Now that you've booked your choice cottage it's time to start planning - What to bring, planning for emergencies, staying safe and having fun, even if rain drips on your 'beachy-keen' plans.
Before you leave visit The Weather Network and be aware of what you're in for. Bad weather doesn't have to bring clouds of despair - it can be great family bonding time with games and crafts, maybe even a theme day. Kids can make a Hoop Drum or you can work together on a Tamarack Decoy and then try cooking-up some bannock to snack on. (Tip: For more Native American recipes visit www.RecipeSource.com.)
Weather in mind your adventure can begin. The car's packed, the kids are in and the doors are locked but, "How do we get there?" Simple, MapQuest.com
Health and Safety:
West Nile Virus:
West Nile Virus: A Summary
Mosquitoes can be deadly. There is no known human vaccine for the West Nile Virus and the only ecologically sound method to prevent human infection is personal protection. This site provides tips to prevent and control mosquitoes during prime cottage season when disease carrying mosquitoes are at their most dense.
Insect Repellent: Use and Safety
Make sure your kids don't swat away the serious issue of West Nile and mosquito bites. Let them learn for themselves with the program Buzz-z-z-z on West Nile Virus. Even better, have fun with the kids learning about Purple Martins, the largest North American Swallow that eats up to 2, 000 mosquitoes a day. Build a hollowed-out gourd bird house and maybe this mosquito muncher will stay close.
Sun:
Canada Sun Guide
Things don't always bloom with a little water and sunshine. Water and sun are a destructive combination for sun protection and personal health. Check out this guide for tips on staying safe in the morning's glory.
Fun in the Sun
Harmful levels of UV means fun in the sun has to be monitored but not forgotten. Canadian Parents brings you tips for maintaining your outdoor lifestyle in a safe way.
Canadian Cancer Society on Sun
Find professional tips on sun protection, children and sun safety, shade, tanning and even sun myths from the Canadian Cancer Society.
Poison Ivy:
Poison Ivy Information
Itchy, itchy, scratchy, scratchy... It might not kill you but poison ivy is not a fun thing to experience, especially on vacation. Find information, pictures and treatment information that will help you avoid and deal with this vicious plant.
Things to Do Times Two:
Rain:
Free Colouring Pages
Brighten up a dreary day with these free printable colouring pages. Print puzzles, paper dolls, Berenstainbears and pokemon pictures and bring them out when the mood needs lightening.
Crayola
Reminisce about your childhood with waxy crayon shavings and... Wait a minute, Crayola is definitely not just crayons anymore. Visit their kids' site and find an eclectic selection of themed crafts. Pick projects related to the cottage such as ecology and environment, earth, endangered species and more. Registration is required to enter the craft pages but this is free.
Cottage Country Books
If it's raining you should definitely not be snoring. Enjoy the soft sounds while you curl up with a book that won't just kill the time before you return home. Pick books that will increase your respect for the wilderness, and your experience will only be enhanced. At Cottage Country Books you can find books and games about all aspects of the wilderness. Books are grouped by category and specific titles can be found through ISBN, author and title searches.
Consider picking up these books:
If books are making you stiff but the weather's persistent get your muscles moving and your adrenaline pumping with The Tom Thomson Murder Mystery Party Game by Gaye Clemson. A game based on the true facts surrounding the death of Tom Thomson on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park Ontario. Recreate the scenerio at your own cottage and solve one of Canada's most enduring mysteries.
Or solve an even bigger mystery - the galaxy. Find resources for viewing the Starry Night sky.
Shine:
Leaches and mooses and bears - Oh My! If you're ready for a real outdoor adventure but have confronted only "waskly wabbits" then visit the North American Outdoor Guide. Search any area of Canada and find associated links to sporting activities, guides, outdoor activities and outdoor equipment suppliers.
Canadian Canoe Routes
Why not just stick with a cottaging tradition and glide across glassy waters in a simple canoe. Plan a relaxing retreat or a challenging adventure by choosing the route in any province. Each route includes the distance, duration, level of difficulty and more.
Water Works Wonders
Fish in, boat on and enjoy the greatest wonder and most important resource on earth. The recreational boating and fishing foundation will teach you how to boat, fish and even identify the scaly sucker.
Before you plan your outdoor activities make sure you visit The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment to receive air and water quality updates and warnings.
(Tip: the Ministry of Natural Resources has great links to a number of environmental sites.)
Boating:
Boating Safety
Go overboard and don't miss a single detail. Make sure you're aware of all the boating regulations and safety requirements by checking out the Canadian Coast Guard's Safe Boating Guide. Then get your Boat Operator Card online.
Discover Boating
Find out everything from how to boat to trailering your watercraft. And keep the kids entertained and safety savvy by visiting Boating Safety Sidekicks.
Outboard Motor Repair
Okay, we're not all sea fearing sailors but that doesn't mean a broken motor's a problem, does it? From smoky engines to clearing clogs you'll find the answer at this site. Questions are categorized by features and parts so finding your problem shouldn't be too much trouble.
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