Westport

Travel Guide

Westport featuring religious elements and a church or cathedral
Westport showing views
Westport showing bird life
Westport showing signage and a lake or waterhole
Westport showing a river or creek and a bridge

This small but friendly lakeside town is a popular destination for keen anglers, hikers and swimmers.

This sleepy township of Westport on the western bank of Upper Rideau Lake attracts visitors looking for a quiet escape from nearby Ottawa and further afield. Westport is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with your fishing rod in hand, to explore the surrounding woods or to shop at the specialty stores that line the town’s main street. Swim from the sandy shore of the lake in summer or enjoy a home-cooked meal in a cosy restaurant in winter. With nearly two centuries of history, Westport offers plenty to discover.

The earliest European settlers arrived in the area in the first two decades of the 19th century, when the settlement was known as Head of the Lake. Its strategic position helped the town grow and it was officially incorporated in 1904. Westport operated as a trade centre, with goods being delivered by rail and on barges on the Rideau Canal. While the train no longer runs to Westport, it was this line that brought the first tourism to the region.

Today the area’s natural beauty and sparse population attract people looking for a refuge from the nearby cities. Spend a day exploring the small town centre to discover a selection of specialty stores selling local produce, hand-made items and souvenirs. Find a seat at a restaurant for some small-town hospitality. Sample fish caught from the lakes and canal.

Rent a boat or sign up for a fishing charter from the Westport wharf. The small wharf is a great place to meet locals returning from a day on the lake. Venture into the surrounding region to hike along the Rideau Trail. The 186-mile (300-kilometre) path goes through the Foley Mountain Conservation Area and offers stunning views across Westport.

Westport is located between Ottawa and Toronto and can be reached by bus from either city or by car via Canada’s network of highways. Find accommodation in the town centre.

The Cove Inn

The Cove Inn

3.5 out of 5
2 Bedford Street, Corner of Bedford and Main Streets, Westport, ON
The price is €181 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€181
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach inn in Westport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Westport Brewing Company and Westport Municipal ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (180 reviews)
"Truly a country inn . Thank god there was no tv. Loved the red pine floors."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

The Cove Inn
Upper Rideau Bed & Breakfast

Upper Rideau Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
18 Main St, Westport, ON
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Westport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Westport Brewing Company and Westport Municipal Harbour ...
10/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Westport Stay
"Wonderful hosts with exceptional breakfast."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Upper Rideau Bed & Breakfast
Perth Parkside Hotel and Spa, BW Premier Collection

Perth Parkside Hotel and Spa, BW Premier Collection

3.5 out of 5
82 Peter Street, Perth, ON
The price is €153 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€153
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Perth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (872 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Perth Parkside Hotel and Spa, BW Premier Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Thousand Island Kingston Cozy Two Bedroom Cottage + DINNER & BREAKFAST(EXTRA)

Thousand Island Kingston Cozy Two Bedroom Cottage + DINNER & BREAKFAST(EXTRA)

Seeley's Bay
Stay at this cottage in Leeds and the Thousand Islands. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Leeds and the Thousand Island Public Library - Seeley's Bay ...
6.8/10 (12 reviews)
"Overall a good place to hang your hat for a night, if you need it."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Thousand Island Kingston Cozy Two Bedroom Cottage + DINNER & BREAKFAST(EXTRA)
Seasonal waterfront retreat on Sharbot Lake

Seasonal waterfront retreat on Sharbot Lake

Sharbot Lake
Stay at this cottage in Central Frontenac. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sharbot Lake Beach and Kingston Frontenac Public ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Great spot!! Great location for paddling, biking/hiking. Cozy, clean well stocked cabin."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Seasonal waterfront retreat on Sharbot Lake
Granite Hollow Cabin

Granite Hollow Cabin

Sharbot Lake
Stay at this cabin in Central Frontenac. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Silver Lake Provincial Park and Sharbot Lake ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"This property is neat and tidy. My family had a great time. A lot of wildlife to see. The solar lights and screened in eating area really made the nights so much better with the fire ban. We could still enjoy the outside and played games. The lake is so clean - we had little fish nibbling our ankles! ..."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Granite Hollow Cabin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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