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.

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 P10,798 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P10,798
P12,202 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (174 reviews)
"Love this place. The entertainment was amazing restaurant was excellent. BuT Would have liked to know ahead of time there was no TV in our room. (Rm 30) . But we will go back for sure. It’s just a wonderful Inn"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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! (43 reviews)
"Such a beautiful place to stay, the breakfast was spectacular, the hosts were kind, gracious, and had anything we could possibly need. 10/10 we will be coming back next year."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 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 P9,573 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P9,573
P10,817 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (847 reviews)
"Great breakfast. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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! (10,643 reviews)
"Everyone was very nice and friendly. From the front desk checking to parking attendant. The bellhop and housekeeping. Wonderful stay. Great location."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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! (1,039 reviews)
"Nice place and affordable price...highly recommend🙂"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto
Panorama Suites Downtown Toronto

Panorama Suites Downtown Toronto

4 out of 5
251 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Scotiabank Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (412 reviews)
"too noisy on the street side"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Panorama Suites Downtown Toronto
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.

Popular places to visit