The sunshine is sticking around a little longer, the air is feeling warmer, and for many Canadians, that can only mean one thing—cottage season is right around the corner! With the Victoria Day long weekend fast approaching, thousands of families are prepping to open up their beloved summer getaways.
But before you kick back on the dock with a cold drink in hand, there’s some work to do. If your cottage sat empty all winter, it needs a little TLC before it's ready for another season of memory-making.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your cottage ready for summer—stress-free and safe.
Start Before You Hit the Road
Cottage season prep begins before you even arrive. In the weeks leading up to your trip, reconnect with essential service providers and make sure everything is lined up.
✔️ Call your utility companies to restart services like electricity, internet, propane, and gas
✔️ Reinstate garbage pickup or water delivery if it was paused
✔️ Schedule appointments for chimney sweeping or septic inspections
✔️ Double-check your cottage insurance—and if you have boats, trailers, or ATVs, review those policies too
And don’t forget your “open-up kit”: keys, tools, cleaning supplies, fresh batteries, light bulbs, pest control, and anything else that might save you a trip to the nearest hardware store.
Walk the Property First
Once you arrive, give your lot a good once-over before diving in. Look for any damage caused by winter storms or critters looking for shelter.
🔎 Check the roof for loose shingles, gutters for blockages, and look out for fallen branches
🔎 Inspect decks, siding, and windows for signs of wear or rot
🔎 Watch for signs of animal intruders or broken seals that might’ve let the cold in
When you step inside, open all the windows to get air circulating. Look for damp spots, musty smells, or any signs of mold around windows and doors. If anything serious pops up, give your insurance provider a heads-up right away.
Restore Water & Power Safely
Now that the space has been inspected, it’s time to bring the essentials back to life.
For water:
✅ Check for cracked or disconnected pipes
✅ Reconnect plumbing and turn on the main valve slowly
✅ Flush the system and change filters if needed
Cottages with lake-drawn or well water systems might need some extra care—or a professional checkup.
For power:
✅ Look over exterior power lines and your meter for damage
✅ Flip the main breaker, then test outlets and appliances one by one
Refresh Your Outdoor Spaces
Summer isn’t summer without a great outdoor setup. So before the long weekend BBQs begin, show your yard, deck, and dock some love.
🌿 Rake up any branches, leaves, and leftover debris
🌿 Trim overgrown plants and remove dead limbs from trees
🌿 Inspect the dock for loose boards or signs of water damage
🌿 Clean and inspect outdoor furniture, BBQs, firepits, and recreational gear
Tip: Add fresh flowers, string lights, or new cushions to instantly boost that cozy cottage vibe.
Stock Up on the Essentials
Before you settle into cottage mode, run through a quick safety checklist:
✔️ Replace batteries in smoke and CO detectors
✔️ Refill the first aid kit and inspect fire extinguishers
✔️ Swap out HVAC filters if you have a central air system
Small details like these can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a worry-free season.
Ready, Set, Relax!
Once the work is done, the only thing left to do is sit back, breathe in that fresh lakeside air, and enjoy everything cottage life has to offer.
Image Suggestion for the Blog
Scene Description:
A cozy lakeside cottage at golden hour with open windows, a freshly swept deck, Adirondack chairs (Muskoka style), and someone sipping coffee or wine while looking at the lake. There’s a rake and some gardening tools set aside, hinting that the work is done and it’s time to relax.
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Thinking of Buying or Selling a Cottage This Season?
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