Watson's Mill Manotick
๐Ÿ“ฌ The Village Pulse

Manotick's Local Blog

Local stories, hidden gems, business spotlights and community news โ€” every week.

Latest Posts

The History of Manotick: From Mill Town to Modern Village

How a 19th-century milling complex on the Rideau River became the village of Manotick โ€” the story of Moss Kent Dickinson, Watson's Mill, and Dickinson Square.

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The E-Bike and E-Scooter Boom in Manotick

E-bikes and e-scooters have taken over Manotick's sidewalks and streets this summer. Here's what's actually going on, a few thoughts on sharing the road, and where to weigh in on September 17.

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5 Hidden Gems in Manotick You Might Have Missed

From a front-yard sourdough cart to a dog-only cafรฉ, here are five Manotick businesses worth knowing about โ€” even if you've lived here for years.

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A Local's Guide to Manotick's Best Patios

Where to sit outside in Manotick โ€” riverside spots, Main Street patios, and everything in between.

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The Curated Room: A New Design Boutique Opens on Main Street

The Curated Room opens August 18 at 5559 Manotick Main St, bringing 20+ years of interior design experience from owner Charleen Gauthier to the village.

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5 Reasons to Love the Rideau River in Manotick

From Watson's Mill to riverside patios, here's why the Rideau River is the heart of what makes Manotick, Manotick.

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Smash N Dash Smashburgers: Now Rolling Into Manotick

Smash N Dash Smashburgers has set up shop in the RONA parking lot at 1346 Bankfield Rd, Manotick. Fresh never-frozen Angus beef smashburgers, fries and poutine, Tuesday through Sunday.

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Li Li's Lounge and Patio Bar: Manotick's New Cocktail Escape

Li Li's Lounge and Patio Bar brought elevated cocktails and small plates to 5514 Manotick Main St, with a patio built for slowing down. Open May through October with generous hours all week.

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Manotick Farmers Market: Your Saturday Morning at Watson's Mill

Every Saturday, 10amโ€“2pm, the Carriage Shed parking lot across from Watson's Mill fills up with local farmers, bakers and vendors. Here's what to know before you go.

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The Manotick Bakery You've Never Heard Of โ€” But Need to Find

Ria's Sourdough Micro Bakery & Bouquets sells fresh sourdough, bagels, cookies and bouquets from a front-yard cart on McLean Crescent. Cash only, self-serve, and it sells out fast.

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692 Coffee and Bar: Where Strangers Become Friends on Main Street

692 Coffee and Bar occupies a beautifully restored heritage building on Manotick Main St, serving in-house sourdough, Scrummie Scones, and specialty coffee โ€” plus The Lot, its Sunday farmers market.

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Manotick Natural Market: Two Decades of Holistic Health in the Heart of the Village

Manotick Natural Market has been the village's holistic health and supplement destination for over two decades, with a Wellness Hub offering naturopathic and nutrition services next door.

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Beth's on the Bay: A Retirement Project That Became Manotick's Favourite Way Onto the Water

Beth's on the Bay offers kayak and paddleboard rentals right on the Rideau River in Manotick โ€” and this Saturday, they're co-presenting CHEO Paddle Day.

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1st Annual Paddle Day for CHEO: Manotick Takes to the Water in Pink

Manotick's 1st Annual Paddle Day for CHEO Mental Health Services hits Mahogany Bay on July 18. A scavenger hunt, group paddle, prizes, and BBQ โ€” all to bury bullying and raise money for kids' mental health.

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Big Rideau BBQ: Smoked Meat, River Views, and a Line That's Usually Worth It

Big Rideau BBQ is a seasonal food truck on Manotick Main St serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, and loaded fries across from the Rideau River. Fri-Sun, 11am-7pm.

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GBurger Manotick: Fresh Beef, Housemade Buns, and a Retro Vibe Worth the Drive

GBurger Manotick serves fresh beef from Enright Cattle Co., housemade buns and a retro diner vibe at 1160 Beaverwood Rd. Here's why it's one of Manotick's top-rated spots.

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Watson's Mill: The 1860s Grist Mill in Manotick That's Still Actually Running

Watson's Mill is one of Ontario's last operating water-powered grist mills. Free guided tours daily, admission by donation. Here's everything you need to know before you visit.

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Discover Manotick Now Has a Blog โ€” Here's Why That Matters

We launched a blog. Here's what you can expect โ€” and how to get your local event featured for free.

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Canada Day Is Back in Manotick โ€” and It's Going to Be a Good One

After a few quiet years, Manotick is hosting a real Canada Day celebration. Live music, family activities, and a drone show at Centennial Park. Here's everything you need to know.

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