Winter Getaways in Westport and the Rideau Lakes

… Love the snowy outdoors in the country?

… Looking for a cosy stopover between Toronto and Montreal or Ottawa / Gatineau?

… Need unusual and quality gift items without spending an arm and a leg?

… Need to just chill out for a night, away from it all?

Westport has it and more.

The leaves are long gone and golfers have played their last rounds for the season. It seems like it was just yesterday that the little goblins counted their Halloween candies on the kitchen table, yet the festive lights are switched on, Santa has paraded through Westport, and Christmas is less than a week away. The boutiques are bustling, and with the early snow cover, everyone is in the holiday spirit. Winter promises to be as exciting as any other season in Westport. Check out the details of the many activities below.

At A Victorian Reflection, we had the pleasure throughout the fall of greeting guests here to enjoy the Rideau Valley Art Show, the Fall Colours Studio Tour and the many other studio tours in the nearby towns, and, of course, the International Plowing Match. Our guests have enjoyed our Saturday afternoon wine and cheese, and many have discovered that a weekend away with their in-room Jacuzzi is the ideal way to unwind from the stress of the week.

Holiday time is family time, and like many of you, we will be celebrating this holiday season with our family. A Victorian Reflection B&B will be closed beginning Sunday, December 23, and will re-open on Friday, January 4, 2008.

We look forward to seeing you this winter or helping you plan your spring or summer getaway. And consider Westport for a romantic Valentine’s getaway. Stay with us on Valentine’s weekend and we will offer you a half bottle of bubbly and treats for any stay on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, February 14, 15, or 16. We can also reserve a table for you at the nearby Stepping Stone Inn where you can enjoy their special Valentine’s menu. Cap off the evening with a glass of port, and a relaxing Jacuzzi in one of our spa rooms. Be sure to reserve now.

We will be sending a newsletter again in the spring – if golfing, cycling, or fishing are your idea of fun, then stay tuned. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

See you soon.

Denise and Barry

Winter in Westport

Shopping

• Visit the Westport boutiques and take advantage of the post-holiday specials.

Sports

• Cross Country Skiing : The Rideau Lakes area has a number of cross country trails for your enjoyment including several groomed trails on Foley Mountain in Westport.

• Hiking: The Rideau Trail is a hiking trail from Kingston to Ottawa which passes through Westport. Check out the Rideau Trail Association website for their organized winter hikes. (www.rideautrail.org/current1.htm).

• Winter Fishing: Sitting out on the ice on a clear crisp winter day, waiting for that telltale nibble – it doesn’t get any better than the Rideau system.

• Rideau Lakes Ski Chili Fly In, Westport (February 9, 2008). Join the members of the Rideau Lakes Flying Club as they welcome pilots and guests from all around with hot chili and spicy conversations (613-273-5282).

Culture

• Blues on the Rideau Series (The Cove Inn) LIVE Blues & Buffet: On the 3rd Friday of the month, from September through June, the Cove Country Inn now features some of Canada’s Best Blues Artists. Juno and Maple award winners play live to sold out crowds! A portion of the event proceeds go to local charities.
  • January 18-19 David Rotundo Band
  • February 15 Jack de Keyzer Band
  • March 21 Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne & Band
  • April 18 Anderson/Sloski w. Special Guests Shakura S’Aida & Brooke Blackburn
  • May 16 Julian Fauth Band
  • June 20 Finis Tasby

  Tickets are only $49 per person (taxes and charitable donation included) and advance reservations are required. 1-888-268-3466 (COVEINN)

Events near Westport

• Fourth International Speed Skating Event and Fireworks, Portland (January 26, 2008). Watch skaters from across the globe race on the 1 km oval on Big Rideau Lake in 5, 10, 50-km races and a team relay event. Then enjoy the show as the skies light up in a spectacular winter fireworks display, starting at 7:00 PM (www.portlandoutdoors.com).

• Winter Carnivals - February is winter carnival month. Enjoy the outdoor fun in our neighbouring towns –

  • February 1-3 in Elgin for bed races, free skating, displays, broom ball, hockey
  • February 8-10 in Newboro for skating, bonfire, candle-lit cross country skiing; Saturday events include International Dog Sled Pull Competition, Ice Fishing derby, and fireworks on Saturday evening
• Rideau Cup Dog Sled Race, Newboro (February 16-17, 2008). Alternate routes will be put in place for this exciting and fun filled event, so the race will be a go no matter what the ice conditions are on the lake. (www.twprideaulakes.on.ca/dogsledraces).