Cottages are a Canadian summertime staple. We love time spent out of the city, and for many, that short-term escape has become tradition.
If you’ve rented a cottage before you know its where all those summer memories happen. Since summer in Canada is short, we have put together a list of fun things to do at the cottage while the warm weather lasts.
1. Driving games!
It’s no secret that driving can be boring, and most families choose to pass the time using technology. If you’re feeling nostalgic, or you just don’t have enough iPads to go around, try using some good old-fashioned driving games to keep you entertained. Whether that’s playing I-spy, making silly sentences out of license plate letters, or making up your own new and fun road trip games, these are sure to become a family tradition. Unplug and start making family memories, before you even start your vacation!
2. Cook over a fire
No cottage stay is complete without a home-cooked meal over the fire. Gather around the fire pit with some time-honoured campfire cooking classics, like hot dogs or s’mores, grab a solid skewering stick and roast away. Enjoy the warmth, ambient crackling, and bonfire smell while relaxing and spending time with your loved ones.
3. Go on a Paddle Boat/Canoe or Kayak trip
Getting out and exploring the water is a must at any lakefront cottage. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats are all great vehicles for exploration, perfect for a sunny day of paddling. Whether you’re travelling solo or in the company of friends and family, a day on the water is guaranteed to be a memorable time filled with fantastic views.
4. BBQ your favourite summer meal
All BBQ enthusiasts have a favourite meal, one they look forward to making once the weather warms up. Whether your favourite meal is simple and easy like burgers or veggie skewers, or something more complex like ribs or brisket, get outside and get your grill on!
5. Travel to the nearest town
While sunbathing by the waterfront or relaxing with your loved ones is great, you can get a little cabin fever if you spend your whole vacation in the same place. Exploring nearby towns is a great way to spice up your family vacation as well as support the local community. There are some great little towns filled with unique stores and hidden gem restaurants, great for a day trip.
6. Go on a hike
Cottage country is home to a huge collection of hiking trails, filled with natural beauty and wildlife. Why not do some sight seeing and get your blood pumping this vacation season? The sheer quantity of trails means that there is truly something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or an advanced hike through challenging terrain.
7. Stargaze
There are many benefits to getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, including getting away from all the light pollution. The cottage country night sky is truly a sight to behold, boasting clear views of the stars and constellations. Once the sun goes down, be sure to head outside with your favourite blanket and take in the night sky.
8. Bring lawn games
Games are a great way to spend some quality time with your friends and family while also exercising your competitive side. Lawn games take this a step further by bringing game time outdoors. Giant Jenga, ladder ball, and bean bag toss are all great lawn game options to put an outdoor twist on your typical family game night.
9. Invent your own water games
Exercise your creative side by making up your own water games. Creating your own games is great for a ton of reasons – you can cater them to your groups own tastes, skill level and accessibility needs, creating the best possible game for you. Have tournaments or introduce prizes to up the stakes a little, who knows, maybe it’ll become your next family tradition!
10. Count your mosquito bites!
If you somehow manage to end your cottage vacation without any mosquito bites, you’re either doing something wrong or extremely lucky. Try as you might to avoid them, mosquitos are an inescapable part of the outdoor experience – so you might as well try to put a fun spin on it! Get everyone to tally up their mosquito bites at the end of the trip and whoever has the most (or the least, you decide) gets to pick the music on the drive home!
Have You Booked Your Summer Escape? It’s Not Too Late!
We have some amazing cottage vacation rentals with summer availability that you can book today! Check out our newly added cottage properties with summer availability. If you want to visit cottage country try these top destinations – Muskoka, Near North, Parry Sound, Georgian Bay, Haliburton and Kawarthas! Hurry summer weeks are filling up fast! Don’t miss out on these popular cottages that only have one week left.
Why hesitate on booking your next getaway when you can truly live it up now! Want summer dates without the rates – see our list of cottages on special.
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