The Woodview Inn: Serene elegance, heritage and incredible food

The Woodview Inn is far from ordinary. The grand, heritage boutique hotel nestled in Gananoque is the perfect home base for exploring the region or for making the stunning inn the destination itself. It accomplishes the impossible: The Woodview Inn & Graydon’s Restaurant offer first-class accommodations and cuisine without arrogance.

Classic charm emanates from the historic inn, which dates to 1877 and started as a stately private family residence for a prominent business owner in town before transitioning to a lavish traveller’s inn and restaurant. 

Owners John Nagy and Steve Campey have kept the 140 years of history of the Woodview Inn front and center, with heritage details elevated to add to the experience of staying here. It’s a true celebration of dramatic Victorian style, offering guests a peaceful and elegant stay, with the added option of an exquisite culinary meal and a selection of fine wines and spirits at Graydon’s Restaurant.

“Promoting the heritage of the house is a very important aspect of our business and the community,” Nagy said, adding that Gananoque is rich in history, architecture and the arts. “The Woodview Inn is definitely a one-of-a-kind heritage inn, reflective of the opulence of a bygone era.”

Luxury meets rest in Gananoque

Offering 13 suites from May to the end of October, The Woodview Inn includes eight guest rooms inside the main inn, as well as five garden suites located on ground level, next to the main house. 

The main guest rooms are open all year round, with different special amenities in each room such as original marble fireplaces, ornate cast iron radiator covers, and an impressive style that sets them apart. What’s more, the Margaret Suite boasts a large bright bathroom with a new walk-in shower and two-person Jacuzzi tub. 

The garden suites are open seasonally and offer a unique accommodation option for anyone who has challenges with stairs or prefers a private entrance to their guest room. For example, Garden Suite 1 incorporates a king-sized bed, pull out queen sofa, a kitchenette, and more. The garden suites were built in the early 1950s and fully renovated in 2016. In all rooms, guests are treated to complimentary water and snacks, as well as their own fridges, coffee makers, free wifi and parking.

“We strive to ensure all guests are treated with respect, kindness, attention and awareness of their needs,” Campey said, adding that their team strives to provide magical experiences for guests. 

Those guests are finding their way to The Woodview Inn from all corners of the world, Campey said. They see some travelling the corridor from Niagara to Quebec who seek out the Thousand Islands as a place to stop and recharge prior to taking next steps. Some have booked small weddings or special events. But they also have a consistent clientele of guests who hail from a short drive away, looking for a weekend getaway. “The Woodview Inn has hosted stays to politicians, diplomats, and celebrities who are seeking the solitude and pampering The Woodview Inn prides itself on,” he said.

People are noticing the next level commitment to elevated guest experiences, too: The Woodview Inn recently earned several “Best of Kingston & Area” awards. The historic inn achieved gold in the Best Fine Dining and Best Bed & Breakfast categories, as well as silver in Best Romantic Getaway.

Graydon’s Restaurant - Fine French Cuisine

Tucked inside The Woodview Inn, Graydon’s Restaurant is an intimate 30-seat dining experience with a small but diverse menu that embraces the styles and flavours of French cuisine. Think sauteed prawns, perfected beef tenderloin, wild mushroom ragu, pan-seared pickerel and more. It’s open for dinner service from Wednesday to Sunday, evenings only. 

Additionally, from the first Sunday after Thanksgiving to Mother’s Day, the restaurant’s Sunday dinner moves to an epic brunch service. Reservations are highly recommended for both dinners and brunch. In the summer, Graydon’s also offers a lush and secluded patio for outdoor dining. 

“As we move towards our 10th summer season this year, we look forward to showcasing our 2025 spring/summer award-winning menu and greeting more local, US and overseas travellers than ever before,” Nagy said. “The Town of Gananoque is constantly evolving - new shops, amazing theatre, historic attractions and art galleries - and we are excited to be a part of that ever-changing landscape.”

For more information about The Woodview Inn and Graydon’s Restaurant, visit www.woodviewinn.com or connect on Facebook @woodviewinn or on Instagram @woodviewinn_graydons or better yet, plan to stay at 250 King St. W in Gananoque.