This dreamy Ontario town with a winding river and quaint streets is like a summer fairytale

It's known as "Mini Hollywood North."

Lead Writer, Travel

If you've ever dreamed of stepping into a fairytale, this Ontario small town might just be the next best thing. With quaint streets, a winding river and storybook vibes, it's the kind of place that feels like a scene from a movie — complete with beautiful buildings, cute cafes, and Hallmark movie appeal.

Perched along the winding Mississippi River, the village is brimming with summer charm and is a magical spot to spend a day or weekend.

Almonte is a picturesque former mill town situated in scenic Lanark County, just under an hour from Ottawa.

Home to a quaint downtown with storybook shops and old-world charm, Almonte is the place to go if you want to feel like a Disney princess.

The town's charm hasn't gone unnoticed — Almonte has served as the backdrop for a range of Hallmark films and Christmas movies, earning it nicknames like the "Hallmark Capital of Ontario" and "Mini Hollywood North."

With its film-worthy streets, cascading waterfall and riverside magic, it feels like it belongs in a fairytale.

There's a lot to enjoy around the town. You can spend an afternoon browsing the local shops and sipping coffee at cute cafes. Or, check out some of the attractions, such as the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.

The Almonte Riverwalk takes you on a picturesque journey along the water and features a stunning lookout over the falls.
If you're looking for additional places to stroll, you can head to the nearby Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, where you'll find picnic areas and forested trails.

With small-town charm and a touch of movie magic, this Ontario village is a beautiful place to explore.

Almonte Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.