Name: Westwind Inn on the Lake
Address: 37 Gallery On The Lake Road, Trent Lakes, Trent Lakes, Trent Lakes, K0L 1J0, Canada
Rating: 8

Air conditioning

Smoke-free property

Heating

Garden

Television in lobby

Terrace

Outdoor furniture

Adults Only

No elevators

Reception desk

General

Bridal suite

Non-smoking rooms

Rooms

Accessibility features

Wheelchair Accessible

Accessibility

Laundry

Concierge services

Services and amenities

Breakfast

Restaurant

Microwave oven

Packed Lunches

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Free bicycle rental

Library

Hiking

Fishing

Sun Deck

Recreation

Free parking

Free Parking on Premises

Parking

Swimming pool

Spa tub

Outdoor pool

Seasonal indoor swimming pool

Seasonal outdoor swimming pool

Water sport facilities

Private beach

Next to the beach

Pool and beach

Business center

Event facilities

Fax and copy machine

Business

Windsurfing

Cycling

Sports

Solarium

Massage

Beauty and wellness

Ski facilities rental

Skiing

Winter sports

Pets allowed

Pets

Temperature control for staff

Personal protection equipment for staff

Extra decontamination measures

Temperature control for guests

Personal protection equipment for guests

Contactless check-in and/or check-out

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the hotel

Westwind Inn on the Lake

Trent Lakes

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!!!

Recharged our batteries

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.

Glorious place, marvelous staff, serene environment.

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.

Vacation Their way not yours

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. ♥️

Best resort stay ever!!!

We went there for our 23rd wedding anniversary, and were not disappointed.  Our balcony room had a beautiful lake view, nice big room with a king bed.  Meals were great, and Chef Scotty went out of his way to make us an early breakfast.  All the staff were friendly and helpful.   We plan to go back in the spring.

First time there.

We recently returned to Westwind after an absence of two years. Actually, the only thing which keeps us out of Canada is COVID.  And the extra effort –and admittedly the costs—of testing and time to manage the uploading of vaccination documents—was well worth it.  Yes, we had great weather.   Yes, it was a grand escape from everyday life.  But under any circumstances we would have enjoyed every minute on the property at Westwind.   It was a refuge from COVID and a reminder of the simple pleasures of life—at least at an Inn this grand.  

The resort seems more than prepared to handle COVID protocols. Everyone was masked and the inn was being cleaned and disinfected with care.  The staff were attentive and kind and trained in all COVID safety measures.  The guest kitchen was always clean and orderly including the guest refrigerator, stove and sinks. We had breakfast and dinner at the inn—we took their full meal plan—but lunch was easy given the guest kitchen.  We shopped for lunch goodies at nearby Buckhorn and had wine from the local vineyard, cheeses, fruit and more available for every day. The kitchen also included unlimited tea and coffee supplies.  All public areas were welcoming—including the guest lounge on the second floor overlooking the lake. 

Our room was situated lakeside and our balcony and view of the small beach and lake allowed us morning sun and evening breezes.  As we were ending our stay, the inn was upgrading their porch furniture and we will look forward to that on our next visits. No one entered our room during our stay and if we wanted fresh towels we simply left older towels n a linen bag provided by the inn and new towels arrived later in the day. Again, COVID protocols were carefully enforced.

Westwind has extensive property and while you need to wear a mask while indoors, once you are out at the beach, the pool, the garden areas it is safe to go without a mask.  Sit in an Adirondack chair and read under a white pine or lounge on a chair in the sun at the pool, on the small beach or out on one of the decks and listen to the lake at your feet.   All the outdoor furniture is arranged to allow safe space for all guests.   One afternoon we had lunch on the front deck—we made our lunch on little plates and made our way out to the deck where we sat and watched the lake. There were two small shade tents on the deck and one could escape the direct sun. Our days at the pool, the beach and walking the grounds were heavenly.

Given the inn's lakeside property, there really is unlimited access to the lake via the canoes, kayaks and bikes so---lovely outings on the lake were possible.  The inn was quite busy but access to whatever equipment we needed was always easy. 
 If you want to venture beyond the inn and visit other places . . . there is much to do but the inn itself was our escape for five days.  The one exception was a day at the art gallery.  Our walk up the road to visit to the amazing art gallery next to the inn took five minutes.  At the gallery--of course--we were required  to wear masks but there was a nice flow of visitors and for the first time in two years we had the pleasure of being in an art gallery—Gallery On The Lake—and enjoyed every minute. Gallery On the Lake is word class.

In reality, the inn itself and the lakeside views are so grand we could have just stayed there all day every day.   We noted on two evenings that some guests reserved one of the outdoor fire pits (there are two) and in the evening folks sat quietly by the fire in their own small pairs enjoying the night. Again—no need for a mask. So, at the start and end of each day we started with a meal in the dining room. This room is gorgeous—the room itself and the views beyond it. And the food—that is gorgeous too. The best we have ever had at Westwind. The menus offers a reasonable variety and there is a farm to table sensibility = sophisticated dining in a rustic environment. Ample portions of eggs, toast, fruit and more at breakfast. 
( I am sure Julia Child would praise the fluffy scrambled eggs). Dinners were—just divine. Fresh salads, warm bread, homemade soups, seafood steak and more. The chocolate cake and Crème Brule were still more evidence that the Chef—Scottie—loves his work. I cannot say enough about the quality of the food and the prompt attention of the dinning room staff who all were delightful.  Oh—by the way, the staff checks with you upon arrival to set up menus for the coming days and so when you sit down to dinner there is limited exposure for servers and guests.   

I fear this review is getting too long. But—as everyone is taking great care to spend their time safely and their dollars wisely, perhaps this will help someone make a good decision. Westwind as a place is beyond beautiful—and the people of the Inn—owners and staff alike-- are deeply devoted to allowing their guests to indulge in that beauty.

Pure Heaven

Just had a lovely weekend at Westwind Inn.   Very quiet, relaxing, comfortable and not at all pretentious - nice and casual as we were looking for.  The grounds were gorgeous.  Nothing is always perfect all the time but the chef fixed a problem quickly and without any hassle.  Staff were great.  The place is older but is clean and well maintained.  We had a lakeside room with a nice balcony.   We did get a good chuckle out of the age of the television in the room (if it was from the 70's I wouldn't be surprised) but we were not there to watch TV.   The wifi was good to stream Netflix on our iPads so all was well.  Thanks for a nice weekend!

20th Anniversary Weekend Getaway

The Westwind Inn is a beaufitful tucked away spot in Buckhorn to enjoy some peace and slow life down. We have returned now each year enjoying the property and the amenities for three years. From the moment you arrive you are welcomed by the wonderful staff. Everyone we have encountered each time we have visited has been great and willing to help if you need anything. This is an adults only resort with a beautiful setting. The restaurant meals were delicious. Rooms and the entire property is keep very clean & tidy. We have always enjoyed our time here and will return again. If you are looking for a beautiful place to unwind, this is the place to come to.It is great that they accommodate our dog. The owners are wonderful and took the time to chat and personally welcome us. 
Thank you to the Westwind staff for a great stay! 
Keith, Kathy & Lucy the British Bulldog😀

Peaceful getaway, beautiful setting.

The very warm and enthusiastic welcome we received by the young women at reception, was the best set up for our mini vacation. Last year we stayed at Heather Lodge in Minden and there are similarities between the two. Both are on a lake, both were lovely and rustic and a little rough around the edges with ageing deck furniture and water toys; both are family run. The food at Heather Lodge was its best point and although we enjoyed our meals at Westwind, a foodie looking for a gourmet experience probably would not. Westwind is quieter, away from a busy highway, which we were grateful for. The lake is weedy and maybe not the most pleasant for swimming, but there are other water activities to enjoy AND a swimming pool for swimming. I loved having both! Westwind is friendly and casual and we look forward to returning. I imagine it to be beautiful in Fall and Winter. No, it wasn't cheap but I don't know of any resort/vacation rental in Ontario that is.  Thank you Westwind! It was perfect.

Quiet and relaxing

The Expedia shown charges per night as 400 CAD. But when we went there, the rooms are not even 50 CAD per night worth. So stinky, smelly and lousy corridors. It is not the place where families want to spend. I ran way  within one hour after checkin in. But the hotel charged me 1225 CAD.

Westwind Inn on the Lake

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