Westport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Westport which includes religious elements and a church or cathedral
Westport featuring views
Westport showing bird life
Westport which includes signage and a lake or waterhole
Westport which includes 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 AU$294 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$294
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (187 reviews)
"Nice hotel and nice restaurant"

Reviewed on 6 Sept 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! (56 reviews)
"Food was superb."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 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 AU$270 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$270
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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! (902 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Clean and nice rooms. Full hot breakfast included, not buffet. Surrounding area is beautiful and historic."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 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.
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.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Wendy was an excellent host. She has a beautiful property with so many pretty views and places to sit and relax, and she's so kind to share it! We were too busy relaxing and enjoying being there to take photos. We will definitely be returning!"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 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 Meisel Woods Conservation ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"An excellent place, very clean and comfortable. It was very nice and peaceful sitting on the deck with a morning coffee. Beds were comfortable and I loved the pillows. Cottage was well equipped."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Seasonal waterfront retreat on Sharbot Lake
Relax on Benson Lake, Rideau System

Relax on Benson Lake, Rideau System

Westport
Stay at this cottage in Rideau Lakes. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Indian Lake and Rideau Canal are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"This property is incredible. It’s a smaller but cute and comfortable cottage. It was clean and they were very accommodating to us. The hosts were friendly and ready to help. It’s hidden in the trees but not too remote either! With wifi included it was a comfortable stay. We were able to see multiple ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Relax on Benson Lake, Rideau System
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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