware store. But it’s a gorgeous historical building and it even has cute home decor.

Cheerfully Made Goods + Market – This clothing and gift shop is my #1 must-stop in Almonte for cute tees and mugs.

Peches and Poivres – Stop by for sweet and savoury fine foods. I love their jams!

Alliance Coin & Banknote – A unique brick-and-mortar coin shop that is more exciting that the Canada Mint in my opinion!

Almonte Butcher Shop – I love their charcuterie plates for picnics – especially when I stop in on my way to go hiking in Algonquin Park.

Crush Marketplace – A shoe marketplace to rival the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto!

Darrell Thomas Textiles – A textile shop that’s perfect for sewers and embroiderers.

Don’s Meat Market – An epic butchery that I love asking for advice and their homemade sausages.

Doree’s Habit – Carefully curated clothes and gifts. But the real spot is the second-floor balcony!

Gilligallou Bird Inc – The only stop birdwatchers ever need to get their supplies.

Kehla Jewellery Design Studio – An award-winning goldsmith who does custom jewellery.

Kentfield Kids – Everything kids could need apparel-wise – even cute backpacks for back to school!

Vamos Outdoors – Outdoor clothing and accessories from Canadian brands. I adore this little shop for all outdoorsy gear and for durable dresses!

6. Sip Coffee at a Coffee Shop

Caffeine tends to make me jumpy, but I still love a good coffee shop – I am, after all, a literature student!

I spent 5 years studying in coffee shops during my three degrees with a book and a warm drink in hand.

North Market Cafe and Catering – A cute bakery with muffins, scones, and truffles! They are licensed and do sandwiches or breakfast tacos as well. I love a fresh cup of tea with the tacos before heading to the Riverwalk.

Baker Bob’s – Bread and pastries rule here! It’s a great spot for cakes for events, as well.

7. Almonte Ice Cream Shop

A hot summer day in Ontario basically requires ice cream.

I love the milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches at the Almonte Ice Cream Shop – not to mention the scoops – at this outdoor shop.

They even do themed cones for Canada Day!

8. Naismith Museum

Did you know that the game of basketball was invented in Almonte by a Canadian physical educator?

I had no idea!

When I found out, I knew I had to visit the Naismith Museum.

It’s located on campus at the Almonte General Hospital and isn’t very big, but it’s free to enter and has a lot of interesting information.

I may not know how to play basketball, but it was fascinating to learn about James Naismith and how he came up with the game.

9. Naismith statue at Mill Street and Little Bridge Street

If you can’t get enough of basketball history, there’s also a statue of James Naismith in Almonte!

It’s located at the corner of Mill Street and Little Bridge Street.

I didn’t even know who he was until I visited the museum, but now I love learning about Almonte’s connection to this important Canadian inventor.

(I think I did learn it eons ago in a class, but it’s a fun Canada fact that didn’t stick in my head.)

10. R. Tait McKenzie Museum

Robert Tait McKenzie was a doctor and sculptor who was born in Almonte.

His sculptures are all over the world, but there’s a nice collection of them – as well as some of his other artworks – at the R. Tait McKenzie Museum on campus at the Almonte General Hospital.

There are also often rotating exhibitions, so it’s worth checking the website before you visit to see what’s on.

The museum is free to enter, and it’s a great way to spend an hour or two if you’re interested in art.

11. Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is located in an old textile mill in Almonte.

It’s a great place to learn about the history of the textile industry in Canada – and see some of the machines that were used to manufacture cloth.

There are also often rotating exhibitions, so it’s worth checking the website before you visit to see what’s on.

The museum is free to enter, and it’s a great way to spend an hour or two if you’re interested in art.

Their permanent exhibit on Fabric of a Small Town is really interesting, too!

I liked getting to see the old printing press and other historic artifacts – that aren’t really textile based but are about the history of the town.

12. Hummingbird Chocolate Maker

This is legitimately the reason I first visited Hummingbird Chocolate Maker.

I had seen their chocolate bars in the shop and I wanted to try them!

The company is located in an old stone building on Mill Street, and it’s really cozy inside.

You can watch them make chocolate through a big window, and there’s a counter where you can buy some of their delicious products.

They also do tours on Saturday every week, but you have to pre-book to visit.

In the summer, I’ll drive from Ottawa just to get a frocho – one of their frozen chocolate ice cream bars that are hand-dipped.

The peanut butter and chocolate is my favourite!

13. Healthy Food Technologies Donuts

I’d never have equated donuts with “healthy”, but Healthy Food Technologies is famous for their low-calorie treats!

The donuts actually have 50-70% less fat than a usual donut – and half the calories!

This is due to their special baking process, where they reduce the time spent in the frier to reduce the amount of oil absorbed.

I’m not usually a donut fan cause I find them either oily or cake-y – but Healthy Food has NAILED a delicious (and healthy) donut that doesn’t slow you down or overhype you.

14. Equator Coffee Roasters

I am oddly fascinated by the production of coffee. And ever since bingeing Gilmore Girls 4 times in uni, I’ve always had this romantic notion of coffee – yet I usually can’t stomach the taste or the caffeine.

That’s why I was so pumped to try the cupping experience at Equator Coffee Roasters.

Think of it as a wine tasting, but with coffee!

You learn how to scent the coffee, how to identify flavours, and how to properly brew the coffee.

I will say, it’s a bit like Turkish coffee – where you boil it and then have to let the ground sink to the bottom rather than straining them. This means you have to “slurp” the coffee from the top with a little spoon.

I loved getting to try the different types of coffee to find out I prefer a darker roast (which is unsurprising, as I only like dark chocolate as well).

Definitely stop by for a class or just for a great cup of coffee!

15. Good Food Tour

If you’ve read my round-up of Toronto Food Tours, you’ll know that I’m a sucker for a food tour.

This Good Food Tour literally tells you its quality in the title, so I had to go on it, right??

I definitely think it’s one of the best things to do in Almonte.

What is a food tour you ask?

It’s where you walk around a neighbourhood with a guide, and they take you to different food places to try out the local cuisine.

This food tour isn’t just about the food though (there is a ton of it!). It’s also about exploring the history of Almonte Ontario.

They offer two tours, as well as private options.

The Bites on Bridge Street Tour is offering Carelton Place, between Kanata and Almonte.

The Downtown Meets Uptown Tour is the Almonte specialty. The tour blends the history of downtown with the ingenuity of food-preneurs in the uptown area.

Note: The Good Food Tour company is on hiatus for 2022. They will be returning in 2023.

16. Dairy Distillery

Did you know vodka can come from milk??

I sure didn’t! And I’m sure my Russian grandmother is passing out from shock!

Known for their unique “Vodkow” Vodka, the Dairy Distillery is literally using every part of the milk.

They noticed that the milk sugars are usually thrown out after skimming the cream and milk. So they started fermenting it to create a smooth spirit.

Lactose intolerant people should avoid even the normal Vodkow (they also have a Vodkow Cream!) as the sugars are the lactose of milk.

I love that it’s sold in cute glass milk bottles!

And honestly, it’s a good vodka. I didn’t really expect that beyond the hype of its unique sugars.

One bottle costs about $32 with taxes.

17. Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Almonte. It’s in the center of the small Ontario town and is a heritage building.

The building was erected in 1885 and has housed a variety of different operations including municipality offices, the fire station, police station and jailhouse, and the municipal library.

Today, the Old Town Hall is the premier venue for theatre, musical performances, craft shows, weddings, conferences, exhibitions, community dinners and events, feature films, and professional music recordings.

If you’re looking for things to do in Almonte, the Old Town Hall should definitely be on your list!

18. Sivarulrasa Gallery

Sivarulrasa is a local art gallery that focuses on contemporary and indigenous Canadian artists.

The gallery also hosts artist talks, performances, and workshops.

I love that they have a mix of local and national/international artists.

It’s a great place to support local artists as well as see some amazing contemporary artwork.

They also hold an annual event called Culture22 which is a music and art event for 22 people (the capacity of the space).

If you’re looking for things to do in Almonte, definitely check out this gallery.

19. Soundscaping in the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area

Soundscaping is a type of sound healing where you listen to different sounds in nature to relax and de-stress.

The Mill of Kintail Conservation Area is the perfect place to do this, as it’s a quiet and secluded spot.

There are a variety of different sounds you can listen to, including waterfalls, rain, thunderstorms, wind, and birds.

I love this activity because it’s a great way to relax and connect with nature.

If you’re looking for what to do in Almonte, soundscaping is a great option – especially in the spring.

20. Equine Yoga at Willaway Farms

I love horses. I love yoga. So why wouldn’t I love the two together??

You can at Willaway Farms!

Unlike goat yoga, the horses aren’t jumping all over your back (thank goodness for that!). Instead, you do the yoga outside their stall in the barn.

To start, you stretch out on a chair in front of their stall. Everyone gets their own horse.

But it’s up to the horse to decide whether or not they feel like participating (I’m so here for ethical animal experiences like this!).

Then, once you’re comfortable, the horse is brought out on cross ties. This is kind of like a leash but there are two to both walls.

Then the poses are adjusted to the individuals – like a wall sit but you use the horse as the wall!

It’s an unusual thing to do in Ontario but it’s also an unforgettable experience. And you’ll leave incredibly calm – even if it’s just because you didn’t have a horse jumping on your back.

21. Metcalfe Geoheritage Park

The Metcalfe Geoheritage Park is a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and exploring local rocks.

It’s the first park of its kind in Canada – and it seems to be the first in North America as a whole.

Essentially, the park is founded around the principle of exploring rocks. Since Almonte is on the Canadian Shield, it’s a pretty great place to do so!

But even if you’re not super into geology (I’m not), you can still enjoy lovely hiking past waterfalls.

22. Almonte Lagoons Birding Complex

I will preface this by saying that I’m not a bird watcher, so I don’t fully understand all the types of birds that exist in Ontario.

But I was told repeatedly that if you are a bird watcher, you must visit the town of Almonte, Ontario. (Even my neighbour who is always out chasing off grackles told me I had to stop by!)

The Almonte Lagoons Birding Complex is a great spot to see all sorts of birds – over 200 species have been spotted here!

Be sure to pack your binoculars. It’s great to visit in spring and fall when the birds are migrating from the Arctic.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Almonte, and bird watching is your thing, this is the spot for you.

23. Seven Wonders of Lanark County

Lanark County is full of small towns, each with their own charm. But if you’re looking for things to do in Almonte, you can’t go wrong with visiting the Seven Wonders of Lanark County.

The seven wonders are:

• Five Span Bridge
• St. Peter Celestine Church
• The Mill of Kintail Museum
• Blueberry Mountain
• Lady’s Slipper Orchids
• Silver Queen Mica Mine
• Stewart Park

Each wonder is unique and definitely worth a visit. You could easily spend a couple of days visiting all seven!

24. Five Span Bridge

The Five Span Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lanark County. It’s a steel truss bridge that spans the Mississippi River.

It was built in 1897 and is one of only two five-span bridges remaining in Ontario.

The best time to visit is during the fall, when the leaves are changing colour. It’s a beautiful spot for a stroll or a picnic.

25. Day Trip to Perth Ontario

Perth is a beautiful town located in Lanark County. It’s only a 30 minute drive from Almonte, making it the perfect day trip destination.

There are plenty of things to do in Perth!

My favourite is visiting the cheese factory, hiking along the Rideau Trail, and getting a delicious grilled cheese with red pepper jam from Northfolk Cafe!

No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to do in Perth.

26. Blueberry Mountain

Blueberry Mountain is one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County. It’s located in the Almonte area and is a great spot for hiking.

The best time to visit is in late September, when the blueberries are ripe and ready to be picked.

But even if you don’t love blueberries, the views from the top of the mountain are worth the hike.

12 Best Almonte Ontario Restaurants

1. Loom Bistro (Formerly Heirloom Cafe and Bistro)

Located in the Almonte Riverside Inn, Loom is a great spot for fine dining at an affordable price. Tuna crusted in peppercorns is my go to. And you can’t leave without trying their dark chocolate pot de creme!

2. The Barley Mow

I actually get the Barley Mow delivered to Ottawa on the regular. But visiting this pub is so much nicer as you get a view of the Mississippi River from their patio.

Their butter chicken is amazing. I can’t eat their fish and chips, as I’m celiac, but I’ve been told they’re famous for them!

3. Cafe Postino

A cute Italian restaurant in the city’s old post office. Their pasta is just the thing you need after a winter hike!

4. The Greene Mill

A local food truck with Buddha bowls that will make you feel properly zen!

Their pakora, sandwiches, and fries all make great picnic food.

5. Almonte Lobby Bar

My favourite place for a cocktail in Almonte.

It’s stunning to visit, so you’ll likely want to check out their yummy menu.

 6. Crooked Mile Brewing Company

You can’t go wrong with British ales imported from the UK that make me feel like I’m living in Scotland again!

Pair them with some yummy finger food for an afternoon snack.

7. Cheeky Chippy

A food truck that’s all about fish and chips.

8. Mill Street Crepe Company

Crepes are the star at this eatery! They have both sweet and savoury.

9. Tea and Cake

I love this little tea shop for classic British high tea.

The clotted cream on scones is definitely the highlight for me!

10. Joe’s Italian Kitchen

A former wool mill turned Italian restaurant, you’ll want to stop by for a visit. The patio overlooks the Mississippi River, and the pizzas are so yum.

11. North Market

I always pop in here for the breakfast tacos on my way to Algonquin Park. They also have great rice noodle salads for lunch and a selection of baked goods that are a perfect sweet treat to eat on the Riverwalk.

12. Pizzaria Unlimited

The name says it all: it’s all about the pizza!

Almonte Festivals and Events

1. BusFusion (mid-June)

A gathering of VW buses/vans with live music.

2. Almonte Celtfest (early July)

A Celtic music festival with local Celtic artisans in Gemmil Park.

3. The Almonte Fair (mid-July)

A weekend fair with prizes, rides, games, and even car bingo!

4. The North Lanark Highland Games (late August)

Much like the Fergus Highland Festival, this is a celebration of traditional Highland Games. Events even include log throwing!

5. Almonte Fibrefest (mid-September)

A festival about the fibre arts – not the food fiber like I initially thought.

Think more yarn and weaving instead of apples and Metamucil.

6. Light Up the Night (early December)

The Almonte Christmas Lights festival. It’s an Almonte Ontario winter must do!

7. Almonte Farmer’s Market

From early spring to mid-fall, you’ll find fresh produce at this local farmers’ market in Almonte Ontario.

How to Pronounce “Almonte”

If you’re not from the area, you might be wondering how to say “Almonte.”

The correct pronunciation is “al-mont,” with an emphasis on the first syllable.

In the traditional Spanish, it’d be “al-mon-teh”, but it’s been bastardized over the year. Most Ottawa natives still call it “al-mon-teh” though – and I’m one of them!

How to Get to Almonte

Almonte Ontario to Toronto

If you’re coming from the Toronto area, take Highway 7 east towards Peterborough. From Peterborough, take Highway 28 north towards Bancroft. Once you’re in Bancroft, follow the signs to Almonte. The drive should take about 4 hours.

On Highway 7 you can typically follow signs for Ottawa to get you close.

Almonte Ontario to Montreal

If you’re coming from Montreal, take Highway 417 west towards Ottawa. From Ottawa, take Highway 7 west towards Carleton Place. Once you’re in Carleton Place, follow the signs to Almonte. The drive should take about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Almonte Ontario to Ottawa

If you’re coming from Ottawa, take Highway 7 west towards Carleton Place. Once you’re in Carleton Place, follow the signs to Almonte. The drive should take about 45 minutes.

If you’re in Kanata, it’s even quicker!

Almont Ontario Hotels: Where to Stay

• Budget: Holiday Inn, Kanata
• Mid-Level: Best Western Plus, Kanata
• Luxury: Brookstreet Hotel, Kanata

Movies Filmed in Almonte Ontario

If you’re a fan of movies, you might be surprised to know that Almonte has been featured in a few films!

It’s been the setting of:

• The Exchange
• The Evil Twin
• Awakening the Zodiac
• Christmas Festival of Ice
• The Rooftop Christmas Tree.

It’s best known for being the setting of the two Hallmark Christmas movies.

FAQs Almonte Ontario:

Is Almonte Ontario a good place to live?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on what you’re looking for in a place to live. Almonte does have a small town feel, but it’s also close to Ottawa which offers more city life options.

Cost of living is lower, but you may not think Almonte Ontario is a good place to live if you have to commute 40 minutes to downtown Ottawa daily for work.

Is Almonte a town or city?

Almonte is a town located in Lanark County, in eastern Ontario.

How big is Almonte Ontario?

The population of Almonte is about 5,039 people. The town covers an area of 4.41 square kilometers.

What province is Almonte in?

Almonte is in the province of Ontario.

It’s located on the shores of the Mississippi River, looking out onto Quebec.

Where can I walk in Almonte?

The best place to walk in Almonte is the Almonte Riverwalk. You can also walk around Gemmil Park, or down by the Mississippi River.

Wrap Up: Best Things to Do in Almonte, Ontario

If you’re looking for a charming small town to explore, Almonte Ontario is the place for you.

With its historic buildings and lovely riverwalk, you’ll love spending time in this picturesque town.

Be sure to check out the North Lanark Highland Games or Fibrefest if you’re visiting during the right season, and don’t miss Light Up the Night – the annual Christmas lights festival.

And of course, no trip to Almonte would be complete without a stop at Hummingbird Chocolate Maker for a frocho!

I hope you have an epic adventure in Almonte – whether it’s for a weekend or a day trip from Ottawa.

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