Westwind Inn on the Lake

The place is really great. It is as natural as it looks, embracing nature in its design and materials- wood is almost the only material you see. The effect is softness, which is a perfect antidote to the hardness of city-life experience. The interior is immaculate and tasteful in haut-cottage style, with so many interesting pieces and knickknacks suggestive of life and history in the area. The staff was very welcoming, friendly and generous with me, which meant a lot since I was traveling solo. The food was great and obviously prepared with personal care. Westwind is a true retreat.

Good food, comfortable accommodations, beautiful scenery and wonderful hosts; everything we could possibly ask for. Cannot say enough about the food, it was delicious. Peaceful setting with lots of wildlife and nature trails. TERRIFIC!

My wife and I spent our anniversary weekend here, and it was lovely. Inga, Jamie, and the rest of the team were incredibly friendly and helpful. We had dinner our first night and breakfast the following morning, and both were outstanding -- absolutely worth it. This location has amazing views of Lower Buckhorn Lake and the neighbouring water bodies that comprise the Trent-Severn Waterway. We stayed at the chalet, and the front balcony view of the lake was breath-taking. There are lots of options to spend time on the water, including the resort's own canoes, kayaks, and pedal boat. The place was squeaky clean, all fixtures worked as expected, and the whole complex gives off really nice vibes of vintage cottage country. We loved our time in this place and will definitely be back soon!

We ended up in Buckhorn by chance, or good luck, whichever you prefer. Regardless of how we got there, the important thing is how we left. Relaxed, rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to face the stress and responsibility that comes with our daily lives once again. We came to the Westwind looking for peace and tranquility and boy did we find it. This little slice of heavenly solitude is just what we needed and we enjoyed every minute. Jamie was so helpful with information about the local area and we tried many of his suggestions. Be aware, when he tells you that you’ll walk away from Bigley’s a little lighter in the pocket…believe him . The Inn itself is clean and well kept with artistic treasures around every corner. The property is fabulous with hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and more right on site. If you’re looking for a little step away from the hustle and bustle of work and life, give the Westwind a try, you won’t regret it. Thank you, Jamie and Inga! ~Denise & Dan

If you are looking for a place to totally unwind like we were, this is the place to do it. We loved the rustic atmosphere. We are nature lovers so enjoyed the chance to go kayaking (boat launch right there), hiking (on premise) and having a bonfire outside. The Inn was so clean and peaceful. The staff are amazing. Jamie made us feel so welcomed and Rachel is the best server. The breakfasts were amazing and filling. We will definitely be back!!!

We have just come home from Westwind Inn on Buckhorn Lake in Canada ( Just an hour the other side of Toronto.) I cannot say enough about the experience of being there. One wakes to the sound of the lake on the shore and--often--the sound of loons. One is tempted to linger in the gorgeous white pine walled bedroom. I can turn over on my side and look out the sliding doors to the balcony and watch the wind in the trees. Or lounge on the couch closer to the view. Of course, one goes to Westwind for the beauty of the inn itself( lovely rustic spaces, walls of local art and nature photographs, --oh, the halls are worth a walk just to see the carefully collected antique tables and such lit with tiffany lamps and offer all sorts of book. From best sellers to old conservation tombs . . . .). But, one also goes a for what is outside the inn itself. Sheer beauty. I first ramble down to the little guest kitchen to boil water for tea and then out to the dock with my tea cup to do yoga watching the mist burn off the lake. Yoga poses on a gently moving dock will give you a special sense of calm and strength. And there is no tea like Canadian tea for some reason. Some mornings yoga comes later, after a kayak run between the small islands along the lake's shore. ( One of the benefits of an all inclusive package. Access to kayaks, canoes, waterbikes) ) Afterwards, a quick shower and into the inn restaurant for breakfast while feeling my soul expand. And possibly my hips given the food! Wonderful food--fresh fruit, eggs, homefries, toast, juice . . . . . All those lovely calories can, of course, can be remedied by a good long walk in the peace of this place and a swim--whether in the lake or the pristine in ground pool. On a rainy day, there is so much to do beyond the inn--including provincial parks, shopping in local towns at boutique shops. There are lock side parks everywhere as this is the Trent-Severn waterway are. I admit, however, to a crazy lazy day at the inn itself, when it was a bit cool. I spent it reading the great room, sitting on the small balcony of our room and browsing through old photos and wildlife books in the inn's reception area. In an age of corporation dominance, knowing your dollars supported a family owned and ecologically responsible small business is such a blessing. Meeting the college students and in owners and family members who staff the inn create such a sense of connection. I have little notes on my phone for books they recommend, music they have discovered and so much more. I often wonder how many books I have read sitting by the lake. ( Or how much wine from the winery nearby.) Supporting the world you want to live in with your dollars matters. Healing yourself matters. When you can do both at once . . . . such a gift.

The location is beautiful and there was plenty of choice of activities. The rooms were rustic, fine but tired. The inn felt odd and it seemed like it was run with today's prices and the service of a bygone Era. The dusty knick knacks, giant lamps and lack of coffee makers showed a lack of care. You ate your $50 breakfast on their schedule not yours and coffee before 930 am was your to figure out. We got the impression grandma ruled the roost and the son kept things running with a lack of vision, a succession plan that didn't transfer hands and felt stuck. The price made renting a cottage and running your vacation on your time more appealing. Lots of potential but lack a real care and enthusiasm was apparent. Not to mention no housekeeping not even fresh towels unless requested, again something you would expect as a bare minimum at a $300+ price point. A beautiful location with so much to offer just needs an infusion of care and some fresh eyes to put the customer first on their vacation.