Almonte: Riverwalk, Waterfalls and Textile History

In Almonte, you can choose different priorities when planning your stay: textile history, outdoor trails, and activities by the water. Local textile history can be explored at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and at the annual Fibrefest; walking trails and the Riverwalk offer a different perspective. This lets you choose the themes that matter most to your trip planning.

Riverwalk between industrial history and waterfalls

The Almonte Riverwalk provides information about the former Mississippi Iron Works. Near the Victoria Woollen Mill, the trail also has a lookout with views of the waterfalls. If you would like a walk that takes in both the area’s industrial past and its waterfalls, you can find both along the Riverwalk. Information about the former factory and the specific lookout offer a chance to experience different sides of the town along one route.

Textile history and fibre arts

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte is dedicated to the history of the wool textile industry in the Mississippi River Valley. The museum also offers exhibitions and educational programs about fibre arts. This gives you two perspectives on the textile heritage: the history of the wool textile industry and the presentation of fibre arts.

The annual Almonte Fibrefest also celebrates fibre arts. The 2024 edition featured fibre vendors, spinning and knitting demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. The program offers a specific example of how fibre arts were featured at the event. If the Fibrefest is a key factor in your trip, check the dates in advance.

Activities on the Almonte Wellness Trail

The Almonte Wellness Trail offers an accessible shared outdoor space with a variety of activities. There are five outdoor physical activity stations along the trail. The labyrinth paths invite meditative walks; the Seven Gifts installation is based on Anishinabek-Algonquin teachings of the Seven Grandfathers. In this way, exercise, meditative walks, and a culturally rooted installation come together in one place.

At Mark's Outlook, the trail offers a canoe launch and opportunities for fishing. This adds options on the water to the activities on land. Along with the stations and labyrinth paths, this means you can consider the trail for your trip from a range of perspectives.

Trails and green spaces in Almonte

Mill Run Park has a 450-metre nature trail. Behind the Almonte & District Community Centre, there are trails ranging from 2 to 3 kilometres; the centre has washrooms and parking. The two trail lengths provide a straightforward comparison of their distances for your planning. Gemmill Park also has walking trails.

The Metcalfe Geoheritage Park displays 22 rock specimens and also has a boat launch. This means you can find geological exhibits and a place to launch a boat there. As park facilities can change, check the latest information before your visit if a particular facility is important to your plans.

Planning your walk

Almonte Old Town Hall serves as an information centre and offers printed walking tour guides. The guides can help you plan a walk around a particular theme. Together with the information about the different trails, they provide another starting point for your planning: you can follow a guided theme or compare trail lengths and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Smiths Falls, Mcdonalds Corners, Perth, Carleton Place

Return to the main travel overview: Lanark County.