Your guide to Almonte’s parks, trails, and outdoor activities

You can bet on a lifestyle connected to nature in Almonte. From the Mississippi River trickling through the town to winding walking trails and playful parks—both educational and just for fun. And in Weavers Way, a new Minto community coming later this year, you can enjoy all the outdoor activities Almonte has to offer. Let’s take a peek at some of the parks and trails you have access to.

Where to play in Almonte

Along with preserving the history of Almonte, the community is committed to protecting its natural landscapes. This dedication is on display in Metcalfe Geoheritage Park, Canada’s first municipal geoheritage park. Explore 1- to 2.5-billion years of geological history, including sculptures by local artists, in this small park with benches, picnic tables and a small boat launch for kayakers and canoeists.

Check out Augusta Street Park for something more kid friendly. The park features a play structure, basketball court and a sports field—plus a BMX track for adventurous cyclists! Augusta Street Park also includes community gardens, a pedestrian footbridge and a skating rink in the winter.

You’ll find more playgrounds in McIntosh and Meadow Glen Parks. McIntosh Park is located on Thoburn Street within a quiet neighbourhood and offers a modern play structure. Meadow Glen’s playground is smaller and older, but it provides waterfront views and a closer connection to nature.

For a little bit of everything, Gemmill Park is the place. Conveniently located close to the town’s centre, this park delivers:

• Summer splash pad and a skate park
• Waterfront access and hiking trails
• Kid’s playground and playing field
• 18-hole disc golf course
• Large parking area

Appleton Village Park and Appleton Bay Park are seven minutes down the road from the site of Weavers Way. Both are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, with natural surroundings and access to the Mississippi River. If you’re a paddler, this an excellent launch point for exploring and meandering up the river.

For a full list of parks in and around Almonte, check out the Mississippi Mills website.

Best yet, two parks and a community pond are tentatively scheduled for Weavers Way. This includes a large 2.4-acre park and a smaller 1.1-parkette, giving you and your family a place to play right within the new community.

Where to wander in Almonte

If you love getting outside, you’re never far from a good trail in Almonte. Right in town the Riverwalk is a peaceful stroll along the Mississippi River, beginning at the Almonte Old Town Hall with informative boards to guide your journey. The Riverwalk offers views of the falls, historic Mill Street and the heritage woollen mills (now converted into condos).

Another unique trail in town is the Almonte Alameda. The Alameda was created in 2020, as a volunteer-driven initiative to beautify the old Almonte rail yard—now a section of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail. The stretch features a variety of 94 sugar maple trees, works of art from local artists and a number of benches fabricated by Almonte’s Branje Metal Works. The benches are engraved with inspiring quotes from the likes of John Muir and Leonard Cohen. Be sure to stop at the live-edge picnic tables, made with locally-sourced oak, situated halfway down the Alameda.

For a more adventurous trek, check out the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area located ten minutes outside of town. Explore sprawling forests, rolling hills and river views anytime of the year, perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing. Plus, this historic mill offers a glimpse into the region’s past, from famous locals like James Naismith—the inventor of basketball—and Robert Tait McKenzie to the textile industry supporting early growth in Lanark County.

Take a hike through these other trails near town:

• Springbank Trail—a two-minute drive from Almonte District High School
• Appleton Trail—only four minutes from the site of Weavers Way
• Blakeney Park Trail—less than ten minutes from the Mill of Kintail

That’s not all. There’s also the Almonte Lagoon Birding Complex, complete with trails and viewing shelters to spy a variety of birds and waterfowl. And there’s the new Almonte Wellness Trail, an interactive and educational initiative with outdoor spaces and monuments woven throughout town.

Where to live in Almonte

Weavers Way, by Minto, is coming to Almonte on September 14, 2024. Your chance to call the town home and take advantage of all it offers. From the perky coffee shops and quirky boutiques to the parks, trails and outdoor connections. Plus brand new Single Family Homes and Townhome, featuring a range of floorplans for new families and large families, first-time homebuyers and downsizers. It’s attainable living just 20 minutes from Kanata—all together in Weavers Way. Stay tuned for new homes coming soon. Don’t miss updates, including the site plan, pricing and grand opening info.

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