The perception that most cottages are boarded up for the season during the Thanksgiving weekend closing ritual is apparently outdated.
A survey by Cottage Life magazine finds that 60 per cent of cottagers use their places year-round.
"The off-season is definitely quieter but the cottagers who enjoy their lakeside retreats all 12 months of the year are a hardy breed who have learned to adapt to the challenges of winter cottaging," said publicist Peggy Sheffield.
The spirit of going to the cottage any time "will be celebrated" at the annual Fall Cottage Life Show, Nov. 26 to 28, at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.
To broaden the extent and appeal, this year the show is part of a larger Great Outdoors and DIY (Do It Yourself) Weekend.
It's four shows in one -- Cottage Life, Outdoor Canada, Explore Adventure and Travel, and Canadian Home Workshop Show -- at one location for one admission price.
Along with some 400 exhibitors, there are seminars and features such as an indoor canopy tour that mimics the experience of walking in the treetops.
The canopy from the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve is a 9.75-metre (32- foot) boardwalk suspended 3.65 metres (12 feet) in the air.
The reserve offers a walk in the clouds guided canopy tour from May to October and is open year-round. It will also show off some of its sled dogs.
Seminars include tips on how to buy a first cottage or camp with financial planner Brian Fitzsimons while another is about joint recreational property ownership with friends or family featuring lawyer Peter Lillico.
Decorator and cottager Karen Sealy will present "Tips for Updating Hand-me-down Cottage Decor" and invites people to bring photos and stories to be considered for a personalized cottage makeover on HGTV.
Also appearing will be Survivorman Les Stroud, fishing pro Bob Izumi and HGTV renovation gurus Bryan Baeumler and Jim Caruk.
Find out about slacklining, a hip mountain culture craze compared with tightrope walking close to the ground with a bounce, and stand-up paddling with the Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre.
Over at the Kids Corner, a master woodworker will help children create a step stool or coat rack.
Showgoers can improve their "camping confidence" from Mountain Equipment Co-op pros, learn about ice fishing, plan a kayaking trip with an iPad, building a fire, navigating by compass, cooking tasty camp food, and safely trailering a snowmobile, boat or other toys.
Samples of cottage cooking include wild game with savoury beer pairings while Canadian explorer and adventurer Ray Zahab will relate his life and near-death experiences.
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Fox Trots:
- In Orangeville, Santa will greet children on Nov. 19 at the Moonlight Magic Celebration from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There's also the popular Tractor Parade of Lights on Broadway, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate and marshmallow toasting at fire pits.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas will be performed by Theatre Orangeville's David Nairn. www.thehillsofheadwaters.com/orangevillebia
- Tourism Oxford says Winterlights Celebrations open in Woodstock on Nov. 19 with a lighting event at 7 p.m. at the Museum Square. There will also be a scavenger hunt for children and entertainment.
The Santa Claus Parade and a gingerbread house contest are on Nov. 20 while the Memory Tree of Lights event is Nov. 25. Santa House is open and sleigh rides are offered from Dec. 3 to 22. (519) 539-2572; www.tourismoxford.ca
- Brunch with Santa will be held at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, formerly known as Wings of Paradise, on Dec. 11 and 12, in the Paradise Garden Cafe.
The conservatory is an indoor tropical garden that's home to thousands of freely flying butterflies and exotic birds.
It was decided to change the name to more accurately reflect its location and purpose, said Adrienne Brewster, executive director and curator. www.cambridgebutterfly.com; (519) 653-1234.
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If you go:
- Great Outdoors and DIY Weekend is at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga on Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $15 ($13 online); $8, ages 13 to 17; free to age 12; $22, weekend pass. Free parking. www.greatoutdoorsDIY.com; (416) 599-2000.
Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
Encounters with marine life in New Zealand
