Shop Canadian-made brands and attend live talks with Andrea Buckett, Natalie Preddie, Sarah Gunn, and more

Cottage season never ends at the 21st annual Fall Cottage Life Show, Canada’s largest cottage and outdoor living event. From November 14–16, more than 200 top brands and experts come together for three days packed with inspiration, insider advice, and exclusive off-season specials on water toys, cottage gear, and more. Visitors can discover the latest in cottage building, renovation, and décor, find new recipes, shop Canadian-made products crafted by local artisans, and connect with trusted voices in the cottage community. The Fall Cottage Life Show runs alongside the Seasons Christmas Show at the International Centre in Mississauga. One ticket provides access to both shows. Tickets are on sale now at cottagelife.com/shows.

The Cottage Life Main Stage returns with a lineup of seasoned professionals offering fresh perspectives. Hear from Cottage Life magazine Editor-in-chief Michelle Kelly and senior editor Alysha Vandertogt, alongside chef and bestselling author Andrea Buckett, travel journalist and TV host Natalie Preddie, designer and lifestyle expert Sarah Gunn, cottage succession lawyer Peter Lillico, and more. Sessions cover everything a cottager needs to know: from outsmarting invasive species and passing the cottage to the next generation, to delicious cottage recipes, design hacks, and winter ice fishing tips. With expert insight and actionable takeaways, the Main Stage is the go-to stop for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance.

On the show floor, visitors can meet the hardworking sled dogs of North Ridge Ranch in person at the Great Outdoors booth, then hop on a virtual dog sled ride. In the Trading Post aisles, shoppers will find exclusively Canadian exhibitors offering everything from art and ironwork to cozy textiles, décor, and gourmet treats. Ontario Wood will be among the exhibitors, showcasing one-of-a-kind decorative pieces and custom furniture accents made from Ontario-native wood. At the Cottage Life Booth, visitors can connect with the Cottage Life editorial team, share their stories and feedback, and shop exclusive Cottage Life merchandise. Following her Saturday Main Stage appearance, Andrea Buckett will be in the booth to meet fans and sign copies of her bestselling cookbook, The Essential Cottage Cookbook.

With the Seasons Christmas Show happening under the same roof as the Fall Cottage Life Show, visitors can get into the holiday spirit by taking a break from shopping to sip festive drinks in the Polar Bar while watching live ice sculpting. The event will be raising funds for  Make-A-Wish® Canada to bring the magic of giving to life through a forest of Wishing Trees from Drysdale’s Tree Farm, located in the Polar Bar and The North Pole areas of the showfloor. Together, the shows will grant wishes for a handful of visitors, while donations collected at the trees will help make wishes come true for children with critical illnesses.

Celebrating the best of Canadian cottage culture, craftsmanship, and community, the Fall Cottage Life Show offers an immersive experience that bridges seasons and inspires cottagers in every corner of Ontario.

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With the vibrant backdrop of a Canadian autumn, grilling can become your new fall tradition. As the days shorten and the weather turn cooler, it’s the perfect time to pull on your coziest sweater and gather around the grill with loved ones.

Autumn is perfect for mastering the art of grilling larger cuts of meats that thrive on low-and-slow cooking. Picture a succulent roast or tender chicken, gently roasting over indirect heat. Remember, each time you lift the lid, you lose heat, so try to keep it closed as much as possible for the best results.

Napoleon offers some other tips for mastering autumn grilling:

Grill Outdoors — No matter how chilly the temperature becomes, never grill in enclosed spaces like a garage or shed. Embrace the brisk weather and enjoy the unique opportunity of grilling among falling leaves. Use a leaf blower to quickly clear any debris before you start.

Heat It Up – Don’t let cooler temperatures deter you. Even if it’s 6°C, your grill can still reach a searing 500°C – it may just require more patience. Once your grill is at the optimal temperature, quickly place your food on the grates and close the lid.

Plan for the Wind – Autumn breezes can be strong. Position your grill in a sheltered area to prevent flames from being blown around and to help maintain a consistent cooking temperature. Invest in the right equipment – heat-resistant gloves will protect your hands and keep them warm. Since dusk falls early, invest in grill lights if your barbecue doesn’t already have one. For slow-cooked meats, a Bluetooth thermometer allows you to monitor cooking progress from indoors, so you can stay warm.

Cover your Grill – Invest in a grill cover to protect it from the elements. This helps keep your grill clean and ready for action whenever you are.

Choosing the right grill for the season is also important. Stainless steel models are durable, rust-resistant, and can withstand fluctuating temperatures.

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Heritage Fall Fair

Inspired by local fall fairs of the 1880s to early 1900s, Muskoka Heritage Place presents its Heritage Fall Fair from October 4 to 6! Enjoy exhibitions in the Ashworth Hall, early games, candy apples and more! Local farmers and crafters are invited to exhibit home grown vegetables, flowers, preserves and textiles. The Heritage Fall Fair is included in the admission price. Discover more: Heritage Fall Fair – Muskoka Heritage Place

Fall Art Walk and Sale

Immerse yourself in a world of artistic and cultural excellence with the Heritage Art Walk and Sale, presented by Muskoka Heritage Place in partnership with the Huntsville Art Society. On October 12, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, join us for a day of art, history, and culture at the Pioneer Village at Muskoka Heritage Place. Included in admission, step inside the Pioneer Village and discover the creativity and talent of Muskoka’s local artists. Explore an inspiring array of artwork that reflects the creative tapestry of our community, set against the backdrop of Huntsville’s fall colors. Visitors can connect with the local artists and support them by acquiring one-of-a-kind, locally crafted artwork. Discover more: Fall Art Walk – Muskoka Heritage Place

Thanksgiving Train

All aboard the Thanksgiving Train – the perfect way to experience the area’s fall colours! Running October 13 from the Rotary Village Station (100 Forbes Hill Dr.), with departure times at 11:30 a.m., 12:15, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 and 3:15 p.m. Regular train fees apply. Please plan to wait in line as this day is in high demand! Visit the MHP website for more information on the Portage Flyer Train.

Ghoulish Family Craft

Ghoulish Family Craft Day will be held on October 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Muskoka Museum. Family Craft Days are a great way for your little ones to enjoy crafts and activities and for the whole family to spend some time together. This program is geared toward children ages 6 to 12. Only $7.00 per child. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited, pre-registration is recommended. Please visit Huntsville’s program registration platform.

The Great Pumpkin Trail

The Great Pumpkin Trail is back for its 36^th anniversary at Muskoka Heritage Place on October 31 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. This family-friendly Halloween event is a traffic-free trick-or-treat experience, helping to keep kids safe and parents at ease.

The Pioneer buildings are decorated by local businesses and community members and are aimed to spook but not haunt, keeping the event fun for the younger trick-or-treaters. Mayor Nancy Alcock will judge and award the best decorated building.

What do you need to experience the Great Pumpkin Trail? Costumes and something to hold all the candy are recommended! The event is outdoors, so bring appropriate clothing. Cost for entry is $10 per immediate family, or $3 per head. Last entry is at 7:00 p.m. Please leave pets at home; service animals are welcome.

For more information on the Great Pumpkin Trail event, visit muskokaheritageplace.ca.

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“We know that physical activity and overall health are closely linked,” says Christine Bushey, manager of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program. “Physical activity is important for children and teens, and the benefits include stronger bones and muscles, better brain, heart and lung health. This improves their mental, emotional and social well-being, all of which can help them be better able to learn while in school.”

Busy schedules, being unsure of ways to start building physical activity into your day and changing weather can be barriers to physical activity. Fortunately, there are ways to work around these concerns and build more activity into your family’s routine.

Find opportunities for active school travel

Encouraging kids to walk or wheel to the places they need to go becomes a healthy habit that can last a lifetime and is one of the easiest ways for school-aged children to get regular daily physical activity. Choosing active ways to get to school also helps to reduce the number of cars in school zones which helps to decrease traffic congestion and improve safety in school zones. It can also help to reduce harmful air pollution. Learn more about the Simcoe Muskoka On the Move active school travel initiative.

 Enjoy more time in nature

Making outdoor play a part of kid’s after-school routine helps them stay active. Parks, forests, meadows and gardens are spaces that encourage a variety of play, such as exploring paths, climbing hills and balancing on logs. These natural spaces can also provide shade and create cooler, more comfortable places to be. Learn more about staying active after the school day ends.

Take a break from sitting

Everyone benefits from sitting less and moving more. Children and teens should spend less than two hours a day using or watching screens when it’s not for schoolwork. Create a family media plan that sets limits on screen time, prioritizes screen-free family time, removes screens from bedrooms, and finds alternative activities to encourage movement indoors when the weather keeps you indoors.

Make movement a family activity

After school and on weekends, choose activities that get the whole family moving. Whether it’s an active indoor game on a rainy day or a hike on a sunny afternoon, family activities promote movement, social connectedness, and attachment, all of which are important for physical and mental health. Children are more likely to be active if their parents and caregivers enjoy being physically active. Learn more about active play and how everyone can benefit.

To learn more, visit smdhu.org/PhysicalActivity or call Health Connection on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

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