Heart and Home: why Almonte is Canada’s Mini Hollywood North

Almonte is well-known for its charm. It’s like something from a fairytale, with all the historic mills, a vintage downtown and the Mississippi River running through its heart. Almonte is right out of the movies, literally, having been the set for more than a dozen Hallmark holiday flicks.

The town’s friendly atmosphere and picturesque location makes the perfect backdrop for romantic stories and feel good films—it’s also part of what makes Almonte a great place to call home. From making movies to moving in, let’s find out why the self-described Mini Hollywood North is capturing hearts and home buyers.

Ready-made for filming and living

It’s said that Almonte is “ready-made” for filming, as the architecture, boutiques and scenery need few alterations to create an idyllic movie set. The essence of a bygone era is everywhere, from the downtown streets lined with historic brick buildings to old textile mills—some made into museums, others converted into condos.

Almonte is situated along the Mississippi River on the outskirts of Ottawa. Natural beauty adds to the town’s serene charm, ideal for those seeking the benefits of a semi-rural destination. With the history of the region, the town’s vibrancy and natural landscape all woven together, it’s no surprise why Almonte is such a popular place to film and live in.

Plus, the compact, walkable layout showcases how quaint and cozy it is in Almonte (talk about a peaceful setting for everyday life!). While the proximity to Ottawa and the cooperative spirit of residents earmark the town’s convenience. Of course, this inclusivity and warmth is what makes newcomers feel at home almost immediately.

“It has this sense of what home should feel like,” said producer Caitlin Delaney in a New York Times’ article. Actress Fran Drescher visited Almonte when filming The Christmas Setup and made a similar remark, saying the town “looked like something out of Currier & Ives that conjures up a kind of nostalgia that reminds us of our childhood — whether we lived that life or not.”

Quaint and quirky on the set

Not only is Almonte full of charm, it’s also full of makers, artists and crafters. And this sets the stage for a variety of unique businesses. Some are quaint, some are a bit quirky. But that’s what makes the town so attractive to movie makers—and it’s what the local economy thrives on. Best of all, the artisanal shops, antique stores, art galleries and tattoo parlours are all located along the downtown strip. It’s the perfect reflection of Almonte’s creative spirit enriching the lives of residents.

Then there are the cafés and restaurants, which are often used as quaint settings for the movies. You’d be hard-pressed to find local flavours and homegrown hospitality in larger cities, especially all within a few blocks.

Want to learn more about the boutiques, cafés and unique shops in Almonte? Get to know this one-stop-shop community.

Finally, Almonte features beautifully preserved mills and industrial buildings. Its history as a booming textile mill town is mirrored in the architecture. The preservation of heritage is a community effort, highlighting the pride residents have in the town they call home. These historical elements provide a tangible connection to the past and lend themselves to films for their authentic, untouched appeal.

Lights, camera and action in Almonte: Weavers Way

Weavers Way, a brand new Minto community, is now selling. Maybe you’ll get the chance to be an extra in the next movie filmed in town. But this is an opportunity for more than 15-minutes of fame. This is your chance to purchase a new Single Family Home, Bungalow, or Townhome at an attainable price—and take advantage of the made-for-movie lifestyle offered in Almonte. Sign up for community updates, lot release information, and special offers.

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