In Almonte, waterfall views meet the history of the wool textile industry and trails for a range of interests. The Riverwalk explores the former Mississippi Iron Works; the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum focuses on wool textiles and fibre arts. If you’d like to spend time outdoors, you’ll also find walking trails, a nature trail, and opportunities for exercise, meditation, or activities on the water.
Water and industrial history along the Riverwalk
The Almonte Riverwalk offers interpretive information about the history of the former Mississippi Iron Works. At the Victoria Woollen Mill, there is also a lookout with views of the waterfalls. The trail brings together two different perspectives on Almonte: its industrial past and the waterside landscape. If you’re interested in the development of the wool textile industry, this theme complements a visit to the local textile museum; the lookout adds its own scenic highlight.
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. Its offerings include exhibitions and educational programs about fibre arts. The subject therefore extends beyond individual wool textiles to include the interpretation of fibre work.
The Almonte Fibrefest is another format for fibre arts: an annual celebration. The 29th edition took place in 2024. The program included fibre vendors, spinning and knitting demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. The museum and festival offer different ways to explore the subject: exhibitions and educational programs at the museum, and a program of vendors, demonstrations, and workshops at the festival. If you’d like to plan your stay around a festival visit, check the current event dates.
Exercise, culture, and water on the Wellness Trail
The Almonte Wellness Trail offers an accessible community outdoor space with a variety of activities. There are five outdoor physical activity stations along the trail. The Seven Gifts installation is based on the Anishinabek-Algonquin teachings of the Seven Grandfathers and adds a cultural dimension to the route. You can take a meditative walk on the labyrinth paths.
There are also various ways to enjoy activities on the water: Mark’s Outlook has a canoe launch and opportunities for fishing. The Wellness Trail brings together physical activity, a meditative walk, and water-based activities. You can choose what to focus on based on your interests, without having to combine the individual stops into a set itinerary.
Walking trails and geology
Gemmill Park has walking trails. Mill Run Park has a 450-metre-long nature trail. For a route with a clearly stated length, this loop offers a different reference point from the walking trails in Gemmill Park. The Metcalfe Geoheritage Park displays 22 rock specimens and also has a boat launch. You can combine a glimpse of the world of rocks with a place that also has a connection to the water. Park amenities may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Planning your stay and choosing what to focus on
Almonte Old Town Hall serves as an information centre and offers printed walking tour guides. Trails 2 to 3 kilometres long run behind the Almonte & District Community Centre; the community centre has washrooms and parking. These trails are not the same as the walking trails in Gemmill Park.
When looking for a vacation rental in Almonte, consider which themes you’d like your stay to revolve around: the wool textile history at the museum, the annual Fibrefest, the Riverwalk, or the various outdoor options. These specific differences can help you choose the right focus for your trip: museum and festival programming for fibre arts, the Wellness Trail for several kinds of activities, or individual park trails for a walk.
Discover more destinations: Mcdonalds Corners, Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place
Return to the regional travel overview: Lanark County.
