Michael Holmes Jr. shares DIY tricks and maintenance tips to get cottage ready
From building, buying and renting, to boats and water toys, the event has everything cottagers and homeowners need to get ready for cottage and backyard season
The Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show runs Friday, April 12 to Sunday, April 14 at the EY Centre. Tickets are on sale now at shows.cottage life.com.
(Ottawa, ON: April 2, 2024) – The ultimate destination for everything to do with outdoor living, the Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show returns Friday, April 12 to Sunday, April 14 to Ottawa’s EY Centre. With more than 175 exhibitors and experts onsite, the event will delve into topics that impact life at the cottage, such as protecting the family legacy with succession planning, co-existing with pesky critters, DIY tips, protecting your shoreline and local wildlife and discovering the best of the best in cottage country from chip trucks to ice cream spots and everything in between.
With cottage and backyard season just around the corner, visitors can prepare for a summer of fun with the latest in boats, docks and water toys, furniture and décor, food and entertaining ideas. Visitors can also find information on builders, contractors, realtors, cottage rentals, small space structures, innovative building products and eco-friendly solutions. Tickets are on sale now at shows.cottage life.com.
Since 2020, the cottage market has fluctuated between hot and cold due to high interest rates, corporate directives compelling employees to return to the office, and the resurgence of international travel. The once red-hot demand for cottage real estate during the pandemic has cooled considerably, with multiple levels of government cracking down on short-term rentals. As a result of this transition, experts are predicting a shift in the market that could favour buyers. With the price and number of listings varying widely across Ontario’s and Québec’s vast cottage regions, realtors from across both provinces will be on hand to share expert local advice.
Feature Seminars Stage
Find best-in-class expertise, advice and tips on renovations and DIY projects; succession planning, and the latest cottage design trends. The Feature Seminars Stage lineup includes:
- Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m.: Contractor and TV host Michael Holmes Jr. shares tips on cottage maintenance, which projects you should, and should not, DIY and the inside scoop on his new series Holmes on Holmes: Building a Legacy, debuting on Cottage Life this fall.
- Saturday, April 13 & Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m.: International award-winning designer Sue Pitchforth shares tips on how to refresh your outdoor space with the latest design trends.
- Daily: “Cottage Critters 201 (a.k.a. more &*%$# pests!)” Got pesky wildlife? Yeah, you do. In a follow-up to the popular presentation from last spring, Cottage Life magazine’s editor, Michelle Kelly and senior editor, Alysha Vandertogt, share tips on how to coexist with five bothersome animals at the lake.
- Daily: Learn how to protect your shoreline and local ecosystems with Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
- Daily: Cottage planning lawyer Peter Lillico will explain the various options to keep your family cottage with your family.
- Daily: Join Cottage Coach Adam Holman as he shows you how to build a DIY bat house for your home or cottage.
See HERE for the full lineup of presentation topics.
Cottage Real Estate Centre
Looking for land for a new build, a turnkey rental, or a cozy cabin ready to renovate? The Cottage Real Estate Centre is a one-stop shop where you can meet realtors and discover listings from all over eastern Ontario and West Québec.
A Taste of Summer …
No cottage trip is complete without a stop at Kawartha Dairy. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy a brand new flavour from the cottage country staple at the Cottage Life Booth and shop the latest Cottage Life merchandise.
Looking for the best butter tarts, chip trucks and hidden gems? Cottage Life magazine’s editorial team will be onsite to share their cottage expertise, answer visitor questions and highlight the best destinations to visit in cottage country. Plus, relax in the Cottage Life viewing lounge, where you can watch hit shows on the TV channel. Cottage Life TV is now in free preview nationwide.
General Store
Browse the best handcrafted, artisanal and niche Canadian-made goods, including ironwork, art, décor, tasty treats and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Backyard Party
The popular social hub of the show is serving up refreshing beverages including: Farmgate Cider, VODKOW, Broadhead Brewing, Dunrobin Distilleries and Coldstream Clear. Sit back, relax and have fun playing some life size games.
For the latest show additions, list of exhibitors, and to purchase tickets, visit: cottagelife.com/shows.