Welcome to 2025 dear readers! We have so many exciting things planned for this fresh new year, and we are so thankful that you are along for the ride. 

Let us take this opportunity to thank both our advertisers and our readers for an amazing 2024, without both we would not be able to do what we do! Bringing our readers content that is beyond everyday news and offers a reader enjoyed, educational experience is what we aim to do, and we are excited to continue bringing you insightful and fun articles in 2025. 

2025 also ushers in a season of change for us here at the magazine. Fun fact: this publication began as a newspaper called the Causeway Connection in 1994 – though the actual product has evolved and changed over time we celebrated 30 years as a publication in 2024. As times change so do the needs of our advertisers and while we love holding a physical copy of the magazine in our hands, we understand that we also live in a digital age. 

Evolution for us means more online content, accessible connections between our advertisers and our readers, and sharing even more content online via our blog, online reader and social media channels. Don’t worry – physical copies are not leaving, but we’d love it if you followed us on social media!

You may have noticed a new look on the cover, 2025 brings with it a refined high-end print product with all the amenities of digital; an artistic luxury feel. We will still be bringing you topics that are dear to us like: outdoor adventure, boating, lake life, cottaging tips, local tourism information, day tripping suggestions and environmental stewardship and conservation initiatives.

Welcome to the Winter 2025 Issue of Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine. In this issue we bring you Haliburton Highlands Tourism on the cover; Haliburton is a beautiful place to visit anytime of year – but Winter in the Haliburton Highlands is exceptionally magical. Get out and play this winter.

Birchview Design offers design and styling advice for creating cozy, comfy spaces this winter. Speaking of cozy, read our tips on how to stock up on the best, most heat producing firewood to keep you warm this season. Regular writer Rick Whitteker educates us on the busy happenings out of sight under the snow, and Bird Friendly Peterborough tells us about The Great Horned Owl, and how to protect it. 

Jacob Rodenburg of Camp Kawartha brings us an inspiring read on how nature equals art, and  resident fishing guy Mike Williams of Williams Outfitters reminisces about his early memories ice fishing. 

With so much hustle and bustle over the holidays, January offers the perfect time to slow down, relax, be more mindful and cozy – the perfect scenario for time spent with a magazine and a blanket – don’t forget your cup of coffee!