Almonte Ontario is one of the province’s most picturesque small towns. Set along the winding Mississippi River, this former mill town is full of history, striking architecture, fun shops, and plenty of places to hike in the area. With a long list of fun things to do in Almonte it makes for a great day trip from Ottawa or a romantic small town getaway!
As someone who’s always in search of new small towns when I travel or to re-explore ones I’ve visited, Almonte Ontario is full of hidden gems. Every time I visit, I discover new incredible places and fabulous food stops.
In this travel guide to Almonte Ontario you’ll learn everything you need to know about planning a visit. You’ll find all the top Almonte tourist attractions like the Grand Falls and Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Plus, I share all the best places to eat and sleep as well as travel tips for a perfect getaway.
Where is Almonte Ontario?
Almonte is located in Lanark County in eastern Ontario, Canada. At 45 minutes from Almonte to Ottawa, it’s one of the best day trips from Ottawa! Plus, if you’re planning a road trip to Ottawa or elsewhere in Ontario, Almonte is a must-stop!
12 Best Things to do in Almonte Ontario
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Stroll the Almonte Riverwalk
One of my favourite Almonte Ontario things to do is stroll the Almonte Riverwalk! This scenic trail hugs the shores of the Mississippi River.
Starting behind the Old Town Hall, the Riverwalk is an easy 1.3 km trail through downtown Almonte. The trail passes a number of the town’s historic sites like the old Mississippi Iron Works and Victoria Woollen Mill.
The Riverwalk is the perfect place to start your visit to Almonte Ontario! It will help orient you to the top attractions and give you an overview of the town’s history with the various plaques along the way.
I love the stretch that takes you along a bridge towards Barley Mow. With the river to one side and a water fountain on the other and lush greenery all around, it’s so enchanting! And dare I say one of the top Instagrammable places in Almonte!
Another great spot along the Riverwalk is when it meets Almonte Street. Here you’ll have a fantastic vantage point to take in the stunning Grand Falls!
Soak in the Grand Falls on Mississippi River
One of the most striking attractions in downtown Almonte is a waterfall!
The Mississippi River running through town has been the life blood of the town for a long time. The town was at one time home to seven woollen mills, that last closed in the 1980s. Now, the river helps attraction tourism to the area.
In the heart of town, the river produces a series of cascade waterfalls.
The waterfall in Almonte is called the Grand Falls. And grand it is! It stretches out next to the historic Woolen Mill, which is now home to a fantastic Italian restaurant with a patio that offers views of the falls.
My favourite place to see the Grand Falls is from the Almonte Street bridge. Standing on the bridge you’ll get a sweeping view of the picture-perfect water cascading over rocks that look like giant steps.
Travel Tip: The best time to see the Grand Falls on the Mississippi River is in the spring when the water is flowing at its peak.
Get a Selfie with the Dr. James Naismith Statue
In the heart of downtown Almonte, on Mill Street, sits a statue of a man who invented one of the most popular spots in the world today!
The bronze statue is of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. Sitting on a bench, looking down the street and holding a basketball, the statue offers the perfect opportunity for a selfie!
The statue was unveiled in 2011, over 100 years after Naismith formulated the idea behind the iconic game. And this year, in 2023, he was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame!
Dr. James Naismith was born in the Almonte area, so it’s only fitting his statue sits centre court in town! Created by US sculptor Elden Tefft, one cool aspect of the statue is that it’s one-and-a-quarter sizes larger than Naismith.
This larger than life Canadian is also credited with the first football helmet, writing the original basketball rulebook, and founding the University of Kansas basketball program.
Travel Tip: If you’re looking for things to do indoors in Almonte or want to learn more about Naismith, visit the Dr. James Naismith Museum located in the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area.
Browse Local Almonte Shops
If you love browsing unique local small town shops like I do then you’ll adore the bounty in downtown Almonte.
My favourite shop is Cheerfully Made! I love everything about this boutique, from its name to the fun and interesting finds within. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a literal ray of sunshine. Along with bold colour and enticing scents from candles and soaps, it’s the perfect place to grab a gift that will make someone smile.
Cheerfully Made sells a wide assortment of Canadian-made items and is all about shopping local. The shelves are lined with things like home décor, funny stickers, body products, and jewelry. Plus, they sell one of the coolest chocolates in Ontario by Alicja Confections. These fun postcard chocolate bars come in all sort of weird and wonderful flavours like Pinot Noir and Tropical Heatwave.
If you love browsing book shops then pop into Mill Street Books! This small independent bookstore has an array of titles to choose from. The shelves are lined with children’s books, new releases, and classics. Plus, you’ll find some adorable items like their totes with great quotes.
Another fabulous shop is Tin Barn Market! Inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of new and vintage home decor and furniture. The vibe is rustic chic with a node to pops of colour and playful pieces like adorable little mice holding lights. These would look so fun on a bookshelf!
Go Antiquing
Of all the pretty small towns to visit in Ontario, Almonte is one of the best for antique shops!
Many of the top shops are located along Mill Street, with the largest being Almonte Antiques & Collectibles. Covering 5,000 square feet across two floors, it’s made up of over 50 vendors. Inside this heritage building you’ll find a massive selection of items.
This antique shop has things like vintage cameras, retro toys, Underwood typewriters, antique furniture, and so much more! It’s like a shoppable museum!
One of the coolest antique shops in Almonte is Big Vintage! Perched at the top of the hill, this shop is full of colour, curiosities, and collectibles.
Home to a variety of small rooms and winding hallways, there’s so much to take in. Big Vintage sells an array of antiques that range from vintage clothing to collectible ceramics. However, everything is expertly laid out with themed sections.
Another great shop to take a peek inside is Nine Lives Antiques. If the fun name doesn’t get you then the items spilling out onto the street will! Nine Lives Antiques specializes in used books.
Their shelves have everything from classics to obscure finds. In addition to books, they have a large collection of military memorabilia, unique vintage home decor pieces, and more.
Visit Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
One of the grandest mills in town was the old Rosamond Woollen Mill on Coleman Island. Built in 1867, the mill employed over 400 people, which was the most of any in town.
Now, the Rosamond Woollen Mill complex is home to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Inside the museum showcases a permanent exhibit about the history of the town’s mills, its workers, and how it impacted the Mississippi Valley area.
You’ll see a large collection of preserved textiles as well as textile themed art. In addition, you’ll learn about the history of the building, which is a national historic site of Canada.
If you’re visiting in September, then check out their annual Fibrefest! Running for over 25 years, the festival takes place at various points around town, including the museum. The festival boasts a number of things to see and do including demonstration of spinning, lacemaking, and weaving. There’s also over 80 vendors selling textiles and related items. Plus, you can even take part in over 20 workshops.
Travel Tip: Please note that the museum is not open on Sunday or Monday.
Explore the Mill Street Murals
A fun way to explore downtown is to seek out all the murals in Almonte!
Most of the murals in town depict notable citizens as well as prominent people that made their mark on the area’s history. One of which is the mural of General Juan N. Almonte, the Mexican general that the Almonte is named after. This mural is above Threadwork at 68 Mill Street.
On the side of the post office are a number of figures. These represent a long-standing Postmistress in town, a former mayor, and an ice cream baron in town.
Hidden within the tunnel that leads to Barley Mow from Mill Street are a few more murals. One of which is Edith Bradley, a singer and actress at in the 1920s.
Plus, there’s a traditional mural on the side of Mill Street Books. This one features children reading among piles and shelves of books.
Fuel up at Equator Coffee Roasters
One of the best coffee roasters in Ontario is located right in Almonte! Equator Coffee Roasters has 25 years of roasting and brewing fair-trade, organic coffee under their belt.
The Equator Coffee Roasters facility is home to a spacious café. Grab a coffee and a delicious treat and fuel up in style.
Plus, if you’re a coffee aficionado then book a ticket for one of their tours. Equator Coffee Roasters tours run Saturday mornings.
During the tour you’ll learn about how they roast their coffee as well as about their ethical sourcing of the beans and other sustainable choices. And the best part is that along with tour, you’ll receive a bag of coffee, a discount off purchases in store, and a coffee tasting! All for $20.
In addition to the café and tours, Equator offers coffee making classes. You can learn how to brew it right or all about espresso.
However, even a stop in to grab a coffee is a treat. You can sit inside or on their patio.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Tea & Cake
Nestled in a row of businesses on Bridge Street is Tea & Cake. This lovely little British-style tearoom in Almonte is the perfect place to enjoy some lunch and a spot of tea.
The charm of Tea & Cake is reminiscent of many Ontario afternoon tea rooms. There are China tea cups, local art and plates decorating the walls. The counter is lined with tasty treats and an array of classic tea pots.
Tea & Cake serve Pluck Tea, a premium tea maker from Toronto. You’ll find a long list of teas to choose from. I love the Chai Spice and the Georgian Bay Berry.
They offer a menu that includes breakfast and lunch for dining in. Or you can opt to grab one of their take-out meals and fresh baked goods.
For afternoon tea I recommend calling ahead, at least 24 hours. Their afternoon tea comes with a selection of sandwiches, sweet treats, and more. All is served up on a delicate three-tiered platter with an individual pot of tea. Plus, it’s only $24, which is a great price for tea service.
Cycle the Ottawa Rail Trail
One of the best rail trails in Ontario runs through Almonte. The Ottawa Valley Rail Trail runs between Smith Falls to nearly Mattawa.
It travels for 296 km through Lanark County and makes for a fun bike ride between Almonte and Arnprior. The Ottawa Valley Trail between Almonte and Arnprior is 27 km, relatively flat and easy to navigate. For a trip there and back, the bike ride totals 54 km and takes roughly 3 hours.
However, there are other shorter options. A lovely shorter route to opt for is between Almonte and Pakenham. At 15 km one way, it takes approximately 2 hours to cycle there and back.
For those who don’t own a bike a great place to bike the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail is between Carleton Place and Almonte. Bikes are available to rent from the Visitor Centre in downtown Carleton Place. The trail between both towns is 11 km one way and takes 1 hour for a return trip.
Do a Tour & Tasting at Hummingbird Chocolate Factory
One of the sweetest Almonte attractions is Hummingbird Chocolate Factory! The factory is a short 4-minute drive from downtown and is across the street from Equator Coffee.
Hummingbird Chocolate is an award-winning chocolate brand that started over 10 years ago in the small town. This new location is home to a 10,000-square-foot production facility, cute café and retail shop.
They use ethically sourced cacao and are one of the few that makes their chocolate directly from the beans. And you can learn all about the process on their Factory Tour & Tasting!
Tours of the Hummingbird Chocolate Factory run every Saturday morning, and you can purchase tickets here. Tickets are under $12 CAD, which is a great deal considering you get the tour and an opportunity to taste test their chocolate.
Even if you are visiting on a day other than Saturday, I still recommend popping into Hummingbird! Walking in you’ll be met with the sweet scent of chocolate. Plus, there is a wall of windows looking onto their massive room where the chocolate magic happens.
Grab a hot chocolate from their café. Or indulge in a cone of their house-made gelato. Then take a browse of all the incredible items for sale. Along with their chocolate bars, they sell gift boxes, chocolate covered items, like almonds, and other locally sourced items.
Chocolate bars come in an assortment of flavours. My favourite is their Maple Chocolate Bar, which is made with local maple syrup from Lanark County. Another great tasting one is their Mayan chocolate bar, with a hint of spice in it.
Travel Tip: Pack a cooler because you’re going to want to bring some of these chocolates home!
Explore the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area
If you’re looking for a great place to go hiking near Almonte then head to Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. The park is located 15 minutes northwest of downtown.
Covering 152 acres, the conservation area is operated by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. It’s home to an 1830s grist mill that R. Tait McKenzie, a doctor and sculptor, used as a summer home.
Within the mill is now two museums, the R. Tait Mackenzie Museum and the Naismith Museum. As mentioned above, the Naismith Museum celebrates the life of the basketball inventor. The R. Tait Mackenzie Museum showcase sculptures and other items from the artist.
Mill of Kintail Conservation Area is a scenic property with the winding Indian River running through it. In addition, its home to 5 trails, picnic areas, a playground, and a half basketball court.
The main trail in Mill of Kintail is the Forest Trail and is roughly 3 km. Two other great trails to check out that are both under 1 km are the Trillium Trail and the Riverside Trail, which has a lookout. You can find the trail map here.
Travel Tips: Please make sure to check hours of operation before you go and be aware that there is a $6 fee to park.
More Fun Almonte Things to do
Take a Heritage Walking Tour of Almonte – If you’re looking for free things to do in Almonte, a fun activity is taking a self-guided heritage walking tour. Starting at the Old Town Hall, this walking tour takes you to various historic buildings in Almonte. The guide includes details about each place, like the Almonte post office, Forgie building and many more. Plus, it shares the architecture and people that helped make Almonte what it is today.
Indulge on Donuts – The healthiest donuts in Ontario are in Almonte! At Healthy Food Technologies you can indulge on donuts that are made with half the fat of average donuts. You’ll find classics like chocolate and apple fritters as well as fun ones like Key Lime. These light and airy donuts are worth the drive!
Visit Metcalfe Geoheritage Park – One of the unique attractions in Mississippi Mills is Metcalfe Geoheritage Park. This park is home to a collection of rocks from the area that date back over 440 million years. In addition to being the first geoheritage park in Canada, this scenic spot has an information plaque sharing details about the rocks.
Browse the Sivarulrasa Gallery – As a thriving art community, Almonte is home to the Sivarulrasa Gallery. Located in a historic building downtown, the contemporary art gallery showcases a mix of local artists as well as from around Canada. You’ll find a variety of mediums, including sculpture, photography and painting.
Where to Stay in Almonte
If you’re looking for places to stay in Almonte you’ll find a number of inns as well as bed and breakfasts in town. However, there are no traditional hotels in Almonte.
During my visit to the area, I stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Carleton Place. The hotel is a couple of years old and a quick 15-minute drive south of Almonte.
Comfort Inn & Suites is a mid-range hotel. Amenities include free parking, strong Wi-Fi, and an indoor pool. Plus, breakfast is included in your stay! You’ll find a mix of hot items like sausages, eggs, and hashbrowns. In addition, there’s fresh fruit, baked goods, cereal, waffles and more.
Final thoughts on Visiting Almonte Ontario
With a scenic downtown full of shops, restaurants, and historic sights, Almonte is a picture perfect small town to visit. Plus, thanks to a wealth of fun things to do in Almonte and surrounding area, it makes a romantic getaway at any time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Almonte Ontario
Yes, Almonte is worth visiting! The small town of Almonte is full of things to do, places to eat and a charming historic downtown.
Along with its 19th-century architecture, Almonte is known for being the home of James Naismith, the man who invented basketball.
The Canadian Mississippi River runs through Almonte Ontario.
Almonte was originally settled in 1819 and made town status in 1880.
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