Cottage packing checklist

What to bring to a cottage or chalet in Canada, in summer and in winter. Tick items as you pack; your ticks stay on this device. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Ask the owner before you go

• Exact address, directions and the last few turns (GPS can fail on cottage roads)
• Check-in and check-out times, keys or lockbox code
• Are bed linens and towels provided?
• Is the tap water drinkable, or should we bring water?
• Cell signal and Wi-Fi at the cottage
• Which boats, canoes, kayaks and life jackets are there to use
• Rules for fires, pets, garbage and recycling, and the septic system
• Nearest grocery store, gas station and hospital, and their hours

Food and kitchen

• Groceries for the first two days (stores can be far and close early)
• Drinking water if the tap water is not potable
• Coffee, tea, filters
• Salt, pepper, oil, spices
• Cooler and ice packs for the drive
• Paper towels, dish soap, garbage bags
• Marshmallows and skewers for the campfire

Bedding and bathroom

• Sheets and pillowcases, if not provided
• Bath and beach towels
• Toiletries and septic-safe toilet paper
• Prescription medicine and a first-aid kit

Clothes

• Layers: evenings by the lake are cool even in July
• Rain jacket
• Swimsuits and water shoes
• Warm sweater and socks
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sturdy shoes for trails and rocks

Lake and outdoors

• A properly sized life jacket for each person on a boat, including children
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray and a bug jacket for black fly and mosquito season (May–June)
• Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries
• Fishing gear and a provincial fishing licence
• Dry bag for phones and keys on the water

Kids and fun

• Board games and cards for rainy days
• Books
• Pool noodles and floats
• Binoculars for birds and stars

Pets

• Food, bowls and leash
• Bed or blanket
• Waste bags
• Tick check comb and the vet’s phone number

Winter chalet extras

• Winter tires (required in Quebec from December 1 to March 15)
• Snow brush, shovel and windshield washer fluid
• Boots, ice cleats, mitts and toques
• Ski or snowshoe gear and lift tickets
• Extra blankets and slippers
• Check road conditions (511) before you leave

Before you leave the cottage

• Dishes washed and put away
• Garbage and recycling sorted the owner’s way
• Fire out cold, barbecue off
• Windows closed, heat or air set as asked, lights off
• Doors locked and keys returned
• A few photos of how you left the place

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