Watson's Mill, Photo(s): Phil Renaud, City of Ottawa/Ville d'Ottawa

Manotick Village

Just 25 kilometres south of Ottawa’s iconic Parliament Hill, Manotick feels like a country getaway within the city of Ottawa. Visit Manotick for its perfect small-town charm. 

Food + Drinks

Manotick boasts a variety of local restaurants you can’t miss out on.

In small town fashion, The Miller’s Oven, run by a volunteer group of seniors, is a beloved spot for baked goodies, tea and light lunches. The Black Dog Bistro is known for its selection of sharing plates, sandwiches and other light items, as well as more hearty meals like ribs and steaks.

For pasta and other classic dishes, head to Babbos Cucina Italiana. To slake your thirst, the Mill Tavern and CreekSide Bar & Grill are popular pubs with cold beer on tap.

Outdoor activities

Nestled along the Rideau River, Manotick offers an array of outdoor activities. The picturesque scenery along the riverbanks provides the perfect backdrop for boating, kayaking and canoeing adventures.

The historic Watson’s Mill, a focal point of Manotick, sits beside the water and invites exploration, as well as leisurely walks along the trails. If you’re a cyclist, you can enjoy the scenic route along the Rideau River Heritage Trail, which winds through lush landscapes and showcases the natural beauty of the region.

Get some fresh air at Manderley on the Green, a golf course with three nine-hole courses which you can play in any combination for a long or short game. Check out Manotick’s Centennial Park and Dickinson Square for the perfect picnic spots.

Open between September – November every year (2024 dates to be announced), One World Bazaar is a vintage barn turned into your new favourite place to shop handmade goods from around the world!

Shopping

Many day trippers head to Manotick to explore its one-of-a-kind boutiques, including Mill Street Florist, where you can buy scented candles and other pretty gifts alongside beautiful flower arrangements.

Pick up something sweet from the Gingerbread Man shop, where you can browse frosted cookies and elaborate gingerbread houses. Find gourmet foods, baby gifts, jewellery, home décor items and more at Lasting Impressions Gifts.

For classic, high-quality footwear, Mansfield’s Shoes is the go-to. Browse Canadian and European Fashions at NIN Collection.

Nightlife

Manotick Village offers a charming nighttime atmosphere with various options for a laid-back evening out. Local pubs and eaters along Main Street create a cozy setting for socializing and enjoying a drink with friends.

Major annual events + sports

Every year during the first weekend of June, the Dickinson Days Festival celebrates the birthday of Manotick’s founder, Moss Kent Dickinson. You can expect a parade, fireworks, a street market, old-fashioned games and fun for the whole family!

Explore Manotick

Mimis Donuts
Explore Rideau-Goulbourn this summer
Here are some reasons to road trip to the charming Rideau-Goulbourn neighbourhoods, just 30 minutes south of Ottawa!
Watsons Mill
Visit Rideau-Goulbourn
Browse the shops and grab a bite on Manotick Main Street, stop by a vineyard blanketed in snow, then head to Marlborough Forest for some snowshoeing.
1 Elgin restaurant, National Arts Centre
Where to eat along the Rideau Canal in the Ottawa area
The Rideau Canal – one of Ottawa’s most popular attractions – is the perfect setting for memorable dining experiences throughout the year. Within the…

How to get Manotick

Discover businesses in Manotick

Jabulani Vineyard and Winery Ltd.
Jabulani Vineyard and Winery Ltd.
Sample and enjoy a variety of award-winning wines at this picturesque, countryside vineyard, just a 30-minute drive west of downtown Ottawa, either over rustic wine-barrel tables on the patio, or inside a charming, contemporary long-house.
candy
Lollies + Scoops
Family-run sweets and gift shop in the heart of Manotick village, offering a wide range of hard to find, imported and artisanal treats and snacks.
Watson's Mill
Watson's Mill
Watson's Mill is a fully functioning 1860's flour mill located on the shores of the Rideau River in picturesque Manotick.

Find more businesses on the Manotick BIA website.

Upcoming events in Manotick

Dickinson Days Festival
Summer 2025, dates to be announced
A weekend event celebrating the birthday of Manotick’s founder, Moss Kent Dickinson, with a parade, fireworks, street market, old fashioned games, and…
Fiddles on the Rideau Festival
Summer 2025, dates to be announced
You can enjoy music, workshops, pontoon boat rides and more, at the Fiddles on the Rideau festival.
One World Bazaar
Fall 2025, dates to be announced
Visit a vintage barn a half-hour drive from downtown Ottawa in Manotick Station to shop for treasures created by artisans from around the world. One…
Richmond Fair
Fall 2025, dates to be announced
There will be a midway, Dairy Show, outdoor entertainment, Heavy Horse show and so much more!
Watson's Mill's Christmas Craft Market
Winter 2025, dates to be announced
Complete your Christmas shopping with a unique local touch at the annual Watson Mill’s Christmas Market. With two floors of distinct artisans to…

Other neighbourhoods you might be interested in

Vimy Memorial Bridge
Barrhaven (Ottawa South)
What to do and where to eat in Ottawa’s Barrhaven neighbourhood, south of downtown Ottawa.
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
Osgoode, Greely and Metcalfe
What to see and do and where to eat in Ottawa’s rural Osgoode, Greely and Metcalfe neighbourhoods.
Calypso Theme Waterpark
Prescott and Russell
What to see and do and where to eat in Prescott and Russell.

Stay up to date

Stay up to date on upcoming events and ideas to plan your next trip to Ottawa with friends, family or on your own by signing up for the Ottawa Tourism Newsletter.