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 farther 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 cozy 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 center, 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 center 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-kilometer) 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 center.

The Cove Inn

The Cove Inn

3.5 out of 5
2 Bedford Street, Corner of Bedford and Main Streets, Westport, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €183 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€183
13 Aug - 14 Aug
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! (178 reviews)
"A1"

Reviewed on 6 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! (47 reviews)
"Keith and Donna are excellent hosts. Their breakfast is amazing."

Reviewed on 6 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 €162 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€162
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! (857 reviews)
"Amazing location and service."

Reviewed on 8 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Had a very good stay at this comfy cottage!
"Loved our stay! I loved this location as well! Perfectly between Toronto and Montreal! And also close to thousand islands! Loved it! Was very clean and well organized! We chose to also get the food offered for amazing prices! Honestly think this was worth more than what we paid! Thank you for the ..."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2024

Thousand Island Kingston Cozy Two Bedroom Cottage + DINNER & BREAKFAST(EXTRA)
Glamping anyone? Enjoy picturesque sunsets from your own water’s edge deck!

Glamping anyone? Enjoy picturesque sunsets from your own water’s edge deck!

Lombardy
Stay at this cottage in Rideau Lakes. Popular attractions Lombard Glen Golf and Country Club and Mill Pond Conservation Area are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
"My wife and I spent 3 relaxing days at this property which was immaculately clean and quiet with a very attentive and personable host (Wendy). The bunkie itself is in excellent shape right on the lake shore and we had full access to all the watercraft and amenities. One of the real highlights was ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Glamping anyone? Enjoy picturesque sunsets from your own water’s edge deck!
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! (21 reviews)
"This is a lovely spot. Easy place to stay with good communication with Carol."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Seasonal waterfront retreat on Sharbot Lake
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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