Westwind Inn on the Lake — Hotel in Trent Lakes

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 . . . ....

Our recent visit to the Westwind Inn was a delight! From the moment we stepped into our cozy, rustic decorated room, we were captivated by the scenic views. The room was not only very clean but also thoughtfully equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning, a fireplace, a mini fridge, a sofa, and a heart-shaped hot tub. The private balcony overlooking the water was the perfect spot to unwind and take in the breathtaking surroundings.

They also offer a common kitchen area, allowing guests to feel at home with its full-sized fridge, stove, oven, sink, ice machine, coffee maker, and tea kettle. The variety of coffee and tea options was a nice touch, making our mornings more enjoyable. If you’re not feeling like cooking your own meals, they also have a restaurant for breakfast and dinner, with a reservation required the day before.

The Westwind Inn's grounds are a true oasis. The beautifully manicured gardens and picturesque lakefront provided a serene backdrop for our stay. We took advantage of the bonfire areas, one by the water, complete with provided firewood, kindling, and roasting sticks, creating unforgettable evenings under the starlit sky.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to do here, with an abundance of trails for hiking and biking. The complimentary canoes, kayaks, pedal boat, and hydro bikes added an extra layer of adventure. The swimming pool was a gem, complete with adorable pool floats and comfortable chairs. And if you're feeling competitive, the badminton/volleyball net and mini golf putting area close to the pool are fantastic options for some extra fun.

The soundtrack to our stay was the relaxing sounds of nature, especially in the morning with the gentle waves and calls of loons. At night, the skies were filled with twinkling stars, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

What made our experience special was the warm, friendly service provided by the family-run team, who went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction.

Overall, our weekend at the Westwind Inn was relaxing, and we can't wait to return. This hidden gem has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we look forward to making more cherished memories here in the future. Thank you for an...

I stayed at the Westwind Inn this past weekend while in the area for a wedding.|The young college student staff were lovely, polite, and helpful — unfortunately, the same cannot be said for management or the overall experience. I would not recommend this property.||From the moment you arrive, you notice the place is run down, dated, and severely overpriced for the value offered.||1. Dated rooms & poor maintenance|The rooms feel stuck in time — the TV and much of the furniture look to be decades old. Water pressure is poor, and my sister and brother-in-law had no water for their pre-wedding shower. Management did not apologize and instead insisted my brother-in-law “didn’t know how to turn on the shower.” (He has built bathrooms, so this was simply insulting.)||2. No complimentary towels for water activities|Beach towels must be purchased — none are provided for guests.||3. Breakfast with an unusually limited time window|While most hotels offer at least a 2-hour breakfast period (e.g., 8:00–10:00), here it was fixed at 9:30 a.m. only.||4. Restaurant closed|The on-site restaurant was closed during our stay. When I asked to see the menu, the items seemed oddly upscale for the setting (like something from a Four Seasons) and were priced accordingly. Guests are left to leave the property for meals.||5. Pool and lake issues|The pool, while clean, was unheated. The lake is extremely weedy. Outdoor furniture had no cushions, making it uncomfortable.||6. No daily housekeeping|Rooms are not serviced during your stay.||7. Key inconvenience|Only one key is issued per room. We were told we could leave it at the desk if needed, but the front desk was rarely staffed, so this wasn’t practical.||In summary: Despite friendly student staff, the outdated facilities, lack of amenities, and dismissive management make this a poor value for the high prices charged. I would not stay here again or...