Westport

Travel Guide

Westport which includes religious elements and a church or cathedral
Westport showing views
Westport showing bird life
Westport featuring a lake or waterhole and signage
Westport featuring 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.

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! (40 reviews)
One of the best Bed & Breakfasts in Canada
"Beautiful property, gorgeous view, wonderful hosts, great breakfast."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Upper Rideau Bed & Breakfast
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 P10,726 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
P10,726
P12,120 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
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! (171 reviews)
"Beautiful quaint little town. Very traditional facility, helpful, friendly staff, very clean facilities"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

The Cove Inn
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 P9,525 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P9,525
P10,763 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (828 reviews)
"Nice location by Stewart Park. The bath-tub has a bubbler/massager, which was fun. The pool was nice. Restaurant was limited, but there are plenty of options nearby."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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.
One King West Hotel & Residence
One King West Hotel & Residence
4 out of 5
1 King Street West, Toronto, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (10,440 reviews)
"Great location and the staff were exceptional"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

One King West Hotel & Residence
Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto
Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto
2.5 out of 5
1760 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, ON
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (984 reviews)
"The location was affordable and has great amenities."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,654 reviews)
"I love the apartment style rooms."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
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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