As a Canadian, cottage access is a valuable summer currency. Whether it’s a rustic cabin in the woods or a sun-soaked lake house, it’s less about the destination than the pace, allowing you to slow down and have your days dictated by the weather rather than your watch. Part of the appeal is disconnecting from the trappings of everyday life, even if that means temporarily going without modern conveniences like one-stop superstores and instant delivery, but that means you’ve got to do a bit of planning to make sure you’ve got everything you need to truly relax.
Beyond meal planning, it’s worth thinking about the items that become invaluable once you arrive: sun protection for hours spent on the boat or the beach, a reliable bug repellent so you can enjoy the sunset instead of fleeing indoors, and a soft layer for cooler nights around the fire. Crossing a few of these things off your list can mean the difference between making a last-minute trip into town and spending another uninterrupted afternoon on the dock.
