The falls are the heart of Almonte, cascading through the downtown core and creating one of the town’s most iconic views. Visitors can enjoy them from the Riverwalk, which begins behind the Old Town Hall and passes landmarks including the former Mississippi Iron Works and the historic Victoria Woollen Mill.
The town was once one of Canada’s leading textile manufacturing centres, with seven woollen mills operating at its peak. While the industry has long since disappeared, its legacy lives on in the beautifully preserved stone buildings and historic mill architecture that continue to define the town today.
More to Discover
Mill Street is lined with independent boutiques, antique shops, cafés, restaurants, and riverside patios that come alive in the warmer months. Downtown is also home to the iconic Black Watch Chewing Tobacco ghost sign. Which is a preserved piece of Almonte’s history that has become one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks.
Almonte also has another claim to fame as the hometown of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. His legacy is still celebrated throughout town, adding another layer of history to a destination already known for its beautifully preserved downtown.
This is the kind of place that’s best explored without an itinerary. Wander the Riverwalk, stop at the bridge near the Barley Mow for one of the town’s best views, browse the independent shops, and settle in for a patio lunch overlooking the falls. Give yourself at least an afternoon to explore, or longer if antique hunting is on your agenda. Hallmark fans will recognize the scenery, but Almonte’s historic charm easily stands on its own.
The Need To Know Details
- Location: Almonte is in the municipality of Mississippi Mills. About 25 minutes west of Ottawa and roughly 4.5 hours from Toronto by car
- Best time to visit: Spring through fall is ideal for walking the Riverwalk, exploring downtown, and enjoying riverside patios. Winter transforms the town into the perfect Hallmark-worthy setting
- Parking: Free and paid parking is available throughout the historic downtown, making it easy to explore on foot
- Visitor information: Stop by the Old Town Hall Visitor Information Centre (14 Bridge St.) for maps, local recommendations, and event information
