This quaint riverside town near Ottawa with storybook streets is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live
It's like living in a Hallmark movie. ✨
A small town near Ottawa.
If you've ever dreamed of living in a storybook setting where colourful buildings line the streets and a peaceful river runs through town, this charming small town in Ontario just might be calling your name.
On Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share which Ontario town they would love to move to, and this quaint riverside town was one of the destinations mentioned by commenters.
Located about 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa in Lanark County, Almonte is a charming small town on the banks of the Mississippi River.
A former mill town, Almonte was settled around 1820, and by 1870 was an incorporated village with stores, businesses and textile mills that earned it the nickname of "The Manchester of North America."
Today, there's no longer any mill industry, and the town is a quieter place where city dwellers can escape for peace and comfort, offering shopping, excellent food and drink, fine artists, beautiful 19th-century buildings and interesting things to see and do.
Mill Street is Almonte's historic downtown area, and is the place to find cute clothing boutiques, antique stores, handmade gifts, art galleries and more with colourful storefronts you'll want to snap a photo of. It's the perfect place for a Sunday morning stroll.
There are plenty of spots in town to grab a bite, including markets, coffee shops, restaurants and more.
Every Saturday until Thanksgiving in October, you can visit the Almonte Farmer's Market, a tradition in town since the late 1800s where you can grab a coffee, pick up fresh food and treats and enjoy live music.
Be sure to also try Hummingbird Chocolate, a local chocolate maker whose Hispaniola chocolate bar was named the best chocolate bar in the world by the London Academy of Chocolate.
If Almonte reminds you of a town from a Hallmark movie, it's probably because it literally is one -- the town is a go-to location for Hallmark holiday movies, serving as the setting for movies that take place in Vermont, Alaska and even Milwaukee.
As you walk around town, you may recognize spots that featured in scenes from your favourite flicks. A full list of movies the town has appeared in can also be found online.
The town has plenty of other things to see and do, including the annual Almonte Fair, which takes place in the summer and fall, and has been a local institution since 1858.
Almonte even has its own little beach area. Just a short walk from Mill Street, the sandy beach on the river offers shallow water and a great place for all ages to enjoy.
And if you're after some nature to explore, check out the Riverwalk, a scenic walk along the Mississippi River that offers stunning views of the water and leads to lookouts and waterfalls.
Offering great shopping, restaurants, cultural events, and breathtaking river views, Almonte is the place to be for endless charm, where every day feels like a movie.
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.