Things To Do In Almonte

Almonte is a 19th-century mill town surrounded by the Canadian Mississippi River. You’ll find it just 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa. It’s super picturesque, which is why it’s been a popular spot for movies in recent years. You can easily spend a day here exploring all the shops, restaurants and views. From where to shop, sights to see and must-try restaurants, here are all the things to do in Almonte on your next day trip.

Things To Do in Almonte: Explore the Shops

You’ll find plenty of cute shops and cafes to pop into on the main street. Walk around and see what catches your eye. Here are a few of my favourites:

Hummingbird Chocolate

We stopped by Hummingbird Chocolate to try a few samples and the chocolate was delicious. Their chocolate has won plenty of awards. My favourite was the Mayan chocolate – a touch of spice and hint of heat. I was happy to see they had some chocolate from regions I visited in Central America like Copan, Honduras.

On Saturdays, you can do a chocolate tasting tour. The tours are $5 and include samples. Make sure to sign up online. Up to 12 people can do a tour.

Healthy Food Technologies Donuts

Healthy Food Technologies slogan is ‘Expect Great Taste Without Guilt’ because they make donuts with 50 to 70 percent less fat but not at the expense of the taste. How do they make delicious donuts that are healthier? Owner, Ed Atwell, invented a new process to fry foods that cut down the fat percentage.  I’ve heard nothing about great reviews about this place. They open early so it will be one of my first spots next time.

Dairy Distillery

Would you drink vodka made from cow milk? Dairy Distillery uses milk sugar to make spirits. They saw an opportunity to create spirits using milk sugar because using milk sugar hasn’t been popular with distillers due to its high cost and production challenges, but there are over 3500 Ontario dairy farmers whose milk permeate from ultrafiltered milk often just becomes waste. They’re now able to create a spirit that supports local farmers and the environment. I would definitely be interested in trying this, how about you?

Cheerfully Made

You’ll be instantly happy as soon as you walk into Cheerfully Made. It’s full of handmade goods including everything from candles, prints, cards, jewellery, fashion and more. This would be a great spot to pick up birthday or Christmas presents 😉

Tin Barn Market

Inside Tin Barn Market you’ll find an eclectic mix of home goods. From unique home goods, antique furniture and more, there’s plenty of fun items to browse.

Peches & Poivre 

My friend from Heirloom recommended checking out gourmet grocer, Peches & Poivre, for some sweet or savoury goodies. It also carries her own brand of canned goods called, Shamrock Gardens. They grow all their own ingredients and have a great assortment of sweet and savoury jams, sauces, pickles and more. I got their tomato and onion jam (so good). Next time I’ll get their bbq sauce using Topshelf’s maple moonshine.  

Baker Bob’s 

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Baker Bob’s! This was recommended by a few locals. I was so full I didn’t have a chance this trip but I’ll definitely be back next time. This would be a great spot to enjoy a treat or bring some home for later. I also love the personality on their Facebook posts. 

Almonte Antiques & Collectibles

I loved exploring this shop at the bottom of Mill Street. There are plenty of antique shops in Almonte. From records, jewellery, fancy teacups and more, there were plenty of interesting collectibles inside. You never know what might catch your eye.

Almonte Farmers Market

If you go to Almonte on a Saturday, check out the Almonte Farmers Market in front of the public library from 8:30am-12:30 pm. You’ll find fresh produce from local farms, sweets, plants and more.

Go For Coffee

Equator Coffee is based in Almonte. They’ve been roasting in the heart of the Ottawa Valley since 1998. It’s named Equator because the owners want to ‘Equate’ the benefit of drinking coffee,  from those consuming it to the farmers who grow it. I recently found out that Equator Coffee does a lot to give back in Nicaragua (one of my favourite countries I’ve visited). Along with the cafe, their Almonte location is also the roastery.

On the main street, Mill Street, you’ll find North Market Cafe and Catering. It’s a bright open space with lots of seating and high ceilings.

Get your camera ready! You’ll also find Gaslight Electric on Mill Street. Not only is it a cafe but its also an artisanal sign shop. This Almonte cafe features original sign artwork that you can enjoy while you sip your coffee.

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Things To Do In Almonte: Sights to See

Almonte River Walk

this is one of my favourite things to do in Ottawa. You’ll get some great views of the Mississipi River as you walk along the boardwalk beside the river. The power of the water moving through is incredible. I started at Heirloom restaurant but you can also start at the Old Almonte Town Hall.

Mill of Kintail

Hike through the trails of the Mill of Kintail. This 152-acre conservation area in Almonte is filled with beautiful nature walks all year round. There is an admission fee of $6 per person and you can visit Monday-Friday 9 am-3: 30 pm or Saturday-Sunday 10:30 am-4: 30 pm. This is one of my favourite things to do with my dogs. Bring your pup for a scenic walk.

At the Mill of Kintail mill, you can learn about the history of the area and the inventor of basketball, James Naismith.

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Things to do in Almonte: Where to Eat

Crooked Mile Brewery 

Head to Crooked Mile Brewery in Almonte and try one of their flagship ales or seasonal ales. Try a few of their beers with their taster paddles (four, 5 oz glasses).  

Heirloom 

I stopped at Heirloom for lunch before the riverwalk. It turns out another high school friend worked here and she gave some great recommendations on things to do in Almonte.

Heirloom is nestled in a heritage building along the river. They use local ingredients in internationally inspired creations. You need to try the fish tacos! They tasted so fresh and one of the best I’ve ever had. I tried their house-made iced tea and lavender lemonade, so refreshing! You can enjoy them as is or with Topshelf gin or vodka. 

You can dine beside the water at the Barley Mow patio but I recommend eating at Heirloom for something different and then doing the river walk.  

Dine By A Waterfall At Joe’s Italian Kitchen

In the same building as Heirloom, you’ll find Joe’s Italian Kitchen. It has a rustic interior with beautiful chandeliers throughout. Here you can get wood-fired pizza and other Italian specialties. They offer classic pizza dough or the Pinsa dough. Pinsa is a mix of sourdough, rice, soy, and wheat flour and imported directly from Rome. They are Canada’s first certified Pinsaria.

Lobby Bar

Lobby Bar in Almonte is a great spot for sharing plates and cocktails. Their Chef, Hunter, grows most of his own produce on the property and stays as local as possible.

Cafe Positano

Step inside the old Almonte post office and you’ll find this Italian restaurant. Owners Steve and Claire transformed the space and many recipes are inspired by family recipes with roots in Southern Italy.

Almonte Ice Cream Shop

Cool off with a cone at the Almonte Ice Cream Shop and then enjoy it along the riverwalk.

Fortune Farms 

Fortune Farms is a maple farm open between March and April. While you’re there try taffy, syrup, fudge, candy. While in-season you can do farm tours and explore their 3 trails. You can go cross-country skiing or snowshoe on their site. It’s also a dog-friendly site (make sure to have your furry friend on a leash).

How to Get to Almonte

You’ll find Almonte about 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Add this list of things to do in Almonte to your next day trip itinerary! 

Once you’ve done all the things to do in Almonte, visit its neighbours, Carp or Carleton Place.