Room with a Tune: Westport’s Cove Inn Hits All the Right Notes

Rest your suitcase on the hardwood floor, tilt your chair back on the lakeside patio, and let the strings of a guitar drift over Upper Rideau Lake. This summer, The Cove Inn in Westport is the kind of place that slows everything down. Laughter mingles with the clink of glasses, and your night ends in lullaby-level serenity.

Family-owned since 1876 and now stewarded by musician and Westport booster Seamus Cowan, The Cove hums with nightly music that feels like home. “One of the great things about The Cove is that it hasn’t changed much since we have been here. That’s part of the appeal, though!” Cowan said. “I can’t speak for previous owners, but we have put an awful lot of work into our three main areas: dining, accommodation and live music.”

Since taking over from his parents, Mary and Terry, Cowan has leaned into The Cove’s role as a community hub. “It has always been about appealing to everyone and being a place of community. I think that is one of our greatest successes.”

And it shows.

A Stage That Plays All Year

After pandemic lockdowns shut down live music, Cowan doubled down on its importance. “There was a point a couple of years ago, after the world shut down, that we knew that we had to open right back up. Summer was coming, and I decided we needed to have live music as much as possible to support the musicians who had been out of work for so long.”

Since then, The Cove has hosted live music every single night they’re open, year-round. “It has become something that we are synonymous with now! It’s a total mix, all kinds of styles and acts from across this great country of ours, and beyond. Night after night, it’s really quite exciting!”

From Wings ’n Tunes to legendary blues nights, the playlist is always changing. Cowan’s highlights include jazz sets with the Spencer Evans Trio, the soul of Miss Emily, the grit of Spoon River, and blistering rock from Young Petty Stones.

“Unbridled guitar of Blue Rodeo’s Jimmy Bowskill. Sweaty blues of David Rotundo. Mind-blowing jazz of Chet Doxas groups, including NYC masters Dave Douglas, Steve Swallow and the late great John Abercrombie. Chicken pickin’ madness of Steve Piticco, Wendell Ferguson and Shawn McCullough … Heartbreaking legend of Ron Hynes from the East Coast. African trance of H’Sao. Killer bluegrass of John Showman. Intimacy of Old Man Luedecke. There have been way too many to remember on different levels and for different reasons. We are incredibly lucky to have experienced them here!”

The Perfect Summer Night

Ask Cowan what a perfect summer night at The Cove looks like and you’ll get something poetic. “Some of those perfect summer nights have just gone by recently! For me, it’s that mix of the hustle and bustle of the team here with the anticipated relaxation of the guests. When the sun’s evening rays come streaking in from the west over the pond and mix with the natural beauty of the surroundings, the canopy of the patio, the delicious wafts of the grill, the comforting sounds coming from the stage and the big smiles on people’s faces, it’s such a beautiful balance.”

A Place That Feels Like Family

There are 12 vintage suites upstairs, each offering views of either sunrise over the village or sunset across the lake. A new day begins with a stop at a local cafe, then rolls into music, menus and meandering walks. Many first-time visitors are surprised by the calibre of the music, Cowan said, but it’s the patio and the people that truly leave a mark.

“It overlooks Westport Pond and Upper Rideau Lake, and it feels like you are tucked into the wilderness,” he said. “There’s an overall friendliness to the whole experience as well. People constantly tell me how wonderful our staff is, top to bottom. So many have been here for so long. They are incredible people. It’s like a big family!”

What to Order (and Where Seamus Eats)

As for what to order? “Quite often, I recommend the special to first-timers,” Cowan said. He loves the creativity of the kitchen and its ever-evolving confidence. “Our buffets on special events are so tasty too! I celebrate the effort and passion that is put into them. If our kitchen stands behind it, I stand behind it!”

And when he has a rare day off? “Honestly, some of the greatest food I’ve had is from our kitchen here. There’s nothing better and more satisfying than diving into a special which has been conceived and created by our kitchen. To know that it comes from the people that you work with every day is such a reward.”

Beyond the Inn

If you're heading to The Cove, carve out time to explore. Just a short drive or scenic cycle away, Foley Mountain’s crown jewel awaits: Spy Rock. Hike through pine and birch until the trail opens onto a pink-granite bluff that towers above the lake. It’s a postcard moment.

Afterward, grab a wood-fired pizza or fresh sourdough loaf from Forno on Concession Street. Their Red Fife bread and Tuscan-style pizzas are fast becoming local staples.

Westport Brewing Company is another must-stop. It’s steps from the water and pours small-batch ales with heart. Settle in for a flight or take a crowler back to your room. “The brewer is likely to come by for a chat,” locals say, and they mean it.

And don’t forget to connect with the water itself. “Especially during the summertime, my biggest recommendation would be to connect with the water somehow,” Cowan said. “Walking the harbour, the trails over top of Westport, jumping in off the docks, wading in at one of the beaches, dropping a line in to fish, sliding over the surface in a canoe, paddle board or kayak and of course, riding in a boat with friends and family through the locks (which are free this season).”

In winter, it’s all about skating, snowshoeing, skiing or sledding, if it’s cold enough. “We are so fortunate to be surrounded by these incredible bodies of water here. It’s truly unique and a big part of us.”

Looking Ahead

This fall, the 18th season of Blues at The Cove returns, and Cowan is expanding their event offerings with new culinary experiences and an upgraded conference space called The Meeting Room. “It overlooks the water in a tranquil nook of the property. We are welcoming all groups of all types to convene and enjoy the space.”

Stay for the Night, Stay for the Tune

Make a full day of it. Mornings are for lazy starts and lake breezes. Afternoons are for wandering, tasting and tucking little treasures into the car. Evenings are for coming back to The Cove, finding your favourite seat on the patio, and letting the music take over. A night here does not ask for plans. It just asks for your presence.

Westport remembers how to make you feel welcome. The Cove Inn is the perfect place to stay a while.