The days of having to take everything with you but the kitchen sink are all but gone.
Most cottages today are really well-equipped and the only things you need to bring are your food, drink and personal items.
Here’s what you can expect unless noted otherwise in a listing:
Bed linens
Most cottages include beds that have been freshly made up for your arrival so you don’t need to bring bed linens with you. Each listing shows whether sheets and towels are provided.
(Due to Covid-19 concerns, some cottages are not providing linens (2020, 2021, 2022 – see listing for details)
Expect to bring your own outdoor towels to all cottages unless the listing says otherwise.
Kitchen Equipment
You can expect to find all the pots, pans, dishes, glassware and kitchenware that you’ll need to cater for your group. A microwave oven, coffee maker, tea kettle and toaster are provided in all cottages; many will have additional small appliances such as a blender, a slow cooker or maybe a waffle maker.
You’ll find salt, pepper, herbs and spices available at most cottages but if you need anything specific make sure you bring it with you.
Paper Products and Cleaning Supplies
We ask our owners to supply a starter supply of the products you will need for the first few days of your vacation. Kitchen paper, toilet paper, coffee filters (if required), dish soap, hand soap and cleaning supplies.
Internet Connection
While the availability of Wifi is more common in cottage country areas, do not expect it to be as fast or reliable as the service you may have in the city. Many cottage areas can only access the internet via ‘line of sight’ Wifi or a satellite connection, and this is often limited.
Where an internet connection is available, the listing will show the limits and the charges that will be levied if you exceed them. These charges can mount up quickly so if you think you’ll need to do more than just check emails and the Weather Network occasionally, you should choose a cottage with unlimited internet service.
If a cottage has unlimited internet you may be able to stream music and watch Netflix and other streaming services.
Outdoor Amenities
All cottages have a gas BBQ and are supplied with a gas tank on the BBQ and a full spare in case you run out of propane during meal preparation. Should you go through all the supplied propane, you’ll be able to fill the tank locally, and directions to the nearest supplier will be available.
Where there is a deck, you should expect a table with chairs for eating outside. Many cottages will provide lounging chairs and Muskoka chairs.
A campfire is an essential part of a cottage vacation for many people. However, in some heavily treed areas there’s too much risk of a root fire for owners to provide outdoor fire facilities. They may supply a ‘Chimnea’ type of fire, or a propane alternative. Where there is no firepit listed, follow instructions in the cottage welcome book which may not permit a campfire of any sort.
Watercraft
The majority of cottages supply non-motorised watercraft for example, a rowboat, canoe, paddleboat or kayaks. Some are now including stand-up paddleboards. There will be some lifejackets or PFDs, however it is your responsibility to ensure all water safety equipment fits correctly, particularly for children. We strongly recommend that you bring your own PFDs for children.
Follow any instructions left for you by the cottage owner before going out in a boat, and make sure you have a safety kit including a whistle, baler and rope. If you are on the water without life jackets for each person and a safety kit, and are stopped by an OPP water patrol, the fines are high. Don’t risk your safety and your wallet!
If you plan on renting a boat and securing it at the cottage dock, please call and check there is sufficient depth of water before confirming your rental.
What You Should Bring
Water Shoes – many lakes have zebra mussels which are very sharp and will cut unprotected feet.
Mosquito Repellent – use before going out in the early morning and after dusk.
Life Jackets or PFDs – as noted above, especially for children.
Poop Bags – if you are bringing a dog please don’t leave these behind, and please do not dispose of them in campfires.
Fishing Licence – even if you are just fishing off the dock you need a licence and OPP patrol boats are known to stop to check.
