Featured location
Almonte
Waterfalls, wool mills, and hard-packed gravel that rides like glass.
Almonte sits about 50 km west of downtown Ottawa, a heritage mill town where the Mississippi River tumbles over limestone cascades right through the middle of downtown. Quiet county roads, famously smooth hard-packed gravel, and the car-free Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail radiate out in every direction, making it a natural cafe-and-cascades destination for an Ottawa-Gatineau club ride. Add award-winning coffee and chocolate at the finish and it is one of the best day-trip targets in the region.
What the riding’s like
The Mississippi Valley around Almonte is mostly flat to gently rolling, with lightly trafficked concession roads and stretches of hard-packed gravel that many riders find better than paved roads elsewhere. Climbs are short and terrain shifts from open farmland to forest as you head toward the Mill of Kintail and Pakenham. The Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail provides a level, gravel/paved rail-trail spine linking Almonte with Carleton Place and Pakenham, ideal for lower-stress mileage away from traffic.
Points of interest
Worth a look on the bike or a reason to linger after the ride.
Almonte Old Town Hall
LandmarkOne of the town's most-photographed buildings, a grey-stone hall with a soaring tower and multicoloured roof beside the river.
Almonte Riverwalk & Falls
NatureA roughly 3 km riverside walk past the downtown waterfalls, best viewed from the Almonte Street bridge over the Mississippi River.
Dr. James Naismith Statue
HistoryA tribute to the local-born inventor of basketball, a point of civic pride in downtown Almonte.
Mill of Kintail Conservation Area
HistoryA restored stone mill and museum honouring sculptor R. Tait McKenzie and Naismith, set in forest just outside town.
Pakenham Five-Span Stone Bridge
LandmarkA short ride away, this historic five-arch stone bridge over the Mississippi is said to be the only one of its kind in North America.
Food & coffee stops
Where riders refuel — coffee, baked goods, and a proper post-ride meal. Tap a stop for photos and details.
Equator Coffee Roasters
CafeThe fair-trade roaster's flagship Almonte cafe, a go-to fuel stop for espresso, baked goods, and local Hummingbird chocolate.
View stop →Hummingbird Chocolate Maker
CafeAward-winning bean-to-bar chocolatier whose Hispaniola bar was named best in the world by London's Academy of Chocolate.
View stop →Baker Bob's
BakeryA long-running downtown bakery known for fresh baked goods, maple syrup, and its house 'jammies'.
View stop →Cafe Postino
RestaurantA well-regarded bistro set in Almonte's vintage post office, run by chefs with decades of Ottawa and Miami kitchen experience.
View stop →The Barley Mow
PubA pub with a patio overlooking the Mississippi River waterfalls, a favourite spot to unwind after a ride.
View stop →Ride ideas
Rides to, from, and around Almonte to get you started.
Naismith Loop
A scenic mixed paved-and-gravel loop from the Mill of Kintail through the forested backroads of Naismith country.
OVRT: Almonte to Pakenham
An out-and-back along the level Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail beside the Mississippi River to Pakenham's famous five-span bridge.
Tour de Mississippi Mills
A mostly-paved century loop from downtown Almonte through the villages and farmland of Mississippi Mills for a full-day epic.
Gallery
Scenes from the roads, trails and stops around Almonte. Tap a photo to open the gallery.
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Almonte from Ottawa?
- Almonte is about 50 km from downtown Ottawa, in Mississippi Mills, Lanark County, Ontario.
- What's the cycling like in Almonte?
- The Mississippi Valley around Almonte is mostly flat to gently rolling, with lightly trafficked concession roads and stretches of hard-packed gravel that many riders find better than paved roads elsewhere. Climbs are short and terrain shifts from open farmland to forest as you head toward the Mill of Kintail and Pakenham. The Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail provides a level, gravel/paved rail-trail spine linking Almonte with Carleton Place and Pakenham, ideal for lower-stress mileage away from traffic.
- Where should cyclists stop for food or coffee in Almonte?
- Popular stops include Equator Coffee Roasters, Hummingbird Chocolate Maker and Baker Bob's — see the full list of food and coffee spots on this page.
- What's a good cycling route from Almonte?
- The Naismith Loop is a great start — a 22 km mixed ride. A scenic mixed paved-and-gravel loop from the Mill of Kintail through the forested backroads of Naismith country.
- What is there to see in Almonte?
- Highlights include Almonte Old Town Hall, Almonte Riverwalk & Falls and Dr. James Naismith Statue.
Plan your ride around Almonte
Open the interactive map to plot a route, then check the amenities and trails layers along the way.
Explore the routes mapMore featured locations
Local details change — confirm hours and openings before you ride, and always ride to the conditions you find on the ground.