Explore Almonte: A Charming Ontario Town
If you’re looking for a cozy town to explore just outside of Ottawa, Almonte should absolutely be on your list. About 45 minutes from the city, this charming riverside town is filled with vintage shops, amazing food, and a lot of small-town charm around every corner. It’s the perfect day trip for anyone who loves discovering local treasures, drinking good coffee, and strolling around.
Here’s how to spend a perfect day exploring Almonte :
Start your morning at Ottawa Valley Coffee
Every good day trip starts with caffeine. Ottawa Valley Coffee is one of my favourite local coffee shops around Ottawa. The Almonte location is cozy, welcoming, and full of charm. Grab your coffee (and maybe a pastry or breakfast sandwich) and settle in before you start wandering the downtown streets.
Hunt for vintage treasures and shop local finds
Who doesn’t love browsing unique shops? Almonte has a handful of fun antique stores in the downtown core. Spend some time exploring Big Vintage, Packrats Bazaar, and Almonte Antiques & Collectibles for one-of-a-kind antiques and retro finds.
Then make your way to Cheerfully Made, the most colourful and cutest shop for handmade gifts and local goods from Canadian makers. This store is filled with everything you could possibly imagine. I love their mission of being dedicated to supporting the Canadian craft community by offering makers and entrepreneurs quality opportunities to showcase their work, grow their businesses and make a living doing what they love.
For home lovers, stop into Pêches et Poivre, a beautifully curated store filled with kitchen staples, gourmet foods, and everything from sweet treats to savoury sauces. Oh, and don’t forget to shop their local cheese selection!
Loving this guide to Almonte, Ontario? Check out The Best Things To Do in Perth, or The Perfect Winter Weekend in Calabogie!
Lunch at North Market
By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite. North Market is the perfect spot to refuel. Everything on the menu is fresh, local, and full of flavour. Their menu rotates with the seasons, focusing on high-quality ingredients and a farm-to-table ethos. Think comfort food, a wide selection of natural wine, and craft beer (but you really can’t go wrong with anything on it).
Grab something to go from Baker Bob’s
No trip to Almonte is complete without a stop at Baker Bob’s. This old-school bakery has been around for years and is known for its fresh bread, cookies, and butter tarts. Grab a loaf (or two) to bring home, you’ll thank yourself later. Plus, who doesn’t love having fresh bread at home?
Stop by Vodkow for happy hour
The first lactose-free dairy cream liqueurs in North America and the first spirit products to ever sport the Dairy Farmers of Canada's Blue Cow logo. But! Hear me out, they are DELICIOUS! If you’re looking to try something unique to cap off the afternoon, head over to Vodkow. You can enjoy a quick tasting, sit and savour a drink, or grab a bottle to take home.
Visit Grand Falls
Before dinner, make your way to Grand Falls. It’s a short walk from downtown and offers beautiful views of the falls. Especially around golden hour when the light hits just right. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in a bit of Almonte’s natural beauty. Better yet, enjoy dinner at Joe’s Italian Kitchen, where you’ll find cozy comfort food like their Pinsa Romana (type of pizza) and Canada’s first certified Pinsaria.
Alternatively, The Sterling is a little more upscale, offering creative dishes and a warm, inviting vibe. Either one is the perfect way to wrap up your Almonte adventure.
