New this year, visitors can try their hand at catch-and-release in a live fishing pond, witness the expert precision of chainsaw sculpting and enjoy daily live performances from Cottage Country Concerts’ musicians. The scaly and crawly creatures of cottage country are back by popular demand, offering families a closer connection with nature. Pet owners can also pick up essential safety tips for their furry friends, from navigating wildlife encounters and heatwaves to boat and firework safety.

Speaker & Feature Highlights:

• NEW: Live Fishing: Located in the Family Activity Centre, this all-new, hands-on fishing experience lets guests learn how to cast, reel, and catch-and-release live fish. With expert guidance from Fishing Friendzy Foundation, guests of all ages, from kids and parents to curious first-timers, can feel the thrill of the catch.
• NEW: Live Chainsaw Carving: Award-winning chainsaw sculptor Jake Rhodes of Northern Rhodes Artistry kicks off each day with a live, high-energy chainsaw carving demonstration. Visitors can witness Rhodes transform a block of wood into intricate cottage creatures before heading to the Ontario Wood area to shop his finished collection. Ontario Wood will showcase a variety of exhibitors featuring one-of-a-kind decorative pieces and custom furniture accents made from Ontario-native wood.

• The Cottage Life Main Stage: The Main Stage will cover everything from DIY and design to succession planning, financial advice, and fire safety. Presented by Beaver Homes & Cottages, the lineup of experts and topics includes:
  • Your Cottage Is A Legacy You Live, Not Just Leave: As an avid cottager, Pattie Lovett-Reid shares the realities that come with sustaining cottage life over time. Drawing on both personal experience and professional insight, she’ll explore how thoughtful financial planning can help support the cottage life you love, so it remains a source of joy for years to come (Thurs, Mar. 26, 1pm).
  • Ditch the Trends: How to Create and Curate a Chic Cottage that is Uniquely Yours: Designer, Lifestyle & DIY Expert Christian Dare shares why you should curate, rather than decorate, your cottage. In this lively demonstration, Christian offers tips on how to transform memories and keepsakes into a timeless design aesthetic that is uniquely yours. From signature scent scapes to personalized monograms, discover how to imprint your identity on your space and create a cottage rich with personal history (Fri, Mar. 27, 4:30pm).
  • Cottage Safety Tips for Pets: The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society will share practical, easy-to-follow tips to help keep your beloved furry friends safe all cottage season long. From boating to fireworks and everything in between, this presentation will highlight common seasonal risks and how to prevent them before they become emergencies (Fri, Mar. 27, and Sat, Mar. 28, 3:30pm).
  • FireSmart and Your Community: With Canada’s wildfire seasons growing longer, larger and more destructive,* Shayne McCool from Ontario Ministry’s Northeast Fire Advisor, offers essential tips to keep your campfires safe and prevent them from getting out of control (Fri, Mar. 27, 5:30pm).
• Top Three Tax Techniques for Cottage Succession: Tax season has arrived, and Peter Lillico, Cottage Succession Planning Lawyer, will share his top three tax techniques for cottage succession and the obstacles to be avoided. (Thurs, Mar. 26, 5:30pm, and Fri, Mar. 27–Sun, Mar. 29, 1pm).
• Five Cottage Problems and How to Solve Them: Alysha Vandertogt, Managing Editor of Cottage Life magazine, addresses some of the most common questions the editorial team gets in their Q&A column, offering expert tips on everything from wildlife management to aging at the cottage. (Thurs, Mar. 26, 3:30pm, Fri, Mar. 27–Sat, Mar. 28, 12pm).

• Cottage Kitchen: Discover how to make the ultimate brunch burger, fillet your freshly caught fish, and mix delicious mocktails by the dock at the Cottage Kitchen, sponsored by Foodland. Featured speakers and live demonstrations include:
  • How to Filet and Cook Your Cottage Catch: Scott Gardner, Associate Editor of Outdoor Canada magazine, shows visitors how to prep and cook their catch of the day. Fish is delicate and requires special care, but with Scott’s step-by-step guidance, guests of all skill levels can turn their fresh catch into a delicious meal (Thurs, Mar. 26–Fri, Mar. 27, 4pm; Sat, Mar. 28–Sun, Mar. 29, 12pm).
  • Summer Sips: Mocktails with a Twist: Holly Wade, Owner & CEO Cottage Country Cocktails, shows you how to craft the perfect summer mocktails. From bartending basics to elevated garnishes, Holly will show you how to effortlessly shake up something special. (Thurs, Mar. 26–Sat, Mar. 28, 5pm).
  • Ultimate Brunch Burger: Chef Jo Lusted shows guests how to make the ultimate brunch burger, perfect for summer BBQs and entertaining at the cottage (Sat, Mar. 28, 10am & 4pm).

• Cottage Real Estate Centre: Navigate the competitive market with the help of Ontario’s leading realtors. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or scout your next retreat, explore listings and discover how to secure your ultimate getaway. For those looking for a quintessential cottage escape, Cottage Vacations offers a wide selection of summer rentals across Ontario.
• General Store: Shop local and discover a curated selection of handcrafted Canadian-made artisanal décor and cottage-ready finds exclusive to the show.
• Great Outdoors: The scaly and crawly creatures of cottage country are back! Scales Nature Park, sponsored by Subaru. Visitors can enjoy an up-close look at these incredible creatures, including snakes, frogs and turtles, while learning about their unique behaviours, habitats, and conservation from the park’s expert team.

• Cottage Life Booth: Check out the new look of Cottage Life magazine, and chat with the wordsmiths who bring every issue to life. With Cottage Life TV now in Free Preview, relax in a Muskoka chair by the campfire and check out this season’s must-see programming. Plus, shop for exclusive merchandise and unique cottage keepsakes, and enjoy complimentary embroidery from Friday to Sunday, presented by Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter, now airing on Makeful.

• Dock Party: The show’s signature full-size dock returns as the ultimate social destination. Guests can relax with a drink from Canadian Club or -196 Vodka Seltzer, enjoy daily live music from a variety of musicians from Cottage Country Concerts, and get a boost from the complimentary charging stations provided by Orbit Marine Insurance.

Click Here for tickets

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New this year, visitors can try their hand at catch-and-release in a live fishing pond, witness the expert precision of chainsaw sculpting and enjoy daily live performances from Cottage Country Concerts’ musicians. The scaly and crawly creatures of cottage country are back by popular demand, offering families a closer connection with nature. Pet owners can also pick up essential safety tips for their furry friends, from navigating wildlife encounters and heatwaves to boat and firework safety.

Speaker & Feature Highlights:

• NEW: Live Fishing: Located in the Family Activity Centre, this all-new, hands-on fishing experience lets guests learn how to cast, reel, and catch-and-release live fish. With expert guidance from Fishing Friendzy Foundation, guests of all ages, from kids and parents to curious first-timers, can feel the thrill of the catch.
• NEW: Live Chainsaw Carving: Award-winning chainsaw sculptor Jake Rhodes of Northern Rhodes Artistry kicks off each day with a live, high-energy chainsaw carving demonstration. Visitors can witness Rhodes transform a block of wood into intricate cottage creatures before heading to the Ontario Wood area to shop his finished collection. Ontario Wood will showcase a variety of exhibitors featuring one-of-a-kind decorative pieces and custom furniture accents made from Ontario-native wood.

• The Cottage Life Main Stage: The Main Stage will cover everything from DIY and design to succession planning, financial advice, and fire safety. Presented by Beaver Homes & Cottages, the lineup of experts and topics includes:
  • Your Cottage Is A Legacy You Live, Not Just Leave: As an avid cottager, Pattie Lovett-Reid shares the realities that come with sustaining cottage life over time. Drawing on both personal experience and professional insight, she’ll explore how thoughtful financial planning can help support the cottage life you love, so it remains a source of joy for years to come (Thurs, Mar. 26, 1pm).
  • Ditch the Trends: How to Create and Curate a Chic Cottage that is Uniquely Yours: Designer, Lifestyle & DIY Expert Christian Dare shares why you should curate, rather than decorate, your cottage. In this lively demonstration, Christian offers tips on how to transform memories and keepsakes into a timeless design aesthetic that is uniquely yours. From signature scent scapes to personalized monograms, discover how to imprint your identity on your space and create a cottage rich with personal history (Fri, Mar. 27, 4:30pm).
  • Cottage Safety Tips for Pets: The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society will share practical, easy-to-follow tips to help keep your beloved furry friends safe all cottage season long. From boating to fireworks and everything in between, this presentation will highlight common seasonal risks and how to prevent them before they become emergencies (Fri, Mar. 27, and Sat, Mar. 28, 3:30pm).
  • FireSmart and Your Community: With Canada’s wildfire seasons growing longer, larger and more destructive,* Shayne McCool from Ontario Ministry’s Northeast Fire Advisor, offers essential tips to keep your campfires safe and prevent them from getting out of control (Fri, Mar. 27, 5:30pm).
• Top Three Tax Techniques for Cottage Succession: Tax season has arrived, and Peter Lillico, Cottage Succession Planning Lawyer, will share his top three tax techniques for cottage succession and the obstacles to be avoided. (Thurs, Mar. 26, 5:30pm, and Fri, Mar. 27–Sun, Mar. 29, 1pm).
• Five Cottage Problems and How to Solve Them: Alysha Vandertogt, Managing Editor of Cottage Life magazine, addresses some of the most common questions the editorial team gets in their Q&A column, offering expert tips on everything from wildlife management to aging at the cottage. (Thurs, Mar. 26, 3:30pm, Fri, Mar. 27–Sat, Mar. 28, 12pm).

• Cottage Kitchen: Discover how to make the ultimate brunch burger, fillet your freshly caught fish, and mix delicious mocktails by the dock at the Cottage Kitchen, sponsored by Foodland. Featured speakers and live demonstrations include:
  • How to Filet and Cook Your Cottage Catch: Scott Gardner, Associate Editor of Outdoor Canada magazine, shows visitors how to prep and cook their catch of the day. Fish is delicate and requires special care, but with Scott’s step-by-step guidance, guests of all skill levels can turn their fresh catch into a delicious meal (Thurs, Mar. 26–Fri, Mar. 27, 4pm; Sat, Mar. 28–Sun, Mar. 29, 12pm).
  • Summer Sips: Mocktails with a Twist: Holly Wade, Owner & CEO Cottage Country Cocktails, shows you how to craft the perfect summer mocktails. From bartending basics to elevated garnishes, Holly will show you how to effortlessly shake up something special. (Thurs, Mar. 26–Sat, Mar. 28, 5pm).
  • Ultimate Brunch Burger: Chef Jo Lusted shows guests how to make the ultimate brunch burger, perfect for summer BBQs and entertaining at the cottage (Sat, Mar. 28, 10am & 4pm).

• Cottage Real Estate Centre: Navigate the competitive market with the help of Ontario’s leading realtors. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or scout your next retreat, explore listings and discover how to secure your ultimate getaway. For those looking for a quintessential cottage escape, Cottage Vacations offers a wide selection of summer rentals across Ontario.
• General Store: Shop local and discover a curated selection of handcrafted Canadian-made artisanal décor and cottage-ready finds exclusive to the show.
• Great Outdoors: The scaly and crawly creatures of cottage country are back! Scales Nature Park, sponsored by Subaru. Visitors can enjoy an up-close look at these incredible creatures, including snakes, frogs and turtles, while learning about their unique behaviours, habitats, and conservation from the park’s expert team.

• Cottage Life Booth: Check out the new look of Cottage Life magazine, and chat with the wordsmiths who bring every issue to life. With Cottage Life TV now in Free Preview, relax in a Muskoka chair by the campfire and check out this season’s must-see programming. Plus, shop for exclusive merchandise and unique cottage keepsakes, and enjoy complimentary embroidery from Friday to Sunday, presented by Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter, now airing on Makeful.

• Dock Party: The show’s signature full-size dock returns as the ultimate social destination. Guests can relax with a drink from Canadian Club or -196 Vodka Seltzer, enjoy daily live music from a variety of musicians from Cottage Country Concerts, and get a boost from the complimentary charging stations provided by Orbit Marine Insurance.

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Cottage Life Main Stage, sponsored by Beaver Homes & Cottages Renowned Canadian wildlife rehabilitator and star of Cottage Life TV’s hit series Hope for Wildlife: The Next Generation, Hope Swinimer, shares her extensive knowledge on threats to wildlife, tips for co-existing, and a behind-the-scenes peek into the new season of her series, now airing on Cottage Life every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT during Free Preview. Uncover the latest design trends and expert décor tips to decorate your cottage with warmth and personality, with design and lifestyle TV personality Sarah Gunn and designer Angela Jones. University of Guelph Biologist Chris Earley has all the fun facts about our feathered friends. Learn how to talk to a loon, attract a flycatcher, conduct an owl prowl, understand a hummingbird, and more. Cottage Life magazine’s Senior Editor, Alysha Vandertogt, discusses six common cottage problems and how to solve them. Cottage succession planning lawyer Peter Lillico will draw on his 40+ years of experience to guide you through the process of creating a smooth and seamless succession plan for your cottage. He will also offer valuable recommendations on how children can share responsibilities and actively contribute to the planning process. See HERE for the full lineup and presentation topics.

Fire Safety Education Over the past couple of years, Canada has faced some of its most devastating wildfire seasons on record, with more than 6,000 fires in 2023 and over 5,600 in 2024, impacting millions of hectares of land. As wildfire season approaches (April 1 to October) and amid the growing impact of wildland fires in dense forest regions across Ontario, knowledge of fire safety and prevention has never been more critical. The Ministry of Natural Resources will be at the show to educate visitors on how to prevent, protect against, and safely respond to wildland fires.

Celebrate 30 years of the Spring Cottage Life Show at the Cottage Life Booth New for 2025, the interactive and fun Cottager’s Corner at the Cottage Life Booth! Every cottage has its tall tales, legendary moments, and campfire-worthy memories—now it’s your turn to share them. Step into the spotlight, relive your favorite lakeside stories, or share a hilarious campfire confession. Inspired by Toronto’s iconic Speaker’s Corner, Cottager’s Corner is your moment to shine and share your story with fellow cottagers. Meet the friendly faces behind Cottage Life magazine. Chat with the wordsmiths who bring every issue to life, and shop merchandise you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for a unique keepsake or a gift for a fellow cottager, there’s something special for everyone. Plus, no visit to cottage country is complete without a taste of Kawartha Dairy! Stop by the booth to enjoy FREE savoury samples of this beloved local staple while quantities last!

Shop local Canadian-made at General Store & Trading Post AND – Discover Ontario Wood Shop the best handcrafted, artisan, and niche Canadian-made goods, including ironwork, art, décor, tasty treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts, all from local makers and small businesses. Shop beautiful wood products made from locally grown, sustainably sourced wood—just look for the Ontario Wood leaf logo on the show map. Using local wood sources helps support Ontario’s forests and economy.

Family Activity Centre and Cottage Games Cirque du Soleil fans can explore mannequins dressed in costumes from the latest show, OVO, currently touring across North America. Plus, snap a selfie against a vibrant backdrop and let your little artists get creative with Cirque du Soleil-themed colouring sheets. This year, the Cottage Games are bigger than ever, featuring a giant Connect Four, life sized Jenga, ladder ball and more

Cottage Real Estate Centre  Looking for land for a new build, a turnkey rental, or a move-in-ready cozy cabin? The Cottage Real Estate Centre is a one-stop shop where you can meet realtors, learn about cottage ownership, and discover listings from across Ontario.

Get fresh inspiration for summer entertaining in the Cottage Kitchen Discover how to make breakfast poutine, fillet your freshly caught fish, and get creative with your charcuterie boards, featuring playful twists like s’mores and nacho boards, in the Cottage Kitchen, sponsored by Foodland, with culinary talents: HGTV Host of Savoir Faire, Nik Manojlovic Chef, TV host and cookbook author, Jo Lusted  Cookbook author Tonia Wilson (Beer at My Table) Thomas Armstrong, Director of Culinary Experience, Glen Drummond Farm Scott Gardner, associate editor Outdoor Canada magazine

Brush up on DIY skills at the Cottage Life Workshop Bring island dreams to life at the cottage! Master cottage builders and carpenters Wayne Lennox and Brian Halbot will build a Tiki Bar while answering your building and maintenance questions. Enter for a chance to win the completed bar! Plus, on Sunday, get hands-on and create your own cottage sign to take home—perfect for the whole family!

Explore the Great Outdoors Travel the cosmos and explore the night sky in the inflatable planetarium, sponsored by Subaru—no telescope required. Learn about stars, constellations, planets, moons, comets, and galaxies visible from cottage country and beyond.

Meet follow cottagers at the Cottage Life Dock Party The popular social hub of the show is serving refreshing craft beverages made right in cottage country Muskoka Brewery, Cottage Springs, Bobcaygeon Brewery, and Select Wines.  Sit back, relax, and recharge at a charging station from Orbit Marine. Muskoka411 will be there in Hall 5

The post Celebrating 30 Years Of The Spring Cottage Life Show This Weekend appeared first on Muskoka411.

Make and Take Workshops Make your own creative, thoughtful, and customized gifts and décor with engaging workshops: Maggie Frith, Season 4 semi-finalist on The Great Canadian Baking Show and owner of The Magpie Cakery hosts two different sessions: DIY cookie wreaths and holiday sugar cookie decorating 101 Take part in a glass ornament succulent terrarium workshop or try your hand at preserved moss art with Hasmig Royan, of Green Garden Interiors. Build a 3D candy cane Christmas countdown sign, with step-by-step instruction by Crafty Crystal. Make adorable wooden holiday presents, guided by Restored Décor’s Breanna McNeill. For a complete list of workshops and times, and to reserve a spot, visit seasonsshow.com.

Seasons Stage The packed lineup of expert talks and demonstrations offers ample inspiration for creative, handmade and time-saving entertaining, decorating and gifting: Home and lifestyle expert and TV host, Sarah Gunn demonstrates creative gift wrapping techniques, festive décor, and effortlessly stylish tablespaces that are sure to impress guests. Chef Jo Lusted’s holiday hacks feature simple shortcuts and time-saving tips for stress-free holiday entertaining. Learn the art of creating stunning grazing boards for a beautiful centrepiece for your holiday entertaining with Chef Thomas Armstrong. On-air fashion and décor personality, Lynn Spence is sharing her top gifts for everyone on your list, right from the show floor. Green thumb, Hasmig Royan of Green Garden Interiors shows how to decorate with live plants.

Visit Santa Share your Christmas wish lists and take selfies or family photos with Santa, #SeasonsChristmasShow. Visit with Santa on these days/times! Friday: 3 pm – 7 pm Saturday: 12 pm – 3:30 pm Sunday: 11 am – 2:30 pm Makeful Market This curated marketplace from the Makeful lifestyle brand highlights over a hundred local vendors, showcasing unique, one-of-a-kind items ranging from home and Christmas décor to artisanal foods, handmade gifts, and more. Parcel Check Don’t want to carry shopping bags around? Stop by the complimentary parcel check and they’ll safely stow your purchases away until you are ready to leave.

Main Stage The lineup of expert speakers will help visitors celebrate the holidays in style at the cottage, plan their next renovation project, as well as provide essential information to stay safe by the water throughout the colder months. Hall of Fame Q&A with Michelle Kelly, Editor of Cottage Life magazine. The editorial team reveals the top questions sent to the magazine’s popular Q&A column. Siblings, contractors and TV personalities Michael Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes take on a hot wings challenge while they answer burning questions about filming their new series Holmes on Holmes: Building a Legacy with dad, Mike Holmes, airing Tuesdays on Cottage Life (premieres Nov. 12). Plus, they’ll answer home renovation questions from the crowd. Learn creative ways to bring cottage charm to your holiday décor, from greenery and cozy textiles, to vintage pieces and DIY decorations with demos from decorators Sarah Gunn and Jackie Morra. The Ask the Experts panel of home building professionals answer audience questions about how to build a cottage. Ian Gilson from the Canadian Safe Boating Council shares vital information on ice and cold water safety to help winter enthusiasts prevent and respond to hypothermia. Plus, discover the future of Ontario lakes with an educational discussion on the threats of invasive plants and maintenance tips to protect waterways with Nick Demarco of WeedsBGone. The Great Outdoors Discover the incredible world of reptiles with Scales Nature Park. Meet different reptiles commonly found in cottage country and learn how we can help protect these amazing creatures. Plus, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary will teach how to distinguish between Ontario’s semi-aquatic species. Trading Post Browse the best handcrafted, artisanal, and one-of-a-kind Canadian-made goods, including ironwork, art, decor, treats, and amazing gifts for any cottager.

The post Seasons Christmas Show And Fall Cottage Life Show Nov. 15-17 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka411 will be there with Muskoka Springs in Hall 5 booth 2261.

From building, buying and renting, to boats and water toys, the Spring Cottage Life Show has everything Ontarians need to get ready for cottage season

March 21 – 24 at the International Centre in Mississauga

The ultimate destination for everything to do with the cottage, the Spring Cottage Life Show returns Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24 at the International Centre in Mississauga. With more than 500 exhibitors and experts onsite, the show will delve into topics that impact life at the cottage, such as protecting the family legacy with succession planning, co-existing with pesky critters, DIY tips and advice, navigating new local legislations impacting cottage rentals, and discovering the best of the best in cottage country from chip trucks to ice cream spots and everything in between.

With cottage season just around the corner, visitors can prepare for a summer of fun by shopping for the latest in boats, docks and water toys, furniture and décor, food and entertaining ideas. Visitors can also find information on builders, contractors, realtors, cottage rentals, small space structures, innovative building products and eco-friendly solutions. Tickets are on sale now at shows.cottage life.com.

Since 2020, the cottage market has experienced soaring demand, with prices for waterfront properties skyrocketing by 39 percent from 2020 to 2022 and limited inventory leading to a cooler market in 2023. Experts are predicting a strong return to a more traditional cycle in 2024, with the current interest rates putting more listings back on the market. With the price and number of listings varying widely across Ontario’s vast cottage region, realtors from across the province will be on hand to share expert local advice.

Spring Cottage Life Show Program Highlights

For the latest show additions, list of exhibitors, and to purchase tickets, visit: cottagelife.com/shows.

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The Fall Cottage Life Show returns to the International Centre in Mississauga from Nov. 10-12.

The Cottage Life Show, Canada’s largest cottage and outdoor event, returns to the International Centre in Mississauga this fall from Friday, November 10 to Sunday, November 12. The three-day event offers visitors the ability to reconnect with the cottage industry’s leading brands and exhibitors, shop exclusive offers for their next cottage project and attend inspiring and educational seminars with Cottage Life magazine’s editorial team alongside several prominent guest speakers. Plus, this year, Cottage Life is offering its visitors free cottage-themed tattoos on opening day. The ink options include a loon, Muskoka chair, fire, maple leaf, dock spider, paddle, tree, and Cottage Life logo for the most dedicated fans. The Fall Cottage Life Show will run concurrently with the Seasons Christmas Show, offering guests access to both shows for the price of one admission. Tickets are available now on the Fall Cottage Life Show website.

On the Main Stage, Cottage Life magazine’s editorial team will be on hand to offer their advice and expertise on several cottage-related topics on the minds of their readers. Senior Editor Alysha Vandertogt will share how to keep pesky critters out of your cottage during the colder months. Michelle Kelly, editor of Cottage Life magazine and host of the Cottage Life Podcast, will chat with Carley Fortune (Saturday, November 11 at 1 p.m.) about her two best-selling romance novels that take place in cottage country. Returning Fall Cottage Life Show stage presenters this year include Peter Lillico, a cottage succession planning lawyer, who will provide legal advice and share what he’s found to be the top five cottage succession planning mistakes and Canada’s garden expert and TV personality, Frankie Flowers, who will share his Christmas trend report, from indoors to outdoors, Frankie will share his decor tips and tricks to make your home merry and bright.

The Cottage Life Pop-Up Shop is a regular hotspot at the show, where visitors can find the perfect holiday gift for the cottager in their life. Readers can also connect with Cottage Life magazine’s editorial team at the Cottage Life Booth and offer their thoughts and feedback on what content they love and would like to see more of in the magazine. Carley Fortune will also be in Cottage Life Booth signing copies of her Meet Me at the Lake novel immediately following her on-stage appearance on Saturday.

This year, as a special treat to dedicated Cottage Life magazine readers, fans of Cottage Life TV and Cottage Life Show regulars, the brand is offering free tattoos to those who would like to get a memorable ink of cottage country. Down the aisle from the Cottage Life Booth, the free tattoo installation will be at the Fall Cottage Life Show on Opening Day and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

With the Fall Cottage Life Show under the same roof as the Seasons Christmas Show, attendees can enjoy the best of both worlds in the lead-up to the holidays. This includes chilling out in Cottage Life’s Life Below Zero lounge and enjoying a drink at the Polar Bar, where every drink ticket sold benefits Aspen Valley Wildlife Centre. Visitors can also test out their DIY skills by signing up for a Make & Take Workshop, where they can create and take home their very own evergreen table topper, frosty and glass succulent ornaments, holiday wreaths and more. Additional details for the Seasons Christmas Show can be found here.

Location:

International Centre, Hall 1 & Hall 2

6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON

L4V 1E8

Dates/Times:

Friday, November 10th: 10 a.m  – 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 11th: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, November 12th: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m

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Facts About Loons:

• Only males yodel
• Some birds, like geese, migrate in pairs. Loons separate at the end of each breeding season so there’s no guarantee that even a long-time mate will return
• Loons are visual hunters; the clearer the water the easier it is for them to find their prey
• Their perfect lake is one that has lots of points, peninsulas and/or islands for nesting in
• Main nest predators include raccoons, minks and other mammals that travel along the lakeshore

Steps You Can Take to Save the Loon:

• Use non-lead tackle
• Give a 200 foot berth or more to loons when driving a boat around the lake
• Stay off the shoreline where most loons are, canoes and kayaks included
• Keep natural vegetation on your lake shoreline to give loons nesting areas and provide fish habitat

• Don’t use fertilizer on your lawns as it can leach into the lake, fuel growth of algae, and reduce water clarity, making it hard for loons to find fish

Visitors to the 18th Annual Fall Cottage Life Show can get an exclusive sneak peek at scenes from Loons: A Cry From The Mist in the Cottage Life Booth, to learn all about the beloved Common Loon and why its population is declining in cottage country. Exploring the issue further, Birds Canada’s expert Dr. Doug Tozer joins Cottage Life magazine’s Editor and Cottage Life podcast host, Michelle Kelly, on stage to discuss why loons produce fewer chicks, the impacts to their environment and what cottagers can do to help.

Engage with Loons: A Cry From The Mist at: @cottagelife.

Loons: A Cry From The Mist was produced by Yap Films for Cottage Life and Love Nature. The documentary is Directed by Julia Nunes, Produced by Elizabeth Trojian and Julia Nunes, Executive Produced by Elliott Halpern and Elizabeth Trojian, and features stunning wildlife cinematography by Hugo Kitching. Overseen by Sam Linton, VP, Production and Development, Global Media, Blue Ant Media, the documentary special is distributed by Blue Ant International.

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Offering a tranquil escape featuring stunning waterside views, the cottage vacation is expected to remain a popular trend for 2022, but rising prices and a scarcity of listings on the market could mean greater competition for available properties.

With the May 24 long weekend kick-off to cottage season just around the corner, prospective cottagers will need to act early to enjoy a cottage rental or ownership. To help those seeking a cottage escape this summer, Cottage Life magazine editor, Michelle Kelly and the Cottage Life Show are sharing some tips and strategies to navigate the ever-popular market.

The Spring Cottage Life Show returns in-person from April 7-10 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON and the Ottawa Cottage Life and Backyard Show will take place April 22-24 at EY Centre.
Tickets are on sale at cottagelife.com/shows.

Cottage Sharing: Pooling resources with family or friends can help turn a cottage dream into a reality. More and more people are opting for sharing as a way to get into the market. It may seem obvious, but you must consider who it is you’re joining forces with. Before even beginning to look for a cottage with another party, first explore all the issues that may come up between co-owners. That’s where a sharing agreement comes into play. It’s in everyone’s best interests to agree beforehand on how to use the cottage, on dividing up duties and responsibilities, and on general practices. Be as detailed as possible with the agreement, and remember to ask all the “what if” questions (“what if someone dies?”, “what if one of us remarries?”, “what if one of us wishes to sell?”).

Build a Bunkie: For those with some basic building skills, or who know a great handyman, a bunkie – a small, cabin-like structure that comes in a DIY kit – can offer a more affordable solution. Consider buying a plot of land to build on. It’s important to note, research is essential to ensure the land is suitable for a cottage escape – consider zoning, local bylaws, floodplains and more with the help of an experienced local realtor.

Bunkies can also serve as an expansion, offering space for the next generation at the family cottage. However, because they aren’t a part of the main building, these structures aren’t automatically covered in some basic cottage insurance packages—and when they are, that coverage is limited. Be sure to speak with an insurance provider to understand the options.

Buy a Fractional: Here’s how fractional ownership works: a development company or resort builds the cottage and the ownership is divided into shares, most commonly 10, which includes a deed to the property. Each of the 10 shares is entitled to five weeks: one fixed week in the summer, and the other four spread throughout the year. The other owners also get five weeks and the leftover two weeks are for property maintenance. An annual maintenance fee covers cleaning and upkeep, utilities, property taxes, insurance, and the services of a property manager.

Look Beyond the Popular Cottage Regions: Canada has no shortage of lakes and rivers. While listings are scarce and current prices might be too high for many in some of the most popular cottage regions, those with the ability to work remotely should consider looking further afield. If working remotely is the plan, be sure to check for a suitable internet connection before making an offer.

Province Hop: A faraway place may be an alternative solution, but be sure to factor in travel costs and the time commitment. When it comes to buying out of province, realtors are noticing the trend: some are buying traditional homes to use as recreational properties while others are purchasing actual cottages.

Rent in Different Regions: With limited listings, getting into the market this year might be tough. Renting may prove to be a more accessible option for those looking to break into the cottage lifestyle. Plus, it’s a great way to research different areas and discover which ones you love the most before taking the plunge into ownership.

To learn more about the cottage industry, including more information on getting into the market, best practices for investment rentals, succession planning, realtors, builders and contractors, small structures and eco-friendly solutions as well as to discover the latest in watercraft, docks, water toys, outdoor furniture, and décor, visit the Cottage Life Show. The Spring Cottage Life Show returns in-person from April 7-10 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON and the Ottawa Cottage Life and Backyard Show will take place April 22-24 at EY Centre. Tickets are on sale at cottagelife.com/shows.

Muskoka411 booth number 1281. Use this special link to save money on tickets.

The post Cottage Lifestyle In Canada Is More Popular Than Ever appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Fall Cottage Life Show is saddened to announce the cancellation of its upcoming in-person event in Toronto due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

We are excited to reveal that despite not being able to get together in-person this fall, we are switching focus and planning the first virtual Fall Cottage Life Show! Within this virtual show we will bring together many of the key experiences visitors have come to love about the in-person Cottage Life Shows – live interactive “booths”, feature areas, and engaging content –  and we’ll be delivering this experience right to their homes and cottages, November 20-22, 2020.

For details on exhibiting opportunities, find the application here. Keep an eye on Cottage Life’s website for future updates about the virtual Fall Cottage Life Show.

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