Welcome to the Summer issue
Summer can feel nostalgic as its sticky heat rolls in. Somehow the months of July and August here in Cottage Country feel more relaxed, life seems to slow its pace just enough for us to truly enjoy the warmth of the sun.
’Just see where the sun takes you. And don’t forget: Good things happen at the lake.’ — One Golden Summer, Carley Fortune
If you cant tell, my summer-on-the-dock reading list has commenced, and the wave of 90’s nostalgia happening on social media is hitting me like bricks – it makes us remember to keep summer simple, its not the big things that stick – it’s the memories of the smell of summer, the feel of the cool lake, and the sound of laughter.
‘The cottage had this incredible smoky-wood smell. Somehow it never faded… Each time I returned, I’d stand at the entrance, breathing it in, just like I did that first day.’ — Every Summer After, Carley Fortune
Summer here in Cottage Country opens our region like a blooming flower; and how beautiful and vibrant our Cottage Country flower is! Businesses prepare for the influx of visitors who come to experience the lifestyle of Ontario’s iconic lake country every summer. As a geographical area with an abundance of water bodies, it is clear that water calls to us, seasonal cottages, campers, RV’ing families come to the lake to create a summer to remember.
Welcome to the Summer 2026 issue.
On the Cover: Bigley’s Bobcaygeon has the summer must-haves, whether it be fashion or bathing suits from the Beach House, the perfect summer shoes or sandals (or both!), the cutest outfits for your littles from the Little Shop, hostess items from the Cottage Kitchen, or a delicious ice cream from Bigley’s Sweet Treats. Take a day trip to Beautiful Bobcayegon!
Get frog fishing with Williams Outfitters, or take a hike and paddle with outdoor storyteller Rick Whitteker. Weekend at the Cottage serves up delicious summer recipes and Brad Watt the Bridenorth Butcher helps you grill the perfect meal with his top 4 BBQ tips.
If you are looking for lifestyle content, check out design inspiration from Birchview Design, and Interior Designer Amy Dillon. Blackwood Developments shares a glimpse at their recent cabin build, and its striking design.
Looking for Day Travel? Kawartha Settlers Village has events happening all Summer, Haliburton Tourism has curated a fantastic guide to Arts and Culture in the Highlands, and The Kawarthas Tourism asks – ‘Do you travel like an Otter?’
If you haven’t yet picked up a copy of the Cottage Country Travel Guide for 2026, we encourage you to get one and keep it in the car, let it take you through the countryside of Cottage Country to find the best hidden gems. Also available digitally at www.cottage.rocks or with QR code below.
*Carley Fortune writes contemporary novels based in Canada’s Cottage Country and about how summer at the lake can heal, ground and transform you.
