Exploring Almonte, one of Ontario’s cutest towns

Ontario has no shortage of cute towns and villages, but if there is one that I particularly like, it is Almonte in Lanark County. This town located about forty minutes west of downtown Ottawa is in fact so cute that it is often used as a backdrop for Hallmark Christmas movies.

I have often been to Almonte and I always try to stop there every time I am driving in the area. And each time, I am charmed. I never tire of its walk along the Mississippi River, its historic buildings or its cute businesses. So during my recent trip in the region to see the Blakeney Rapids, I took the opportunity to take a detour to Almonte before heading back home.

The historical significance of the Mississippi

I think a visit to Almonte should first be done via its riverwalk trail along the Mississippi. Firstly, because this river (which has no connection with the famous river of the same name in the United States) is particularly photogenic with its multiple falls and rapids. Secondly, because there are several interpretation panels along the trail, which allows you to learn more about the history of Almonte.

The Mississippi River played an important role for the First Nations as it served as a travel route, but it also allowed the town of Almonte to come into being. The first settlers built mills along the river to use the hydraulic energy of its current. With the construction of a few woolen mills, Almonte quickly developed, becoming an important centre for the textile industry in Canada.

The last mills closed in the 1980s, but the Mississippi River continues to play an important role in Almonte, this time helping to attract tourists, many of which decide to follow its riverwalk, which begins at the old town hall.

It is also possible to visit the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum to learn more about the history of the woollen textile industry in the area.

Almonte and its connection to basketball

The Riverwalk eventually joins Mill Street, the historic street of downtown Almonte. It is above all this street which made Almonte a popular filming location for Hallmark movies. It is a colourful street, on which there are several cafes, restaurants and shops with charming storefronts.

And it is also on Mill Street that you can find a statue of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. A statue that may seem a little incongruous among all these historical buildings, but there is a good reason. Naismith was born and raised on a farm near Almonte. A museum is dedicated to him at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, located nearby.

It’s hard to say exactly how much influence Almonte had on Naismith’s future career as a physical education teacher and on the inspiration that eventually led him to invent basketball, but he is definitely a source of local pride.

A foodie paradise

As I wrote above, I love walking around Almonte, but if there’s one reason I come back again and again, it’s because of its variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. I am an outdoor lover, but I am also a foodie, and there is no shortage of good addresses in Almonte! Some of my favorite places are Mill Street Crepe Company (for delicious crepes), Healthy Food Technologies (which, despite its strange name, offers donuts) and of course, the ever-popular Hummingbird, whose chocolate has often won awards.

In short, I completely agree with everyone who says that Almonte is one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario. It’s definitely a must-stop if you’re passing through (or near) Lanark County!