Watson's Mill (Museum/Historic Site)
Watson's Mill (Museum/Historic Site) things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Manotick's Watson's Mill / Long Island Mill and Museum is a historic site that supports the heritage of both the Rideau canal and rural farmers in the community dating back in the 1860's. It also serves today as a memorial of local troops who fought bravely for Canada's armed forces. There are many interesting features surrounding this area. The once very active multi-purpose mill, how it supported life in the community, how mills function and how the mill structure influences the local environment. The mill harnests the kinetic energy from the water to turn turbines providing mechanical energy to drive various gears and pulleys to perform work. This included; a grist mill (a stone grinding mechanism that was used to grind grain and corn into various grades of flour) and a power supply for other machines such as; a hoist to lift sacs of grain and a power supply to cut logs into useable lumber. These services were often traded in exchange for a portion of what was made, thus creating a centre of commerce within the community. I also noticed how the dam used by the mill impacts the local environment. This includes; the formation of oddly shaped ice paddies from the foam of the Rideau river during the winter time. Also how the water sounds, moves and where water collects creating a bay down stream where wildlife likes to congregate. There are also other hidden clues available to be seen, such as; ice pushing staffs, the tunnel into the mill where water is diverted for the turbines. Just take your time and let your imagination figure out how this mill worked in the past and immerse youself into history. Don't get too close to the mechanical workings of the Mill. You don't want to join Ann in the haunting of the Mill. That too is a story you can learn about while visiting the site. If you like my review's, photos or videos don't mill around and give it a thumbs up.
Seeing the world In a different way
70
I ended up at Watson's Mill, hoping to glean some info about the lost village on Long Island. My 3rd Great Grandfather had come over from Scotland in the 1840's, died 1870 and my 2nd Great Grandfather was born on Manotick Long Island in village that's no longer there. I'm pretty sure he worked on the canal. I wanted to know if there were any Cemeteries on the Island to see if my 3GG was buried there. Unfortunately they couldn't help me at the Mill but, I did get to see the beautiful setting that it's in and the river behind it. If you're in the area, it will be worth your while to drop by!
Jeff Osborn
10
Very nice place to visit. Its a big four story mill. And it is free, with ample free parking available. It has still it's old machinery working and grinding seeds to make flour. To see the entire operation is fascinating, from old but powerful water run turbines in the basement to all the gears and belts moving the grinding stone and grinding seeds. You can buy bread made of this flour. Opposite to this place is Dickinson House Museum which is also well preserved.
Zeeshan Zakaria
10
If you live in Barrhaven, you are not more than 10 min away from this beautiful place. For any casual summer evening walk, this is my go to! For kids, every Sunday, their mill actually works, where they explain the functioning of it, as per their actual era. We recently found they have farmers market here too. and Nov, they have Christmas markets which can be fun from impromptu visits!
Pankhuri Bhatnagar
20
A quaint little museum in the core of Manotick, not to far away from Ottawa. The museum features a working grist mill where you can buy local products made right in the facility. The river runs fast and there are some rapids downstream from the dam. You can walk across the dam to a park on the other side of the river. Plenty of parking and free access to the museum.
Kathryn Foss
20
Beautiful full of history and beautiful view . The staff are amazing very friendly very helpful and they answer all your questions. The town is not very far from Ottawa like 40 min nice walk around and few restaurants. Would be nice couple of hours to spend there but I wouldn’t plan a full day . The entrance is free and they have have a shop.
Zee Man
10
Nearby Attractions Of Watson's Mill (Museum/Historic Site)
White Clover Soap Company & Boutique
Dickinson House

White Clover Soap Company & Boutique
5.0
(13)
Click for details

Dickinson House
4.8
(15)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Watson's Mill (Museum/Historic Site)
Black Dog Bistro
The Mill Tavern
CreekSide Bar & Grill Manotick
Babbos Cucina Italiana
Pizza All'Antica
The VAULT Bistro
692 Coffee and Bar
Take Another Bite
Morning Owl Manotick
Khao Yum Thai Restaurant

Black Dog Bistro
4.6
(661)
$$
Click for details

The Mill Tavern
4.3
(324)
Click for details

CreekSide Bar & Grill Manotick
4.2
(337)
Click for details

Babbos Cucina Italiana
4.6
(293)
$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
5525 Dickinson St, Manotick, ON K4M 1A2, Canada
Map
Phone
+1 613-692-6455
Call
Website
watsonsmill.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(419 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Watson's Mill is an historic flour and gristmill in Manotick, Ontario, Canada. It is the only working museum in the Ottawa area and one of the very few operating industrial grist mills in North America. Watson's Mill still sells stone-ground whole wheat flour which is made on site.
attractions: White Clover Soap Company & Boutique, Dickinson House, restaurants: Black Dog Bistro, The Mill Tavern, CreekSide Bar & Grill Manotick, Babbos Cucina Italiana, Pizza All'Antica, The VAULT Bistro, 692 Coffee and Bar, Take Another Bite, Morning Owl Manotick, Khao Yum Thai Restaurant
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