History, natural beauty and artistry! This tranquil village in Ontario is a popular summer destination thanks to its preserved 19th-century downtown core, annual music festival and scenic mountain lookout point. Here’s what to know about Westport, Ont.

Exploring Westport

You’ll find this beauty 40 minutes north of Kingston, Ont., and just a short drive away from Ottawa. Westport prides itself on its local community, including its restaurants and shopping destinations.

According to its tourism site, it welcomes thousands of people every year, mostly due to its annual music festival, MUSICWestport.

It’s a free event held on the 3rd Saturday of August! But if you’re here to avoid the hustle and bustle, Westport is a thrilling destination for outdoor lovers.

It is located below the Foley Mountain Conservation Area, which offers a spectacular view of the local village and its historic waterway.

The scenic lookout soars high above the town of Westport, also known as Spy Rock scenic lookout. Take your camera out and snap some pics. It’s a sight to see!

According to its tourism site, the town is situated along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, and is also part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can also explore its grounds through its many biking trails and local hiking trails.

It’s truly a cyclists’ wonderland as road cyclists and triathletes explore the Rideau, the Cataraqui Trail, and the rural roads surrounding the village, according to the Village of Westport.

As a bonus, free public-use bike tools are available at the Visitor Centre 24/7.

There’s lots to do in southeastern Ontario, and Westport is definitely one of those towns to explore.

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Karen Doradea

Karen Doradea

Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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