Fall is the new summer, in cottage country!
Warm sunny days, cool but comfortable nights, campfires, relaxing in hot tubs, watching leaves change colour and fall to the ground. Once you experience fall at the cottage, it’s not something you will easily forget.
Here’s just a few things we love to do while we’re at the cottage and enjoying the perfection that is autumn.
1. Light a Campfire
While fire bans are an unfortunate, but common part of a hot, dry summer in Ontario’s cottage country, they are rarely in place during fall. Meaning – campfires every evening are not only possible, but with all the different foods you can cook over the open fire, we recommend it!
2. Go for a Hike
Even if you aren’t the outdoorsy type, a hike in the fall is something like no other. For starters, the bugs are practically gone by late September. And, if you’re worried the kids won’t want to, make it fun! Download the Geocaching app, pack a little gadget or two to add to the geocache, and get to hunting for those treasures!
While the crowds head to Algonquin Park to see the fall colours, those in the know take the shorter drive from Huntsville to Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve.
This publicly accessible private wilderness haven has twenty private lakes and more than 10,000 unspoiled acres of mixed forest offering more than 70 km of hiking and biking. Best of all, it’s free to enjoy.
Don’t forget all the provincial parks that are quiet and perfect for hiking at this time of year. Here’s five of our favourites.
3. Try your Hand at Paddling
As the crisp fall weather arrives, the lake temperature will drop, making it too cold to swim. But, perfect for a day out on the water, just you, your PFD and a paddle.
Whether it’s a kayak, or two of you in a canoe, or a solo paddle board trip, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a perfect fall day. Most cottage rentals will provide a boat or two, but if you are just doing a day trip, check out these boat rental outlets.
4. Visit a Fall Fair & Pumpkin Fest
Now we are getting back to some outdoor gatherings, plan on a trip to see the glorious fall colours and surround yourself with pumpkins. The Bala Cranberry Festival has always been a favourite and we recently came across the Sandhills Nursery Fall Fun event near Huntsville. With plenty of free daily activities, loads for the kids to to, live music and food trucks, it’s a perfect weekend visit.
5. Find that perfect Instagram moment
We all see the perfect family photos, every fall they pop up on our Instagram feeds. Finally, this year, you have it together. You’re planning coordinating outfits — including shoes & bows (right down to your husband’s socks!) and you even got the dog groomed for the special event! But, where will you capture those stunning fall colours? At your cottage rental of course! Where else can you capture nature’s finale to summer?
