Almonte

While officially part of Mississippi Mills and not an Ottawa neighbourhood, the Town of Almonte is just a short drive west of the downtown Ottawa core and located right along the Mississippi River. Once a dominant player in the textile mill industry, Almonte is now a hip and vibrant go-to destination.

Almonte’s rich heritage as a mill town provides the perfect scenic backdrop for the town’s trendy selection of local shops, restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. It’s a great community for those who want to live away from the busy Ottawa core but still want their regular dose of culture and entertainment.

Freehold homes make up most of Almonte’s real estate market, though the conversion of some of Almonte’s former mills into condo buildings is a fantastic nod to the town’s heritage. The best way to get around Almonte is still by car.

The Locals

Due to the blossoming arts scene within Almonte, the town has become home to a large number of artists, artisans, musicians, potters, and textile artists who exhibit their works and wares locally.

This also means there is a diverse demographic of local residents in Almonte, including families, retirees, and seniors.

The Best Parts

Take in the sights of this scenic mill town by walking along the historic Mill Street, where you can visit some of Almonte’s most unique shops. Enjoy Almonte’s more cultural side by stopping by some of the several art galleries, restaurants, artisan shops, and cafes.

One can’t-miss attraction is the Riverwalk, which runs along the Mississippi River and into Almonte’s heritage downtown centre.

Almonte Then

Originally settled in 1819, Almonte went through a number of name changes before the final decision to name the town after the admirable General Juan Almonte, the Mexican Ambassador to the U.S., in 1859.

This historic mill town was best known for having seven functioning woollen mills in the early 1900s. For that reason, Almonte was known as “the Manchester of North America” and attracted millers and other industrialists to the area up until the 1950s.

Almonte Now

Today, Almonte is a hip and vibrant go-to destination for those who want to enjoy a bit of culture and heritage not too far away from Ottawa’s downtown core. Populated by artists and artisans and full of trendy shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and natural attractions, there’s lots going on in the thriving community of Almonte.