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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,927 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P10,927
P12,348 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! (175 reviews)
"Beautiful and cozy room, clean. Good location near the water. Staff very nice and helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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! (46 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P9,703 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P9,703
P10,965 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! (849 reviews)
We’ll be back!
"Beautiful facility in every way. Beth and Easter, at the front entrance, were always cordial, greeting us throughout the day. The area is very pretty with lots of little shops downtown. The park, adjacent the property, was an unexpected piece of paradise. Cycling and kayaking augmented the trip."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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! (10,704 reviews)
"Unique place to stay and really good value option for those on a budget"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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! (1,042 reviews)
"Affordable option with university cafeteria close by with food options. Express bus to finch station making transportation easy. Place was clean and quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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! (4,764 reviews)
"Great location. Close to Rideau Centre, Byward Market restaurants, shopping and bars/pubs. Walkable to just about anywhere. Clean and comfy rooms. Beds were amazingly comfortable which made for a good sleep."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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.

Popular places to visit