Did you know that there are several communities just outside of Ottawa where you can enjoy the best of small-town life without sacrificing any city perks? One of these is the MMT (Mississippi Mills Township), which is the amalgamation of Almonte with the former townships of Ramsay and Pakenham. Today, the MMT consists of six communities, including Almonte, Appleton, Blakeney, Clayton, Ramsay and Pakenham.
Residents of the township love that they can reach Ottawa in less than 45 minutes by car. It means you can visit the city whenever you want, whether for an event or to commute to work. Kanata, another major hub with scores of opportunities in the tech sector, is even closer, just a quick 25-minute drive. What else do you need to know about the beautiful Mississippi Mills Township?
Living Here Has Plenty of Advantages
The cost of housing might be one of the most compelling reasons to make your move. In Ottawa, the average price of a detached home currently stands at $677,873. In Mississippi Mills, it is often possible to find a single-family residence for under $500,000.
And if you can’t find your dream home, you can build it! Currently, plenty of vacant lots are available in the township, making it the perfect spot to carve out your own section of paradise.
Although housing costs are lower, they are rising and are expected to continue their upward trend as more people move out of the city. Mississippi Mills is a beautiful place to live and a fantastic financial investment!
Life in this small town is peaceful, scenic, and fun, with many festivals and events to look forward to throughout the year. To top it all off, you have a strong sense of community where it feels like everyone knows your name. That is something you rarely experience in the big city!
Shopping & Dining
The unique shopping and dining experiences alone make life in a small community like Mississippi Mills a pure joy. Many boutiques are independent, where you can chat with the owner and get a level of service unheard of at the big box stores. Here are a few highlights you’ll find around town:
Clayton General Store: Located in Almonte, the Clayton General Store offers more than ice cream, groceries, and hardware. You’ll also find an LCBO, a public library, locally produced maple syrup, and a post office. It’s not just about convenience. The store is a hub of activity where the whole community can come together!
Pakenham 1840s General Store: Take a journey back in time while you browse the extensive selection of baked goods and reasonably priced grocery items. The Pakenham 1840s General Store is also a great place to find those little odds and ends you don’t know you need–until you spot them here. The kids will love coming to town for the ice cream and the mechanical horse. It really is like stepping into a time machine!
Café Postino: Café Postino has been a must-visit destination for Italian food lovers since it opened its doors in 2011. Inside, you’ll find an extensive menu of mouthwatering appetizers, pasta, pizzas, and more! Their dinner specials are a fantastic way to celebrate any occasion. The hardest part will be saving room for dessert. With delectable choices like the dark chocolate caramel cake and their signature Setti’s tiramisu, you might want to make an effort!
An Oasis of Nature
Mississippi Mills is for nature lovers and anyone who wants to raise a family in a quiet, safe community. From the stunning views along the Riverwalk Almonte to the 296 km Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, you’ll never lack outdoor adventures. Hiking, cycling, and skating are just a few ways to create lasting memories that will stay with your loved ones forever!
In addition to the extensive trail system, you’ll also discover parks and playgrounds everywhere. You can find more than a dozen places to sit back and enjoy nature or let your children run and play at the Mississippi Mills Municipal Site.
The Ottawa area isn’t just safe and convenient; it’s a lot of fun! Take a look at the Reasons Why Ottawa is Perfect for Cyclists.
The Festivals
Mississippi Mills Township might be a quiet, peaceful place full of lush scenery. However, there is never a reason to feel bored. Residents have exciting events to look forward to all year long! Here are just a few of the festivals that residents have marked on the calendar:
Pakenham’s Frost Festival: Enjoy a good old-fashioned Canadian winter with festivities like sledding, a snowman-building contest, and other outdoor activities. If you start to feel chilled, savour a hot chocolate while relaxing by the bonfire!
Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month: The month of June is dedicated to all things two-wheeled! Events may include guided rides, bike polo, or even professional racing. It’s the perfect family-friendly event where everyone can have fun and get fit.
Almonte Celtfest: Be prepared for an exciting weekend of Celtic entertainment by some of our top local performers. There’s something for everyone here, including a tent for seniors, a wide variety of children’s entertainment, and more food and drink than you can imagine!
Almonte Fair: This fun-packed summer fair is eagerly anticipated every July, attracting both local and out-of-town visitors. It’s a blend of old-fashioned atmosphere with modern-day excitement. Come out and enjoy the live music, a midway, a beer garden, and more!