What to do in Almonte Ontario AND Why You Need to Go
Enjoy Almonte Eats:
This Italian restaurant is nestled into a historic woolen mill, beside the lower falls on the Mississippi river. Joe’s has some real Italian vibes, both in the atmosphere and the cooking! The thin crust pizza is cooked fresh, and they have wood fired chicken wings. This place is a must-visit in my book.
A vintage Post Office turned authentic Italian restaurant. The meals are homemade and traditional, the style is both elegant and casual. This small town truly has some of the best Italian food in the Ottawa area.
The ultimate date spot in Almonte. Right next to Joe’s, it is also located in the historical mill. A chic fine dining option, they call ‘Canadian cuisine, redefined’. They also serve brunch, which looks tasty!
Baker Bob’s contributes to the old timey feel of this small town. Not onlywill you find tasty baked goods, you’ll find maple syrup and preserves, as well as their Almonte Candy Co section of sweets. Try one of their well-known ‘jammies’!
North Market Café and Catering
A great stop for lunch, North Market offers sandwiches, soups and treats. Their café is a bright, open restaurant, with lovely wooden accents. They also have a retail section so you can bring home frozen meals and preserves.
One of other Ottawa-area locations, they offer standard pub food at a great location along the Riverwalk.
Located within the Almonte Riverside Inn, this restaurant and bar is open 5:00pm-10:00pm daily. They have small plates and drinks in yet another gorgeous historic building. Ask them about their weekly trivia nights!
Discover Notable Drink Options:
A socially responsible, local, environmentally friendly spirit, that is also delicious!? Their vodkow is truly the smoothest vodka I’ve tasted. It finishes with just a hint of cream, yet it’s not overpowering. FYI it’s lactose free!
They are the first distillery to use milk permeate in the fermentation process. Plus, they are the only distiller using this form of yeast in the world! Not only is it tasty and supporting our local dairy farmers, it’s one of a kind! Ask them for a tour when you stop in – they’ll be happy to tell you more!
A truly authentic craft brewery, they encourage you to take the road less travelled. Their flagship ales are British inspired, and they typically have 1 or 2 different seasonal beers on tap each month. They have a snack menu with local goodies but feel free to bring in your own food!
Ask them about taking a tour or playing some games while enjoying a pint! Try their current seasonal Cocoa Loco made with Hummingbird chocolate!
I’ve mentioned Equator before, in a blog post about cozy cafés in Ottawa! Their roastery is located here in Almonte. It’s a spacious coffee shop, with the Equator coffee we know and love from various locations in the city.
An authentic neon and vintage sign shop. They are currently taking less custom commissions as they have been focusing on this new café and gallery. It just opened last summer, and is full of their original sign artwork.
Covid has lead Gaslight in a new direction! They are still running the workshop and café and have now opened Luna Hand Pies! Handmade pies ready to eat or frozen to bake.
Browse The Cutest Shops:
A cozy vintage-inspired home store. They sell antique furniture, home accents and hardware as well as Annie Sloan chalk paint. Beginner chalk paint workshops offered; the next one is January 11, 2020.
If you look up their website, it may look like a simple floral shop. They do, however, sell some lovely gift ideas, home items, décor and even jewelry.
A warm clothing and accessory shop on Mill Street. You can feel the quality of the items chosen to sell at Doree’s, and can find something nice without breaking the bank.
The name describes the shop perfectly. From the yellow front door, to the burst of colour and fun items as you walk in, it’s sure to make you smile. Full of quality local products, it’s a great place to find a gift.
Almonte Antiques and Collectibles
A two-floor, spacious treasure trove! It is well organized for an antique shop, by type of item. If you have sentimental memories of your parents and grandparents, it will be difficult to resist a purchase in here.
Winner of the WORLD’S best chocolate in 2016, you can sample away in store before purchasing. Register for their chocolate workshop and tour on Saturday mornings, to learn more about their chocolate making process.
Explore the Architecture & History:
Historically the Mississippi river was a trade route, and now is used for green power generation, and of course, admiring. You can begin the walk next to town hall, or behind Heirloom Café. It is an easy walk, with a boardwalk, view of the falls and information boards.
Mill of Kintail Conservation Area
One of the seven wonders of Lanark county. A 152-acre conservation area, including hiking trails and a museum. The mill itself is the restored home of artist Robert Tait, showcasing his work and memorabilia. The extensive hiking trails are open year-round!
In the warmer weather, keep your eyes open for newlyweds saying ‘I do’ at the Cloister on the Hill.
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
A simple, informative museum showcasing history of the woollen industry. This area boasted one of the largest mills in Canada in the mid-late 1800’s. You’ll find the permanent exhibition (Fabric of a Small Town), as well as temporary exhibitions that change approximately every 2 months. There is also a gift shop, selling textiles made right there in the museum.
The inventor of basketball is from Mississippi Mills! His statue is on the corner of Mill St and Little Bridge St, with the former Almonte Post Office behind him.
Visit Almonte All Year:
Spring and summer are also great times to visit the town, offering eats and events not available in the chill of winter.
Fortune Farms Maple Sugar Bush is open in March and April – dates and details depending on the weather and sap production. Beyond their maple products, a visit to the farm is an experience. Visit the Shanty Men and Kettle boys on weekends, learning the traditional maple syrup processes. There are also three interpretive trails to tour the grounds.
The Cheeky Chippy food truck is currently closed for the winter, but once open (around early May) is a great option for a fish and chip lover. Grab some and head to Crooked Mile Brewery to enjoy a pint with your meal.
The Almonte Ice Cream Shop is also seasonal. Their blue building is right near the river falls and the start of the river walk.
You can look forward to their local farmers’ market opening in May, the Almonte Fair in July, sunflowers in bloom in August, Fibrefest in September and the Light Up the Night Festival in December.
Looking to visit other small towns near Ottawa?
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What to Do in Merrickville
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