Old Aylmer Quebec
Discover Old Aylmer, Quebec: a charming historic district with a picturesque waterfront, vibrant farmers market, and rich heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Old Aylmer Quebec
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Old Aylmer, Quebec: a charming historic district with a picturesque waterfront, vibrant farmers market, and rich heritage.
"Old Aylmer is the cutest, offering a delightful blend of history and local charm."
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Old Aylmer is best explored by walking to soak in the historic charm.
🍽️ Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the food tour for a culinary journey through Aylmer's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Symmes Inn Museum
Aylmer Heritage Site
Step back in time at this historic inn, now a museum detailing Aylmer's colonial and timber industry past.
Old Aylmer Food Tour
Various locations in Old Aylmer
Savor local flavors and discover hidden culinary gems on this guided tour, complete with historical insights.
+1
Aylmer Marina & Waterfront
Marina Aylmer
Enjoy scenic views, a relaxing atmosphere, and potential for water activities at this picturesque marina.
Urban Art Discoveries
Throughout Aylmer
Keep an eye out for unique urban art installations and stickers that add a creative flair to the cityscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm of Old Aylmer
Navigating Aylmer's Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Old Aylmer is best explored by walking to soak in the historic charm.
🍽️ Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the food tour for a culinary journey through Aylmer's history.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Vibes
Many areas, including the farmers market, welcome dogs.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Old Aylmer is best explored by walking to soak in the historic charm.
🍽️ Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the food tour for a culinary journey through Aylmer's history.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Vibes
Many areas, including the farmers market, welcome dogs.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🎶 Live Music (Seasonal)
Look out for live music, especially during market days in peak season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Aylmer is often praised as a charming and pleasant destination, particularly its farmers market which offers good variety and a friendly atmosphere, though some find the market experience less engaging. The historic nature of the area and its waterfront are definite draws, but parking can be a minor inconvenience.
"This was a surprise, and a good one! Didn't know what to expect when I went to this farmers market. There were more vendors and variety than expected. The layout was well thought out. Plenty of seating and shade from the sun. Dog friendly, which is great! Parking required a bit of effort, but wasn't impossible. Loved it."
Lani Haque
"I've never even seen a more typical small market. Some veggies, some cheese boards and probably some very unique olive oil hand soap somewhere, i got bored after seeing 70% of the 20 stalls and left. I saw a guy selling "indigenous plants", they're literally the pest ones you pull from that small gap between your garage and fence which is where it looks like he got his ugly specimens. Nice location for a market but it's hardly worth stopping in unfortunately. One vendor and his wife harassed me as I walked past - to the point I was actually uncomfortable and just wanted to leave. I expressed no interest I don't even know why I was ambushed"
Henry Rollings91
"A pleasant little local market; usual fare. The handoff between organizers in the 2024 season is a little rocky. I miss the live music. 🥲"
Joshua Turner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Old Aylmer from Ottawa via car, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Public transportation options are also available, often involving a bus route. Some tours offer free transportation from Ottawa.
Yes, Old Aylmer is very walkable, with its historic streets and waterfront easily explored on foot.
Parking can be limited, especially during busy periods like market days. Street parking is available, but it might require some searching.
Cycling is a great option, with scenic routes along the river. There are bike racks available in some areas.
Yes, the Old Aylmer Food Tour is a popular option that includes historical insights and transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on ticket prices and opening hours for the Symmes Inn Museum can typically be found on their official website or by contacting them directly.
The cost of the food tour can vary. It's best to check with @aventure_outaouais for current pricing and booking details.
Old Aylmer is a historic district, and there are generally no entrance fees to walk around and explore its streets and public areas.
The farmers market typically operates on weekends during the warmer months. Specific hours can change seasonally, so it's advisable to check local listings.
The Aylmer Marina is generally accessible to the public for walking and enjoying the waterfront views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can visit the Symmes Inn Museum, explore the waterfront and marina, enjoy a food tour, discover urban art, and browse local markets.
Absolutely! The historic architecture, waterfront views, and charming streets offer numerous picturesque spots for photography.
Yes, families can enjoy the parks, waterfront, and the general atmosphere. The farmers market is also a family-friendly outing.
You'll find a mix of local boutiques, cafes, and shops, particularly along Rue Principale and near the marina.
Keep an eye out for seasonal events like farmers markets, festivals, and community gatherings. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Old Aylmer offers various dining options, from cafes to restaurants, many of which are featured on the food tour.
The farmers market typically offers fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and sometimes unique items like olive oil soaps.
Many restaurants in the area are likely to offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff.
Yes, there are several cafes in Old Aylmer where you can enjoy coffee and pastries.
As Old Aylmer is in Quebec, French is the primary language. While many businesses cater to English speakers, ordering in French is common and appreciated.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic buildings, the waterfront along the Ottawa River, the marina, and charming streetscapes are all excellent for photography.
Photography policies inside museums can vary. It's best to check with the museum staff upon your visit regarding their rules on interior photography.
Look out for the intriguing urban art and stickers that add a quirky element to the visual landscape of Aylmer.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) often provides beautiful lighting for capturing the historic architecture and waterfront.
While you can photograph the exteriors of houses, always be respectful of private property and residents' privacy. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
The farmers market is a great place to find affordable local produce and snacks. 🏛️ History Buffs
Take time to wander through the heritage site, admiring the architecture that tells stories of early settlement and the timber trade. Don't miss landmarks like the British Hotel, which further illuminate Aylmer's historical significance as a key crossing point. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Aylmer's Past
Exploring the heritage site allows visitors to connect with the stories of early settlers and the development of the area. The architecture of the buildings in Old Aylmer reflects different historical periods, offering a visual narrative of its evolution. Beyond the Symmes Inn, the entire Old Aylmer heritage site is a living museum. Walking along Rue Principale and the waterfront, you can admire well-preserved buildings that whisper tales of bygone eras. The British Hotel, built in 1834 and opened in 1841, is another significant historical landmark, highlighting Aylmer's importance as a historical crossing point.
Culinary Adventures in Old Aylmer
+1 Participants often rave about the quality of the food and the engaging stories shared by the guides. The farmers market in Aylmer is another fantastic spot to experience local produce and artisanal goods. Visitors have noted a surprising variety of vendors, from fresh vegetables and fruits to unique cheeses and handcrafted items.
Artistic Expressions in Aylmer
Beyond the spontaneous art, Aylmer also hosts events like park takeovers, which can feature activities like basketball, showcasing community engagement and local talent.
Social
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