Reopening Your Cottage This Spring: Essential Checklist

With warmer weather and longer days on the horizon, many Canadians are itching to head back to the lake and start reopening your cottage for the season. The Victoria Day long weekend—often dubbed the unofficial kickoff to summer—signals it’s time to swing open those cabin doors and breathe new life into your getaway.

1. Start the prep work at home

A smooth cottage-opening weekend begins weeks in advance. Touch base with utility providers to reactivate power, propane, internet, garbage pickup, and water delivery. Book a chimney sweep, and schedule septic-tank or outhouse servicing if required. Review your cottage-insurance policy (plus coverage for boats, trailers, and ATVs) so everything is up to date. Finally, pack an “open-up” kit—keys, tools, cleaning supplies, flashlights, spare batteries, bulbs, and pest-control products—to avoid last-minute trips into town.

2. Walk the property on arrival

Before unlocking the front door, circle the lot. Look for missing shingles, clogged gutters, broken windows, rotted decking, or branches that crashed down over winter. Inside, open every window and door to air things out, then check for damp spots, mildew, pests, or odd odours. Serious damage? Call your insurer immediately.

3. Restore water and power safely

Inspect pipes for freeze cracks, reconnect any fittings removed last fall, then fill the water heater and replace filters. Turn on the main valve and let a faucet run to flush the system. Lake-drawn or well systems may need extra TLC. For electricity, confirm exterior lines are sound, flip the main breaker, and test outlets and appliances one room at a time.

4. Get outdoor spaces summer-ready

Rake leaves and branches, trim overgrown shrubs, and remove any hazardous hanging limbs. Examine the dock for loose boards or exposed nails, repairing as needed. Clean patio furniture, give the BBQ or firepit a deep scrub, and inspect kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes for cracks or mildew. Fresh lighting or a pop of flowers instantly makes the cottage feel welcoming.

5. Restock safety essentials

Before slipping into a Muskoka chair, swap batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, replace your HVAC filter, recharge fire extinguishers, and refresh the first-aid kit. A little preparation now ensures reopening your cottage is stress-free—and sets you up for a safe, comfortable summer by the lake.