Stay ConnectedJoin Michelle Kelly, Editor of Cottage Life magazine, for a podcast that explores everything from real estate and cottage construction to the environment and pop culture. You’ll hear interviews with cottage experts, contributing writers, and celebrities, and you’ll hear some of our most-loved essays from the CL archives.
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In the final episode of season 4, we ponder two of our favourite summer fantasies: reading and romance. Looking for a book recommendation for your last few weeks at the lake? Michelle sits down with Canadian author Carley Fortune to chat about her two best-selling romance novels that take place in cottage country. Then, to close out the show, we’ll listen to an old editor’s note written by Michelle about her favourite cottage love story of all time.
Special thanks to:
Carley Fortune, best-selling author
Articles referenced:
“The Summer of Love” by Michelle Kelly (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2018)
Carley’s 2023 summer reading list:
The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
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Anyone who has ever done-it-themselves knows the name Holmes. Canadian building legend Mike Holmes, along with his daughter, Sherry, and son, Michael, star in “Holmes on Holmes: Building a Legacy,” a new television series premiering next spring on the Cottage Life channel. Mike and Sherry chat with Michelle about the show and share their best tips when it comes to cottage construction. And what’s a hard day of work without a delicious meal to cap it off? David Zimmer’s essay about outdoor cookery answers the question: are we grilling or barbecuing tonight?
Special thanks to:
Mike Holmes, Canadian builder and television personality
Sherry Holmes, contractor and television personality
To watch Mike Holmes’ extensive back catalogue, check out HomefulTV.com.
Articles referenced:
“A Fiery Debate” by David Zimmer (Cottage Life magazine, Summer 2016)
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“The Lake,” a television series set in cottage country, just completed its second season on Amazon Prime. Creator and writer, Julian Doucet, gives us a sneak peek into the series, shot on location in and around North Bay, Ont., and shares his own experience as a cottager. Then, we turn to a term all cottagers know well: kitsch. We’ll hear an essay by Charles Wilkins that will make you cherish all of your tchotchkes.
Special thanks to:
Julian Doucet, creator and writer of “The Lake”
Articles referenced:
“Exploring the Golden Age of Kitsch” by Charles Wilkins (Cottage Life magazine, March 1991)
Sources:
The Lake, on Amazon Prime
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Grab your trowel—it’s time to dig into the world of plants. Gardening expert Lorraine Johnson joins Michelle to share the benefits of native plants, which not only look great but have best adapted to the tricky growing conditions of cottage country. Then we’ll listen to an essay about one of the most delicious native plants: blueberries.
Special thanks to:
Lorraine Johnson, cultivation activist
Articles referenced:
“Summertime Blues” by Charles Wilkins (Cottage Life magazine, July/August 1994)
“The Natural Garden” by Lorraine Johnson, a four-part series:
“Native Intelligence” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, April/May 2003)
“Ground Rules” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, June 2003)
“The Wild Bunch” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, August 2003)
“Going to Seed” by Lorraine Johnson (Cottage Life magazine, October 2003)
Sources:
For more information on Lorraine Johnson, visit her website. To learn more about the importance of native plants, visit networkofnature.org.
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You may know indie rock star Serena Ryder for her chart-topping hits, but did you know she’s also a cottager and mental health advocate? Michelle sits down with the singer to talk about her latest album, which chronicles her journey, as well as her piece of paradise that gives her solace. Former editor Penny Caldwell knows all too well about the serenity you can find at the lake. We’ll listen to her essay about how cottaging, if done right, can offer the ultimate state of relaxation.
Special thanks to:
Serena Ryder, singer and musician
Articles referenced:
“On the ever-present lure of the lake” by Penny Caldwell (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017)
Sources:
Listen to Serena Ryder’s mental wellness keynote speech, which inspired her latest album, The Art of Falling Apart.
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Lyme disease is on the rise—but ticks shouldn’t stop us from enjoying the wilderness. Epidemiologist Dr. Katie Clow specializes in blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease and answers our FAQs, including how long it takes a tick to start transmitting Lyme to how we can measure and mitigate our risk of dealing with ticks while at the cottage. Another bothersome cottage-country creature is the beaver. Writer Andrea Curtis shows how to embrace Canada’s largest rodent.
Special thanks to:
Dr. Katie Clow, epidemiologist, professor at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph
Articles referenced:
“It’s About Dam Time” by Andrea Curtis (Cottage Life magazine, Summer 2023)
Sources:
For more information about Lyme disease risk areas, check out this interactive map. To submit a photo for identification and population monitoring, visit etick.ca.
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Since the onset of the pandemic, cottage communities have seen unprecedented growth. Michelle chats with longtime contributor Philip Preville about his recent CL story “Talk of the Towns,” which explored how these communities are adapting to the influx of both part-time and full-time cottagers. What does this population explosion mean for culture in rural areas, and development and infrastructure? Then, we’ll listen to an essay that reflects on cottage life at the time of Canada’s 150th anniversary that will take you right to your piece of paradise.
Special thanks to:
Philip Preville, journalist
Articles referenced:
“Talk of the Towns” by Philip Preville (Cottage Life magazine, March/April 2023)
“On the Place that Will Always Be Home” by Marci MacDonald (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017)
Sources:
For more information on the great cottage-country migration and conversations on infrastructure development in rural areas, visit FOCA.
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The climate crisis doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, we promise. In the premiere episode of season 4, Michelle sits down with renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe to share how we can reframe the climate crisis as something we can take action on. Once we’re equipped with a few tips on how to feel empowered when it comes to the environment, we’ll listen to an essay by Wayne Grady about finding your own corner of unspoiled wilderness.
Special thanks to:
Katharine Hayhoe, climate scientist
Articles/books referenced:
“Long-Range Forecast” by Katharine Heyhoe (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2023)
“In Search of No-Man’s Land” by Wayne Grady (Cottage Life magazine, March/April 2021)
“Saving Us” by Katharine Heyhoe
“I work in the environmental movement. I don’t care if you recycle” by Mary Annaise Heglar (Vox, June 4, 2019)
Sources:
For more information on Katharine Heyhoe’s research and to learn more about the changing climate, visit katharineheyhoe.com.
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In the season finale, we commemorate our 35th anniversary by hearing from the founder of Cottage Life, Al Zikovitz. Michelle and Al chat about how the brand got its start, the culture it’s created, and how cottaging has changed over the last three decades. Then we’ll listen to an essay by treasured Canadian writer, and CL fan-favourite, Roy MacGregor.
Articles referenced:
“Rewriting the next chapter,” by Roy MacGregor (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2022)
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The pandemic saw new levels of short-term renters flocking to cottage country. Michelle sits down with the executive director of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations to chat about solutions to problem renters and what cottage owners who rent out their properties can do to keep their neighbours happy. Then, we’ll listen to an essay about a favourite culinary delight of late summer: fresh corn.
Links:
Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association
Articles referenced:
“Kernel knowledge,” by Michelle Kelly (Cottage Life magazine, August 2007)
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This fall, the Cottage Life channel will be airing a fascinating documentary, “Loons: A Cry from the Mist,” all about the mysterious state of the loon population in cottage country. Michelle chats with filmmaker Julia Nunes and Dr. Doug Tozer from Birds Canada about the doc and about what cottagers can do to help the loons thrive. Then, we hear an essay from David Zimmer about one of his favourite sounds of summer.
Links:
Canadian Lakes Loon Survey by Birds Canada
Articles referenced:
“An ear for door song,” by David Zimmer (Cottage Life magazine, September/October 1998)
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Ready to play tourist? This week, we’re going on a private on-site tour of the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. Michelle speaks with museum Executive Director, Carolyn Hyslop, and Curator, Jeremy Ward, and learns all about the museum’s collection of more than 600 watercraft. We’ll also hear an essay by journalist Paul Rush about dealing with a medical emergency when you are alone at the lake.
Special thanks to:
Carolyn Hyslop, executive director, Canadian Canoe Museum
Jeremy Ward, curator, Canadian Canoe Museum
Links:
For more information on the Canadian Canoe Museum, visit their website.
You can donate to the new museum here.
Photos referenced:
Articles referenced:
“In sickness and in health” by Paul Rush (Cottage Life magazine, June 1998)
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Looking to renovate your cottage but not sure where to start? Interior designer and television personality Jillian Harris joins Michelle to talk about one of her latest passions: cottaging. She shares her experience reviving an old farmhouse in Kelowna, B.C., and offers tips on how to revamp on a budget. One way to add some personality to your space is with collectibles and memorabilia. We’ll listen to an essay by journalist Ellen Vanstone about collecting classic kitsch for a newly built cottage.
Articles referenced:
“Keeping up with the neighbours” by Ellen Vanstone (Cottage Life magazine, June 1993)
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Our very own Cottage Coach, Adam Holman, and his wife, Jennie Holman, are here to chat with you about ticks, including what every cottager should know and what to do if one attaches itself to you. Then, Adam and Jennie debunk some of the biggest tick myths in cottage country. We’ll also hear an essay that will inspire you to go on a hike at the lake, especially now that you have the information you need to protect yourself against ticks.
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Every cottager knows having a pet at the lake is a little different than having it in the city. Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith, from Cottage Life’s television show Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, is here to share what pet owners need to pay special attention to when their furry friend is in the wilderness. Pets may be a big commitment, but nothing is quite as much work as the upkeep required when you own a cottage. Journalist Orland French explores the seemingly never-ending to-do list at even the smallest cabins. And reader Ann Mittag shares a real-life experience that proves the ongoing maintenance is worth it.
Special thanks to:
Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith, Veterinarian, Rocky Rapids Veterinarian Services
Ann Mittag, cottager
Articles referenced:
“Rotting on the Rideau” by Orland French (Cottage Life magazine, April/May 1992)
Sources:
To watch learn more about the TV show Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, click here.
Further reading:
For more information on dog safety, read “Doggy first aid for the cottage” (cottagelife.com).
To learn more about blastomycosis, read this article.
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We love a good wildlife shot, but nature photography can quickly become dangerous for both humans and animals. In this episode, Michelle chats with Erin Ryan, a biologist and wild animal welfare specialist at the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about the potential threat of irresponsible wildlife photography practices and easy tips to remember the next time you shoot flora and fauna. Then, journalist Jennifer Kingsley reveals her unexpected suggestion to replace the beaver as Canada’s national animal.
Special thanks to:
Erin Ryan, Wild Animal Welfare Specialist, BC SPCA
Andy Lamovsek, cottager
Articles referenced:
“Don’t do it for the ’gram” by Caroline Barlott (Cottage Life magazine, May 2022)
“Is the chickadee the most Canadian animal?” by Jennifer Kingsley (“The Great Canadian Creature Feature,” Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2021)
Links:
To enter the Cottage Life Photo Contest: https://cottagelifephotocontest.com/
To enter the BC SPCA photo contest: https://www.gogophotocontest.com/bc-spca-wildlife-in-focus
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You don’t need a map to get to the cottage, but do you know why? In the premiere episode of Season 3, Liann Bobechko, Deputy Editor of CL, joins Michelle to dig into the science of wayfinding and shares why we shouldn’t always rely on GPS. Equipped with new map-making skills, we revisit an essay about a treasure hunt on Georgian Bay by Giller-Prize nominated Canadian journalist, playwright, and novelist David MacFarlane. Then we kick off a new series featuring readers’ favourite tips and quips to celebrate the 35th anniversary of CL—this week, it’s one way to deal with rude guests at the cottage.
Special thanks to:
Liann Bobechko, Deputy Editor of Cottage Life
Beth Hayhoe, cottager
Articles referenced:
“Off the Map” by Liann Bobechko (Cottage Life magazine, May 2022)
“Buried Treasure” by David Macfarlane (Cottage Life magazine, July/August 1998)
Sources:
Guiseppe Iaria, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Calgary
For more information on Dr. Iaria’s research and to learn to improve your navigation and understand topographical disorientation, visit gettinglost.ca.
Colin Ellard, professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo
For more information on Dr. Ellard, visit https://uwaterloo.ca/psychology/people-profiles/colin-ellard.
For further reading about GPS and its impact on navigation ability by researchers Louise Dahmani and Veronique D. Bohbot out of McGill University, check out this study.
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On the last episode of the season, we chat with a true cottage expert—former editor and publisher of Cottage Life, Penny Caldwell. She shares an insider look into working on the magazine for 18 years, what she’s learned from cottagers, and what makes cottaging in Canada so special. Plus, she answers the most common Q&As we get to the magazine. Also, we’ll revisit an essay about the traditions we form while being a kid at the cottage.
Special thanks to:
Penny Caldwell, former Cottage Life magazine editor, 2000-2015
Articles referenced:
“Some things never change” by Kerry MacGregor (Cottage Life magazine, April/May 1993)
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Should a red sky at night really give sailors delight? Michelle interviews David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, about the weather lore we love to share. Whether the sun is shining or rain is coming down at the cottage, it’s always a good time for a nap. We revisit an essay by journalist Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the rebellious act of catching a few zzzs when you’re at the lake. Plus, if you’ve got ants marching in and out of your kitchen, our quick tip will help.
Special thanks to:
David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada
Articles referenced:
“Close Your Eyes—and Mean it” by Elamin Abdelmahmoud (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2019)
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Safe boating practices continue to be a hot topic among cottagers. On this week’s episode, we chat with Diana Piquette, the president of Safe Quiet Lakes, an organization with the goal of making cottage-country lakes safer for everyone. Then we’ll hear about journalist and Lake Simcoe cottager Sasha Chapman’s experience making maple syrup. Last, we offer a key tip for potential cottage guests: what never to bring for a weekend at the lake.
Special thanks to:
Diana Piquette, president, Safe Quiet Lakes
Articles referenced:
“On the gifts of nature” by Sasha Chapman (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017)
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For this week’s episode, we called on Dan Kraus, a Senior Conservation Biologist with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, to discuss how cottagers can protect their lakes through the restoration of their shorelines. However, when it comes to personal health, the cottage is the place where calories don’t count (right?). We’ll listen to an essay by award-winning food writer Mark Schatzker about the way we eat at the lake. Plus, our tip will help with live staking red-osier dogwood along your shore.
Special thanks to:
Dan Kraus, Senior Conservation Biologist, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Articles referenced:
“Gluttony” by Mark Schatzker (Cottage Life magazine, May 2021)
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Should you or should you not feed the deer? Michelle interviews the star of the Cottage Life channel, Hope Swinimer, about how to live in harmony with cottage wildlife. And while we’re on the topic of nature, we revisit an essay from writer Lisa Moore about how she gets wild at the cottage—the answer may surprise you. One memory you may want to forget: stepping on a porcupine quill. Our quick tip reveals the secret to safe removal without a trip to the hospital.
Special thanks to:
Hope Swinimer, founder, Hope for Wildlife
Articles referenced:
“Get Naked” by Lisa Moore (Cottage Life magazine, May 2021)
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We love going to the cottage, but there is something that bugs us about life at the lake. It's not the maddening commute, the frantic Friday packing, or the iffy plumbing—it's the mosquitoes. In this special bonus episode of the podcast, brought to you by the experts at Off!, we’ll share how to keep those pests (and their bites) at bay. Then we’ll listen to CL favourite Roy MacGregor’s take on the big five bugs of cottage country.
Special thanks to:
Dr. Jean-Paul Paluzzi, associate professor in biology at York University
Articles referenced:
“Biting the Big One” by Roy MacGregor (Cottage Life magazine, September/October 2004)
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Join us as we dive deep with writer and educator David A. Robertson, who wrote about the difference between appreciating and appropriating First Nations culture for our June/July 2021 issue. Then journalist Clive Thompson shares his most perfect memory of the wilderness. And for anyone who fears the lake because of leeches, there’s no need to worry. If one finds its way onto you, use this leech-removal tip and never fear the drink again.
Special thanks to:
David A. Robertson, author and public speaker
Articles referenced:
“Walk into the midnight light” by Clive Thompson (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2019)
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If there’s one thing we can thank the pandemic for, it’s our deeper connection to nature. Join Jody Allair from Birds Canada as he teaches us about common cottage birds and how to identify them by their sound. Then we’ll listen to an essay about everyone’s favourite cottage pastime: the puzzle. Plus, have you ever been kept awake by a leaky tap at the cottage? Don’t lose sleep—do this instead.
Special thanks to:
Jody Allair, director, citizen science & community engagement @BirdsCanada
Birds referenced:
Blue Jay by FotoRequest/Shutterstock
Red-breasted Nuthatch by FotoRequest/Shutterstock
American Goldfinch by Brian Lasenby/Shutterstock
Articles referenced:
“Piece Keeping” by Moira Farr (Cottage Life magazine, November/December 2000)
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In the premiere episode of season two, we interview Scott McGillivray about the booming cottage real estate market. One perk to the madness is that more people will experience the joy of cottage living, which we explore in an essay about the magic of being completely alone at the lake. And we share the solution to a stinky cottage situation: how to remove the skunk smell from your dog.
Special thanks to:
Scott McGillivray, real estate expert and contractor
Articles referenced:
“Solitude” by Paul Rush (Cottage Life magazine, July/August 1997)
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For the final episode of the season, we take a look at some of the greats, starting with treasured Canadian journalist and author Roy MacGregor. His work explores what is so special about cottaging in Canada and what makes it unique. Then we’ll listen to the sounds of the regal Great Blue Heron. And to close out the episode, an essay by Roy that’s received one of the greatest responses from CL readers.
Special thanks to:
Roy MacGregor, journalist and author
Articles referenced:
“Seventy Years and Counting” by Roy MacGregor (Cottage Life magazine, Spring 2017)
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This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
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Once you pack up the car and put the key in the ignition, your cottage experience is under way. We talk with Dr. Eric Miller from the University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute about how traffic works and the surprising ways drivers can cause problems on the road . Then we’ll listen to the sound of an animal you could mistake for a car coming down the road. And we ask: are you a bullet driver or a meanderer?
Special thanks to:Dr. Eric Miller, University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute
Articles referenced:“The Drive” by Diane Forrest (Cottage Life magazine, August 1997)
Related resources:Nature sounds provided by:Ruffed Grouse: William W. H. Gunn / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab (ML59276)
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Nothing makes the cottage feel more special than when it’s full of family and friends. But the idea of entertaining everyone can seem overwhelming. Thankfully journalist, cookbook author, and cinnamon bun magician Amy Rosen is here with tips to take the pressure off when it comes to feeding a crowd. Nothing will wake everyone up in the morning like the sound of the woodpecker alarm clock. We’ll share what a yellow-bellied sapsucker is really up to when it’s pecking away first thing. And then we visit something all cottage-goers love: a well used deck of cards.
Special thanks to:
Amy Rosen, journalist, cookbook author, and CEO of Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns
Articles referenced:
“All Hands on Deck” by Michelle Kelly (Cottage Life magazine, November/December 2002)
Related resources
Nature sounds provided by:
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: Michael Andersen / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab (ML133139)
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This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
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There is nothing more beautiful than the green canopy of trees that make up cottage country. But the health of our trees is just as important as the beauty and arborist Matt Logan is here to answer reader FAQs. Then we’ve got even more tree talk—you’ll learn how trees communicate through their roots, share nutrients, and can warn one another of infestation. We also discover how planting a tree grows more than just a forest.
Special thanks to:
Matt Logan, owner of Logan Tree Experts
Articles referenced:
“The Long View” by Liann Bobechko (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017)
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This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
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A conversation about cottage succession can be awkward, but it shouldn’t be avoided. On this episode, we chat with estate planning lawyer Peter Lillico to get his expert advice on the three pillars of a successful cottage succession plan. Whether you’ve inherited your cottage or bought something new, chances are you can hear frogs chirping around your property. We’ll learn about the sounds of some of the most popular frogs in Canada. And then comes the eternal debate: is cottaging better in July or August?
Special thanks to:Peter Lillico, Lillico Bazuk Galloway Halka in Peterborough, Ont.Read “How to hand down your cottage while keeping the peace and saving money,” by Penny Caldwell (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2018)
Articles referenced:“The Flavour of the Month” by Roy MacGregor (Cottage Life magazine, Spring 2016)
Related resources:Frog sounds provided by:FrogWatch by NatureWatch
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This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
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Editor Michelle Kelly sits down with Elamin Abdelmahmoud to reflect on his 2019 Cottage Life article “Breaking the Colour Code” and to discuss race and how people of colour experience the culture of cottaging. Resident bird-lover Liann Bobechko is back to share why we should give a hoot about owls and their calls. And we take a look at how nature can help us come together to find our roots as a community, whether at the cottage or as a country.
Special thanks to:Elamin AbdelmahmoudRead “Breaking the Colour Code,” by Elamin Abdelmahmoud (Cottage Life magazine, Mar/Apr 2019)You can find Elamin on Twitter: @elamin88
Articles referenced:“On the Power of Tradition” by Stephen Marche (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017)
Related resources:Owl sounds provided by: Barred owl (northern): William W. H. Gunn / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab (ML59801)Great horned owl (Great Horned): Lucie R. Gunn / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab (ML59823)
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Life Below Zero star Sue Aikens, who is famous for living off the grid, shares her thoughts about what it’s like to live in isolation, especially during COVID-19, and offers advice to the cast of Life Below Zero Canada, the Cottage Life channel’s newest hit show. If you spend time in the wilderness, you might meet an otter—a silent and stealthy creature, until it’s not. Find out what sounds the otter makes and what they mean. One sound every cottager is familiar with is the buzz buzz of a particular pesky insect. We share a classic essay about taming the mosquito.
Special thanks to:Sue Aikens, Life Below ZeroYou can find Sue on Twitter: @sueaikens
Articles referenced:“This Mortal Coil” by David Zimmer (Cottage Life magazine, June 2006)An ode to mosquito coils
Related resources:River otter sounds courtesy Wild Otter Acoustics, a non-profit group studying vocalizations and behaviors of North American river otters.
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Let’s make some noise about...being quiet. We interview longtime Cottage Life contributor Leslie Garrett about “Killing Us Softly,” from our June/July 2020 issue, about the importance of silence and its surprising effects on our wellbeing. Some noises, however, we love. Like the call of a loon. Deputy Editor Liann Bobechko decodes loon calls. And, in true cottage style, we revisit an essay about relaxing at the lake.
Articles referenced:“Killing Us Softly” by Leslie Garrett (Cottage Life magazine, June/July 2020)“On the Pleasures of Not Doing a Thing” by J. B. MacKinnon (Cottage Life magazine, Early Summer 2017)
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In Canada, we get just 14 summer weekends every year, and only three of them are long weekends. So we created the Cottage Life Podcast to help you get more out of every single one of them.
Join Michelle Kelly, the editor of Cottage Life magazine, for a deep dive into the stuff cottage-loving Canadians care about most, from wildlife and the environment to and entertaining and real estate.
Catch new episodes every Thursday, just in time for the weekend. Cottage Life, where every day is the weekend!
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