Westwind Inn on the Lake

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.

Had an amazing stay at the westwind, from the time Rachel greeted us at the counter to our last breakfast prepared by kurt we enjoyed every minute. Jamie showed us around and was a perfect host, could see how much pride he has in his 32 years with the westwind. Patty made it so easy to get around and showed us the chalet sweets (which we upgraded to). The views are spectacular, the staff goes up and above. Never had such a great connection with staff of a resort. It's almost like being part of the family. Would strongly recommend it to anyone who is looking to get away for a quiet weekend. If not and you want recreational they have kayaks, canoes, games, and so much more at no extra cost. We love it here and will not make it a other regular to our list!!!!! Thank you Inga and Jamie for everything. ♥️

Westwind is located in beautiful natural environment in the woods and by the water. Sport equipments is available such as boats, bicycles and the modest version of the golf range. Gardens are beautifully arranged and the native canadian plants such as trillium were blooming. Looking forward to enjoy this quite place again.

Beautiful forest location on the water. Rooms need some updating. Tvs are ancient could not get captions for hearing loss.

we just stayed for one hour and got out of this property, our long weekend plans are screwed and we had to drive back all the way to home.

Extremely quiet