Things To Do In Almonte, Ontario: The Small Town That Stole Hallmark’s Heart

The saying “big things come in small packages” must have been written about Almonte, Ontario. I mean, how could it not have? Consider this: Mill Street, the town’s main street, is only about 350 metres long but in that short stretch you will find vintage and antique shops, boutiques with clothing you will swoon over, restaurants serving incredible food, and a backdrop of roaring waterfalls.

I am not the only one who thinks this small Ontario town packs a punch either. Hallmark and Hollywood clearly agree, with 24 Christmas movies shot here to date. But you do not have to visit in December to fall in love with Almonte. Any time of year works. Grab your bestie, mom, sister, partner, or lumberjack if the season is right, and chart a course for one of Ontario’s most charming small towns.

How to Get to Almonte

From Ottawa: Take Highway 417 west to Exit 155 for County Road 49, then follow signs into Almonte. The drive is about 45 minutes, making it an easy day trip.

From Toronto: Drive east on Highway 401 to Highway 15 north toward Carleton Place, then follow County Road 29 into Almonte. Plan for roughly four hours.

From Montreal: Take Autoroute 40 west to Highway 417 west, then exit at County Road 49 toward Almonte. It takes about two and a half hours.

From Northern Ontario: Follow Highway 17 east toward Ottawa, merge onto Highway 417 west, and take Exit 155 for County Road 49.

No matter which direction you are coming from, you will end up in the kind of town where you can park the car and forget about it for most of your day.

Before you set off, here is an interactive map of the best things to do in Almonte, Ontario. I have pinned my favourite spots for shopping, food, drinks, photo ops, and places to stay, including local icons like Vodkow, Hummingbird Chocolate, the Falls Lookout, and The Monte. You can zoom in, get directions, and even plan your walking route to hit every must-see. Whether you are coming for the day or staying overnight, this map will help you make the most of your visit.

Top Things to Do in Almonte

If Almonte were a person, she’d be the one everyone wants to hang out with; always busy, always fun, and always ready to show off her charm. The town is packed with festivals, markets, and celebrations, so it’s worth checking the Almonte events calendar before your trip. But even if you visit on a quiet weekend, there are plenty of things to keep you busy.

Shop Mill Street

The heart of Almonte is only about 350 metres long, but it’s lined with independent boutiques, antique stores, and artisan shops that will tempt you to linger. This is not an in-and-out affair. You’ll find your next “where did you get that?” purchase at places like The Tin Barn Market, Crush Marketplace, Duffield Design, and Dot & Bliss Apparel.

If you’re an antique addict like me, do not — I repeat, do not — miss Big Vintage (kitschy finds and a standout vintage clothing section), Brenda’s New To You (a vintage Pyrex section that will make you swoon), and Almonte Antiques and Collectibles, where two full floors are stacked with antiques, vintage treasures, and oddities worth combing through top to bottom.

And this is just the start. Venture down Bridge Street toward The Monte and you’ll uncover even more cafés, shops, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Visit the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

Okay, I’m cheating a little here — the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum isn’t on Mill Street at all. It’s about a six-minute walk away on Rosamund Street, but it’s absolutely worth stretching your stroll.

Housed in a former textile mill, the museum tells the story of how Almonte and Lanark County became known as the “Little Manchester” of Canada. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that spotlight the industrialists, workers, and innovations that shaped this once-thriving industry. It’s open year-round and offers a fascinating layer of context to the shops, stone buildings, and heritage you’ll see around town today.

Walk the Riverwalk

This scenic path winds along the Mississippi River (yes, Canada has one too) and offers some of the best views of the falls, historic mill buildings, and stone bridges. It’s an easy stroll and a photographer’s dream, especially if you’re chasing that perfect small-town Ontario shot.

In winter, the trail can get chilly, so bundle up. There’s also a dedicated viewing platform just behind Joe’s Italian Kitchen. If you’re visiting in summer or fall, Joe’s is a great place to stop for a bite — their deck overlooks the falls, making it one of the most picturesque dining spots in town.

Speaking of eating, hungry yet?

Where to Eat in Almonte

Coffee Breaks
Skip the big chains and taste what real coffee should be. Grab a cup at Equator Coffee Roasters or Ottawa Valley Coffee to start your day right.

Lunch
Head to the Mill Street Crepe Company (my personal favourite is the Cherry Chicken) or try the Turkish Eggs at North Market — I had them on my last visit and I still can’t stop thinking about them.

Sweet Treats
Pack your stretchy pants because Almonte does dessert like few places can. HFT Donuts are literal donut disruptors with their “healthyish” creations (they even made the Globe and Mail). For something rich and refined, Hummingbird Chocolate crafts award-winning bars and offers Saturday tours of their production facility. As someone three months into a gluten-free journey (not by choice), I almost wept when I tried their gluten-free chocolate butter tart. Flaky pastry that didn’t taste like disappointment? Thank you, Hummingbird.

Dinner
For an upscale evening, book a table at Café Postino. Set inside a beautifully restored post office, the restaurant serves refined Italian-inspired cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting. It’s a favourite for date nights and special occasions, with a menu that changes seasonally and an excellent wine list to match.

Take in a Festival

From Celtfest celebrating Irish heritage in July to the quirky and beloved Puppets Up! International Festival in August, Almonte’s calendar is dotted with events worth planning around. And the Ontario Festival of Small Halls brings an intimate music series to Almonte Old Town Hall each fall (October–December). It’s another highlight worth checking the schedule for ahead of your visit.

Where to Stay in Almonte

Almonte may be a small town, but it has some truly memorable places to stay — each offering charm, character, and a perfect base for exploring.

The Monte
This boutique inn blends historic architecture with modern style. Rooms are chic and comfortable, and the onsite restaurant is one of the best dining experiences in town. If you’re staying overnight, it’s worth making a dinner reservation, there’s something extra lovely about finishing a glass of wine and simply wandering upstairs to your room.

The Old Mill Manor
Set in a grand 19th-century stone building, The Old Mill Manor is the place to go if you’re after luxury and old-world charm. Think sweeping staircases, high ceilings, and beautifully decorated rooms. It’s ideal for a romantic escape, a girls’ weekend, or even a special family gathering.

Almonte may have stolen Hallmark’s heart, but it’s just one of many picture-perfect places in Ontario. If you’re craving more main streets, waterfalls, markets, and small-town charm, check out my guide to the best small towns in Ontario. Trust me, your weekend getaways are about to get a lot more interesting.

Almonte, Ontario: Visitor FAQ