FRONT PORCH LIFE
Live Better in Westport, Ontario
EMBRACE HIKING IN EVERY SEASON
For outdoorsy people in Westport, winter isn’t a season to hibernate. Cooler weather and freshly fallen snow just add to the peace and tranquility of Foley Mountain, a favourite hiking destination.
Winter is a season local hikers cherish. Anna Chadwick goes to Foley Mountain almost every day, all year long. Anna is a member of the Friends of Foley Mountain, a non-profit charitable organization that supports the conservation area. Some days in Foley are pretty special, like the time she had a serene encounter with a big deer.
“She just stood there and watched me,” says Anna. “I talked to her, quietly. I go there to walk when there’s nobody else there. That’s when you get to see things like that.”
Foley Mountain is a Precambrian granite ridge standing guard over the village of Westport and Upper Rideau Lake. The park boasts over 800 acres of mixed forests, wetlands, and striking geological features, including the beloved Spy
Rock. In winter, the 9 kilometers of trails are quieter, and the familiar paths are transformed with glittering snow-laden trees providing a sense of peaceful solitude. Chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers are the only thing to break the silence.
“You get to rediscover the mountain with every new season.”
The park isn’t always tranquil. Foley Mountain has an award-winning education centre for schoolchildren. Some days you’ll find kids climbing over rocks, searching for salamanders, or pointing to a big snapping turtle. Anna doesn’t mind. It’s other people falling in love with Foley that will protect it for generations to come.
You’ll find Anna at Foley almost every morning. Some seasons she’ll be there soon after sun-up. Even in the winter there are hard-packed trails to walk surrounded by towering pine trees weighted down with a fresh blanket of snow. And the forest school runs all year long.
“The park changes between the seasons,” she says. “The other day I was looking at the little map, and I thought, have I done this trail? But it was just that it looked so different in the summer. You get to rediscover the mountain with every new season.”
Embrace the beauty of winter while you explore the serene trails of Foley Mountain. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a vigorous workout, hiking in this stunning conservation area promises a unique and rewarding experience. Bundle up, step out, and let the magic of Foley Mountain in winter captivate you.
TIPS FOR WINTER HIKING AT FoeMonai
Visit before the snow
If you haven’t hiked at Foley before, check out the trails in the late fall before the snow flies to get an idea of the general terrain.
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Plan your route
Maps of Foley Mountain are available online or at both kiosks at the site. The Blue Trail starts at the upper parking lot and is great for hiking or snowshoeing.
Wear crampons
Crampons are metal cleats that strap onto your boots and provide better traction.Wear them when the snow on the trails gets tamped down and icy. Some hikers also bring snowshoe poles for more stability.
Bring water
Don’t forget that hiking in the snow is more strenuous than going out in the fall. Bring water and a snack. Also, let someone know where you plan on going, just in case.
Don’t forget your phone
Cell reception at Foley is usually very good, in case you get lost or need to call for help. You’ll definitely want the camera to capture some of the magical moments in the forest.
SOUND SOLUTIONS - THAT KEEP THE PEACE
Two data points struck John and Erica McIntyre when they discovered Watercolour: 36 lakes within a 30 km radius and 0.4 decibels.
Those numbers helped convince the retired physician and his nurse wife that Watercolour was the perfect place to escape the cacophony of the GTA.
The McIntyres have known about Westport for a long time. They’ve camped throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. They were actually married in Westport decades ago.
“In the adjacent townhome only a few feet away from a screaming-loud speaker, the decibel metre registered 0.4 decibels. They could hear a pin drop.”
Having three dozen lakes so close was a big selling point. “Being on the Rideau, you can mix boating with camping and be as adventurous as you like,” says John. “The problem is not what are you going to do. The problem is what are you NOT going to do in a day.”
The McIntyres like quiet. Cycling along the many miles of the K&P or the Cataraqui Trails is perfect. But they also like a peaceful home. They had a lot of questions as they considered buying one of the spacious townhomes at Watercolour. In particular, would their house be quiet?
The first step was to see the quality of the model townhome at Watercolour.
Watercolour homes are all Net Zero Ready and of the highest quality. That’s evident as soon as you step in the door. John and Erica immediately noticed the quality of the flooring and the high ceilings and wide windows in the lower living level.
But there’s more behind the quality of a Watercolour home than what you can see. Behind the paint on the walls is a level of technology and craftsmanship that is uncommon in the building industry.
Essentially, a Watercolour home is wrapped in a super-tight building envelope that is sealed through AeroBarrier’s patented technology. With the party wall (the one you share with the neighbour) of the attached homes, the building envelope surrounds each home individually. They don’t share one envelope. That means virtually no air, sounds, or odours pass between homes.
The next question asked by the McIntyres, would they hear their neighbours?
“They set off the fire alarm in the house next door and we couldn’t hear a thing,” says John. “Then we did something better.”
The Land Ark team set up speakers in one of the townhomes and cranked the ear-splitting song, “We are the Champions” by Queen. Beside the speaker, the decibel metre was reading 90 dB. In the adjacent townhome only a few feet away from a screaming-loud speaker, the decibel meter registered 0.4 dB. They could hear a pin drop.
“It’s not the party wall that you remember from years ago,” says Kevin “We’re building a better building envelope. The sound proofing achieved by the triple-glazed windows and the superior building envelope is extraordinary.
The McIntyres moved into their townhome at Watercolur in November 2023. They couldn’t be happier.
Between each townhome are two layers of ⅝” thick drywall(fire safe), Tyvek air barrier, and two blankets of insulation (2x6 wall construction R22 insulation). The two building envelopes are separated by an inch air gap to eliminate vibration that carries sound. Learn more on the Land Ark Homes YouTube channel.
GET A HOME AND COTTAGE IN ONE… AFFORDABLY
It’s the Canadian dream: a hot summer afternoon, feet dangling in the water, and the smell of BBQ in the air.
But let’s be real, life on a lake feels like an impossible dream.
In Ontario, buying a cottage in a great location can easily cost at least $1 million. But it’s not just the price of waterfront that needs to be factored into cottage ownership, it’s the stress of owning a second property with poor internet, an aging septic, and a moss-covered roof that needs replacing.
At Watercolour Westport, you get a home and cottage in one at a price that will seem like a fantasy. Gorgeous, Net Zero Ready homes built by award-winning Land Ark Homes start at just $599,900.
“It’s like owning a cottage but you can walk to everything.”
The quaint village of Westport is the centre of Eastern Ontario’s premier cottage country. Sand Lake Beach is a 10-minute walk from Watercolour. The 327-km long Rideau Trail running from Kingston to Ottawa passes through Westport. There are 32 lakes within a 15-mile radius.
Westport is a village perfectly suited for living well. You’ll find a world of hidden artist studios, delicious local food, and good neighbours. Lively restaurants, shops, a brewery, a wonderful grocery store, and a full-service pharmacy are a short stroll from Watercolour. A winery with the most delicious pizza and first-class grilling is literally across the street. And if you’re looking for local makers and products, the Westport Market is at the heart of the village within walking distance of the homes in Watercolour.
“It’s like owning a cottage but you can walk to everything,” says John Buma, a Watercolour homeowner. “You have community, you can go swimming at Sand Lake, you can walk to the harbour. We’re outdoor people and we really enjoy connecting with other people. Our front porch alone takes us where we want to be.”
No one wants to be a prisoner of a demanding cottage property or a congested city. Watercolour is freedom from both. You get the best of cottage life with the safety and convenience of nearby services in a quaint and functional town.
It’s perfect and it’s within reach.
The roads and trails around Westport are perfect for pedaling and reveling in the fall colours. Cyclists, snowshoers, and casual hikers can explore the rolling terrain on scenic trails along the Rideau, the Cataraqui Trail, or the quiet rural roads surrounding the village.
PERTH 25
or MONTREAL
MONTREAL
Friends gather for a late afternoon glass of wine at Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery overlooking Sand Lake. The winery is across the street from Watercolour.
The Westport harbour is steps away from the village core over the iconic Rainbow footbridge.
For the Arts Enthusiast
Enjoy live music? The Cove Inn hosts performers every night. Enjoy a meal or a drink or make it a weekend getaway. Fine arts classes are offered throughout the year at StoneManorStudios.ca located in nearby Newboro.
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WINTER ACTIVITIES
For the foodie
Treat yourself to great dining at the Westport Brewing Company, Tangled Garden, The Lost Penny Pub, The Cove Inn, and the Woodfired Cafe. If you’re the home chef you’ll find great ingredients at Kudrinko’s, Westport Fine Meats, and Rosie Yumski’s.
There’s way more winter fun in Westport. Download our Winter Activities Guide for more.
In Wepot
Gather with other sports fans to watch a Jr. C hockey game at the WTC Communications Centre. Check out the many activities for kids and adults at our local churches and the Westport Library.
Get outdoors and enjoy the many trails around Westport. Hike, snowshoe, X-country ski, or take a short drive to Calabogie for downhill skiing.
Kilborn’s on the Rideau is always a fun shopping experience, just 5 mins away in Newboro. For the community seeker For the outdoor adventurer For the shopper
Come visit all the beautiful shops in Westport especially for the annual Christmas Shop ‘n Hop on November 22-24.
it's good to be here
STEWARDING THE COVE INN LEGACY
Mary and Terry Cowan have carried the legacy of the Cove Inn for 37 years. It’s time to pass the ownership of one of Eastern Ontario’s iconic landmarks to the next generation.
For many visitors, the Cove Inn is synonymous with Westport. Ten years after Confederation, the Fredenburgh family built a stately mansion in downtown Westport. In the roaring 20’s it became an inn and it’s stayed that way for a century.
The Cowans purchased the property with a friend’s help in 1988. The property had seen better days.
“We came in and did a survey of the whole property,” says Terry. “We had no money. We struggled even to borrow. We had to adopt a bit of a ‘lipstick on a pig’ approach in that first year, just doing what we could.”
Almost 40 years later, the Cove Inn is the grand dame of the Rideau Lakes. A restaurant serving delicious, freshly made food, a large patio overlooking the water, and cozy rooms with classic details and modern finishes reflect the historic heart of the Rideau.
This spring, Mary and Terry passed the master key to their son Seamus. “We’re not wanting to hang around and not let go,” says Terry. “We’re happy to let go, and he’s happy to lead it now. We’re just lucky that one of our kids wants to carry it on.”
For years, the Cove has hosted live music. Over the past few years they’ve been booking musicians every night. Even on the coldest day in February, the door to the restaurant swings open to a welcoming rush of warm air and the sound of folk, country, jazz, rock, blues, and reggae. It’s an intimate setting that punches well above its weight class in attracting big name musicians.
Seamus says the business community in Westport is like a collective. Long ago the business owners recognized that it’s better if they work together. “People come here for the community feeling,” he says. “You hear it all the time, where people talk about how nice and welcoming people are on the streets. That’s made people want to move here.”
“People come here for the community feeling...”
It’s very difficult passing a family business on to the next generation, let alone an inn. It hasn’t been easy navigating the ups and downs over 37 years. But the secret to the Cowans’ success isn’t just that they’re savvy and hard working. They also love people, squeezing in the names of their long-time staff at every opportunity, deflecting praise in order to celebrate teamwork.
Delicious food, live music, and a warm and welcoming staff have made the Cove Inn one of Eastern Ontario’s favourite places.
Step into the Woodfired Cafe and you’ll soon realize, this isn’t your average coffee shop! With custom-blended roasted coffee and a wide selection of menu items, there is something for everyone. But the smoked brisket is their signature item that brings in the rave reviews! A return visit is usually planned well before finishing the meal. It’s that good.
The woodfired approach creates a wonderfully smokey flavour that infuses the chicken quesadillas, pulled pork, and the Holy Smoke Trinitysmoked brisket, pork, and chicken.
Smoking is the preparation method of choice for their signature meats and even some pastries. Which brings us to dessert. No visit to the Woodfired Cafe in Westport is complete without indulging in the maple butter tarts with candied smoked brisket - aptly named the woodfired tart. A unique and heavenly treat. Absolutely a must try.
As we come into the cooler weather, Andre has shared his recipe for the cafe’s hearty and delicious roasted squash soup. It’s not a regular menu item, but stop in and you may be lucky enough to enjoy it as the special of the day.
Roasted Squash Soup
1 medium butternut squash (3 pounds), peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or almond or oat milk
Additional heavy whipping cream (optional)
Pepitas and/or sage for garnish (optional)
THE WOODFIRED CAFE SUCCESS!Smoki,
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Preheat oven or BBQ to 400 F. Place peeled and cubed squash on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and stir gently to coat. Bake for about 30-40 mins stirring once halfway through. Cook until tender inside and golden brown on the outside.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
Add roasted squash then puree soup using an immersion blender, or cool slightly and puree soup in batches in a blender and return to saucepan. Add cream; stir until heated through. Serve immediately. If desired, garnish with additional heavy whipping cream and/or pepitas
FRIENDSHIPS BLOOM IN WINTER
You’d think Westport would slow down in winter. But it’s quite the opposite. By warm fireplaces and around kitchen tables, friendships blossom.
Standing shoulder to shoulder working on a common cause creates a bond between friends that goes deep. If you want to build a network of friends, volunteer.
Mona Kennedy moved to Watercolour in 2020. She was a teacher by training and career but in her heart, she’s an artist. Soon after moving to Westport she joined the Arts Council.
“There’s a civic pride in Westport that energizes volunteers. It’s one of the things that makes this place so special.”
The Arts Council members stay busy all year long. The Council sponsors MUSICwestport the third weekend in August with live music at two venues in the village. They also run workshops for adults, drama and theatre camps for kids, sponsor a choir, and run a Christmas market.
The Westport Lions Club is another club that’s easy to join. The Lions Club Beach is one of the jewels in the area. During the summer season, 25 volunteers cut the grass weekly and clean the beach and washrooms seven days a week. A recent survey ranked the Westport Lions Club Beach as the best community beach in Eastern Ontario.
There are other clubs for readers, gardeners, PickleBallers, hikers… everyone can find friends in Westport.
Moving to Watercolour? Make friends fast by joining a local club.
Westport Community Organizations
Westport Lions Club
Westport Arts Council
Westport Blooms
Westport Food Bank
Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 542
Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association
Friends of Foley Mountain
Friends of Westport Library
Upper Rideau Lakes Association
North Crosby Community Enhancement Committee
Rideau Lakes PickleBall Club
Community Choir SKOC (Some Kind of Choir)
Westport Senior Living
Better Together Circle (climate action)
Westport & Area Seniors Association (WASA)
Diner’s Club (Free Methodist Church)
Westport Coffee Club
New Life Thrift Store
It Takes a Village dog rescue
PAWS (Prevent Another Westport Stray)
Rideau Lakes Flying Club
Churches in Westport
Westport Free Methodist Church
Knox Presbyterian Church
Olivet Baptist Church
St. Edwards Catholic Church
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Westport United Church
Every summer, six local artists decorate Muskoka chairs, which the Westport Arts Council displays downtown. The chairs are raffled off during MUSICwestport near the end of August.
MISSION POSSIBLE
By Stephen Rolston, Founder and Owner, Land Ark Homes
My mission is to build a place where people come alive.
Life is better at a walking pace. Driving is necessary but whenever possible, walking is best. Communities with sidewalks, walking trails and bike paths invite people to connect with each other and nature. It’s healthier living.
Living well is easier in the right surroundings. That’s because there’s power in the built form. Think of how a big front porch invites conversation or a nearby trail makes it more likely that you’ll find time to walk. A nearby frozen pond cries out for an energizing skate on a cold winter’s day. A thoughtfully planned community can encourage friendships and improve health.
“Everything here is designed for connection.”
Everything about Watercolour springs out of my desire to see people living lives connected to nature and each other.
The way we’ve been designing communities for the past 50 years needs to change. A study by AARP found that one-third of adults over 45 are lonely, leading to poorer health and increased risk of mortality. The way our cities have been built for the past 50 years doesn’t help. Sprawling developments are laid out in road patterns that encourage you to drive, even if you’d prefer to walk to the store. Front doors are hidden behind garages that stick out like snouts.
Our mission is to change all of that.
We’re building a community based on values that are eternally true - that slowing down, getting outside, and seeing friends are habits that lead to a better life. The choices we make in the land planning process, including creating big parks, laying down kilometres of walking trails, and planting tree-lined boulevards, make Watercolour a better place to live.
We designed our community around the natural features already on the land. Walking trails through linear parks follow stream corridors, preserving and protecting natural features. A modified grid design makes Watercolour more walkable. Homes that are smarter, not larger, make it easier to host family and friends. Verandas close to tree-lined boulevards are like outdoor living rooms that invite connection between neighbours. And the shops, library, restaurants, and grocery stores in Westport sit within an easy walk making exercise purposeful and pleasant. At Watercolour, you can even walk to the lake for a skate followed by hot cocoa in a friend’s kitchen.
Everything here is designed for connection. One of my favourite things is seeing new friendships blossom here at Watercolour. I think of one of our homebuyers who moved from the GTA because they wanted the home-andcottage in one lifestyle. They’ve become important members of our community, welcoming newcomers and finding new life in Westport. I also think of another couple who chat with neighbours as they pull their kayaks on carts on their way to the lake. As envisioned, slowly and steadily there are new families moving here, bringing value and experiencing new life. Each one of them has their own story.
Join us at Watercolour. See what it’s like to be part of a thriving and vibrant community where people feel connected to nature and each other.
