The three-day show is the largest, one-stop destination for homeowners and cottagers in eastern Ontario and west Quebec with over 150 unique exhibitors, expert advice and exclusive deal

(Ottawa, ON – March 28, 2023) – With spring here, Canada’s favourite time of year is just around the corner – cottage season. The Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show is the ultimate cottage lifestyle resource in Eastern Ontario and the west Québec region in Quebec, offering exclusive deals and an incredible opportunity to learn from the experts about ownership and rentals, renovation and backyard improvement projects, smart home/cottage technology, gardening and so much more. The Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show returns to the EY Centre from Friday, Apr. 21 to Sunday, Apr. 23. Tickets are on sale now at shows.cottagelife.com.
The largest, one-stop destination for homeowners and cottagers in the region will reconnect attendees with the cottage and outdoor living industries’ leading brands and more than 150 exhibitors. Through engaging talks and demonstrations, visitors will learn the latest on the cottage real estate market, décor trends, landscaping a backyard oasis, dealing with cottage critters and upgrading their homes with smart tech that will save money on energy bills and premium insurance.
According to Royal LePage’s newly released recreational property forecast, prospective cottage owners in Ontario and Quebec can expect to see some relief in the market after several years of limited inventory and rising prices – with a projected decline in prices by eight per cent in Quebec and five per cent in Ontario. The Show’s Real Estate Centre will serve as home base for over a dozen realtors from across Ontario who can help interested buyers navigate the expected market changes.
Plus, exclusive offers mean visitors can lock in a boat purchase early to avoid supply delays and explore the latest in watercraft, docks, water toys, outdoor furniture, décor, food and entertaining, as well as find information on builders and contractors, realtors, innovative building products, small structures such as bunkies and gazebos and eco-friendly solutions.
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
Main Stage Presentations
The show brings the pages of the Cottage Life magazine to life with its best-in-class expertise, advice and ideas. The lineup of can’t-miss presentations is located in Hall 3.
Cottage Tech Trends: Is It Time to Upgrade the VCR?
Friday, Apr. 21 and Saturday, Apr. 22 at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, Apr. 23 at 1:00 p.m.
Alysha Vandertogt, Senior Associate Editor, Cottage Life magazine
Cottage Critters 101
Friday, Apr. 21 at 3 p.m. and Saturday, Apr. 22 at 12:00 p.m.
Alysha Vandertogt, Senior Associate Editor, Cottage Life magazine
Cottage Real Estate
Friday, Apr. 21 and Saturday, Apr. 22 at 4:00 p.m.
Peter Bastedo, Re/Max Boardwalk
Creating a “Backyard Oasis”
Saturday, Apr. 22 and Sunday, Apr. 23 at 3:00 p.m.
Sue Pitchforth, International Award Winning Designer, Decor Therapy Plus
Cottage Estate Planning: Leaving The Kids A Cottage Legacy
Saturday, Apr. 22 and Sunday, Apr. 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Peter Lillico, Cottage Succession Planning Lawyer
Planning A Successful Kitchen Garden
Friday, Apr. 21 and Saturday, Apr. 22 at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday, Apr. 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Tony Armstrong, Headwaters Farm
Show Features:
Cottage Life Dock Party: Mix and mingle in the show’s social hub, proudly serving tasty beverages from VODKOW, Founders Originals, Barrel Head Wine Imports, Dunrobin Distilleries, and more. Sit back, relax, and have a sip. New this year: Purchase your favourite drinks to go, right from the Dock Party! Dock provided by: East Coast Docks.
Real Estate Centre: Whether you’re looking for land for a new build, a turnkey rental or a cozy cabin to renovate, the Cottage Real Estate Centre is where cottagers-to-be can meet with realtors from all over Ontario. It’s the only opportunity to compare listings without leaving the city.
The General Store: Discover artists, artisans and unique exhibitors showcasing handmade furnishings, crafts, art, decor accessories, and savoury foods, ideal for cottages and backyards.
Take a break during the show at the Rest Area, sponsored by Xplore. Visitors can enter for their chance to win a pair of Muskoka chairs!