Welcome to the Holiday issue

Our days of sun-kissed shoulders, cold beverages and refreshing swims have slowly been replaced with cozy sweaters, brisk breezes and pink cheeks – soon to be sparkling white mornings, clouds of hot breath, and catching snowflakes on your tongue. Our land is sinking into its seasonal slumber, resting for a season in preparation to rise, flourish and bloom again when the warm sun awakens a sense of adventure in all of us.

In this season, we too rest. We wrap ourselves in fluffy blankets, sit by crackling fires and prepare hearty meals; nourishing for both body and soul. But with winter also comes a feeling of magic. Fresh snow sparkling like diamonds on the sunniest day you can imagine, crisp nights that shine so bright with the most breathtaking display of stars – magic happens in winter; you just have to look for it. 

The Cottage Country region is a bustling hub for adventure during the winter months, and we encourage you to take advantage of all the unique businesses that pivot during these months to share the magic of winter. The cold weather brings an entirely new perspective for day tripping and our tourism partners in The Kawarthas share their top ideas for surviving the winter blahs – by getting out of the house!

Welcome to the November/December Issue, this festive issue is filled with lots of ideas for the season; learn the art of tree decorating, shop local with our Gift Guide, spoil the angler in your life with gift ideas from Williams Outfitters, Birchview Design serves up a nostalgic look at Christmas over the years, and not only that – Nik from Weekend at the Cottage offers up the coziest Hot Cocoa recipe and helps you figure out what to do with all that leftover Christmas turkey!

On The Cover: Iconic Canadian retailer Mark’s Invites you to shop their huge selection of quality brands made for life in Canada; dump the hibernation plans Cottage Country – Mark’s Peterborough and Lindsay have everything to keep you toasty-warm and smiling all winter long!

So, this holiday season, “May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” 

–Mary Anne Radmacher

All the best for a healthy, happy, 

and prosperous 2026