If you’ve been thinking about spending a snowy New Year in Cottage Country, there’s still some availability for groups of up to 8 people. Check our Festive Rental list and make plans for a winter getaway! Most or our remaining cottages accept pets so there’s no concern about Fido either. We even have a chalet at Hidden Valley so you can include skiing in your itinerary
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As the weather we are currently experiencing shows, winter is inevitable and I look forward to it with anticipation of lots of outdoor activity, Tim Horton’s hot chocolate, and the smell of woodsmoke in the air. In cottage country, we prepare for it, expect it to be tough at times, and respect mother nature for the curve balls she occasionally throws. For visitors to the country, particularly those renting a cottage for the first time, it can be surprising how different conditions are, just an hour or so north of the city, particularly at this time of year.
Following these tips can help make your winter cottage rental a trip to remember – for all the right reasons:
Use winter tires. All season tires are OK in places, but many cottage roads are hilly, narrow and winding. You will need all the traction you can get and winter tires are the way to go. If a rental listing recommends 4WD, don’t book the cottage unless you have the appropriate vehicle.
Keep an emergency pack in the car. Preparing for the worst is always good advice. Some cottage country roads are pretty remote, even if they are ploughed. Our cottage is 4km down a road that is ploughed by the township, however it’s the only winterized cottage. If you broke down or slid off the road, it may be days before someone found you. Environment Canada has a list of what you should have in your emergency car kit.
Tell people where you are going and when you expect to be there. This is one of those pieces of advice we give our kids, but often ignore as adults, but it’s worth the extra minute or two before you leave on a trip to cottage country to let family or friends know your plans. Give them the contact phone numbers you have on your cottage rental information sheet, the address and phone number of the cottage you have rented, and your planned time of arrival. Phone home and let people know you have arrived safely, or if you are going to be significantly delayed.
Plan your trip thoroughly and give yourself lots of time to get there. Snow squalls are frequent in the traditional snow belt areas, and its not unusual to leave the city in brilliant sunshine and find blizzard conditions just an hour or so north. Make sure you have a good map with you, and know where you are going. Check the Weather Network for severe weather updates – you can get these downloaded to your cell phone.
Fill up with fuel before you get off the highway so you arrive with as full a tank as you can have. If there is an extensive power outage due to a winter storm, you may have difficulty in finding a gas station that has power to run the pumps.
Trust the owner of your vacation home. If the owner calls you to say there is a problem accessing the cottage due to snow conditions, trust him and do not travel. These people know their cottage areas and won’t get you to curtail your trip unless there is good reason. If you do attempt the trip after being advised not to, you are taking a real risk.
Winter in cottage country can be a magical experience if you spend some time getting prepared for the conditions you may encounter.
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