About Almonte
Almonte is a ward of the Town of Mississippi Mills in Lanark County, with a population of just over 6,000 residents.
Originally settled in the early 1800s as a textile hub, the town has reinvented itself as a destination for artisans, foodies and families drawn to its walkable downtown, riverside scenery and relaxed pace of life.
You may also recognize it as the filming location for several Hallmark Christmas movies and the birthplace of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball.Almonte sits roughly a 30-minute drive from Kanata, making it a realistic option for commuters who want small-town living without giving up career opportunities in Ottawa.
Homes in Almonte
The Almonte real estate market offers a diverse mix of heritage homes on tree-lined streets, updated family properties, newer builds on the edges of town and rural lots just minutes from the downtown core.
Former woollen mills along the river have been converted into distinctive condo residences. According to Zolo data, the average Almonte home sells for approximately $567,856 within five to six weeks, though prices and time on the market vary widely by property type and location.
Whether you’re looking for a character-filled century home or a modern build, you can browse current Almonte listings to see what’s available.
Schools in Almonte
Families will find solid school options at every level in Almonte, Ontario. Schools are served by both public and Catholic boards.
Please note: We have included a Fraser’s Institute Ranking where applicable. This is not the only way to determine school quality. For more information, please contact the individual schools.
- Location: 126 Martin Street North
- Grade: Grade 9 – Grade 12
- Fraser’s Ranking: 7.3/10
- Visit website
- Location: 260 King Street
- Grade: JK – Grade 6
- Fraser’s Ranking: 6.4/10
- Visit website
- Location: 175 Paterson Street
- Grade: JK – Grade 6
- Fraser’s Ranking: 6.2/10
- Visit website
- Location: 110 Paterson Street
- Grades: K – Grade 8
- Fraser’s Ranking: 6/10
- Visit website
Shopping in Almonte
Almonte has been recognized as one of the best small-town shopping destinations in Ontario.
Historic Mill Street is the heart of shopping in Almonte, lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and specialty stores, all housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.
The Downtown Almonte BIA supports a vibrant mix of businesses, from the multi-vendor Almonte Antiques and Collectibles to contemporary galleries like Sivarulrasa Gallery.
You’ll also find Hummingbird Chocolate, an award-winning small-batch chocolate maker, and Equator Coffee Roasters on nearby Ottawa Street.
Public Transportation
Almonte currently has no public transit service. Most residents rely on personal vehicles, but the town’s compact layout makes some errands walkable or bikeable.
Highway 49 and County Road 29 provide straightforward connections to Kanata, Carleton Place and Highway 417 for commuters.
Healthcare in Almonte
Residents have access to quality healthcare right in town. The Almonte General Hospital, part of the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA), is a full-service community hospital at 75 Spring Street.
It offers emergency care, acute care, an obstetrical program, diagnostic imaging and a CT scanner funded entirely by community donations.
The Ottawa Valley Family Health Team operates at 95 Spring Street, with a team that includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychotherapists, dietitians, and registered nurses serving patients across Mississippi Mills and the surrounding area.
Community and Entertainment in Almonte
If you appreciate a town with a full calendar, Almonte punches well above its weight in culture and entertainment, making it one of Ottawa’s most engaging communities.
The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, housed in the former Rosamond Woollen Mill (a National Historic Site), preserves the town’s industrial heritage and hosts rotating exhibitions and fibre arts events throughout the year.
The Almonte Old Town Hall is a beloved venue for concerts, theatre and community events, including the popular Almonte in Concert chamber music series and the folksy Fall for Music concerts.
Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival is a biennial event that brings world-class puppeteers to Almonte’s streets. Founded by television puppet creator Noreen Young, the festival returns August 8 and 9, 2026.
Annual events like Almonte Celtfest and the North Lanark Highland Games also draw visitors from across the region.
Dining Out in Almonte
Almonte’s food scene is a genuine surprise for a town of its size, with locally owned restaurants that draw visitors from across the Ottawa Valley.
Located on Mill Street, North Market is all about seasonal cooking with locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen works with regional farmers and their own gardens to craft dishes that change with the seasons.
They also pride themselves on curating one of the largest selections of Ontario craft beer and natural, organic wine in Mississippi Mills. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch, lunch or dinner, it’s the kind of place where every plate feels thoughtfully put together.
Tucked inside Almonte’s beautifully restored heritage post office building, Cafe Postino serves authentic Italian cuisine in one of the most distinctive settings in town.
The owners bring years of culinary experience from previous ventures in Ottawa and Miami, and the menu features select family recipes prepared fresh in-house. With a lovely patio overlooking Mill Street in the warmer months, it’s a favourite for date nights and weekend lunches alike.
Set inside a converted turn-of-the-century stone mill right beside the falls, the Barley Mow is a local institution. The original stonework and exposed wood beams give the interior real character, while the patio offers views of the Mississippi River waterfalls that are hard to beat.
They feature 14 draft beers on tap, a solid Scotch selection, traditional pub fare and regular live music. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay for one pint and end up spending the whole evening.
A true Almonte landmark on Little Bridge Street, right next to the James Naismith statue in the heart of town. Baker Bob’s is a traditional bakery offering a wide selection of fresh-baked breads, pastries, pies, butter tarts and cakes, along with locally roasted Equator coffee.
Bob is the real deal, a hands-on owner-operator, and regulars will tell you the doughnuts are made with 50 to 70 percent less fat than your average coffee shop variety. It’s a must-stop whether you’re a local or just visiting for the day.
Parks in Almonte
Outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home with all the beaches, parks, and trails in Almonte, Ontario.
Local parks include:
- Gemmill Park – The town’s main community gathering space, featuring sports fields, a natural amphitheatre that hosts events like Celtfest and the Highland Games, and open green space for year-round recreation.
- Metcalfe Geoheritage Park – Canada’s first municipal geoheritage park, showcasing ancient rock specimens up to 2.5 billion years old beside the Mississippi River, with picnic tables, a dock and a boat launch for kayakers and canoeists.
- Almonte Riverwalk – A scenic riverside walking trail beginning at the Old Town Hall, with informational boards, views of the waterfalls, historic Mill Street and the heritage woollen mills now converted into condos.
- Augusta Street Park – A family-friendly park with a playground, basketball court, BMX track, community gardens, a pedestrian footbridge and a skating rink in winter.
- Mill of Kintail Conservation Area – A 62-hectare conservation area about ten minutes from town, featuring six kilometres of trails through field and forest, picnic areas, a playground, and the R. Tait McKenzie and James Naismith museums housed in an 1830s grist mill.
Ready to Call Almonte Home?
Almonte, Ontario offers the rare combination of heritage charm, a thriving local culture and natural beauty, all within easy reach of Ottawa.
Whether you’re a young family looking for great schools and safe streets, a professional seeking a peaceful retreat from the city, or someone drawn to an up-and-coming community with real character, Almonte is worth a serious look.
Talk to an Almonte real estate agent today and take the first step toward calling this friendly town home.
Paul Rushforth
Since 2004, Paul and his team have helped over 7000 families reach their real estate dreams. He continues to train and consult agents throughout the industry and is considered one of the most forward thinking pioneers in the industry, blazing trails for those around him.