It has been too long since we have been to Almonte – please note, some things may have changed since I first drafted this article (at the start of the pandemic!)
From time to time, our family has taken the 45 minute drive West of Ottawa to visit the small, historic town of Almonte. It’s become one of our favourite ‘weekend road trip’ destinations.
I had heard of it for some time (primarily because I was following some shops who are there on Instagram) and knew it would be a nice place for us to visit as a family. We were not disappointed when we finally went a couple of years ago. Now, when we want to plan something to do as a family on a weekend, we take a drive to Almonte!
What to do in Almonte
Almonte is home to Equator Coffee Roasters which has rich, dark coffees we love, and their cafe in Almonte is inviting with food and drinks. The kids have declared their hot chocolate the best they ever have! We often stop for a drink on our way out of town, but you can begin your day with coffee and a breakfast bite here.
We make our way to the main street of Almonte where you’ll discover many local shops. From clothing to gifts to children’s items to books to household decor, these shops are worth the trip alone.
We love how many of them feature local artisans and you’ll find some unique items here (this is why I love shopping local, it’s nearly impossible not to find the perfect gift that isn’t the same old, same old.)
Cheerfully Made features amazing locally made items to wear, to put in your office, to give or to use in your own home.
Mill Street Books offers a wonderful selection of books for the entire family plus Andy loves finding records there – the selection is small but they are so different than many other places he looks!
You have to stop at Baker Bob’s for a fresh baked treat. It’s the old-school bakery that many of us grew up with, and that I find so hard to find – but their date squares are amazing and I can’t even tell you how beyond perfect their butter tarts are. Trust me.
We have enjoyed a meal at Cafe Postino (such a great place for pizza) and always like walking to watch the rush of the mini falls – Almonte is on the Mississippi River.
Almonte was also home to James Naismith- you’ll recognize that name as the inventor of Basketball! A statue on the street encourages people to remember this historic moment, so your kids will likely enjoy learning more about that too.
Almonte offers the perfect day trip adventure for those of us in the Ottawa area and I can’t recommend it enough. All four of us have begun to love our mini trips when we go – shopping, eating and just spending time together.
Support the local shops and foodie places while you are there, they are worth it!
