A Cottage-Country Expert Reveals What You Need to Bring On Your Next Visit
Updated: Jul. 19, 2019
Born and raised in Muskoka, our associate editor shares her favourite essentials for a weekend up north.
1. Water-Wicking Towel
Necessary for drying off after a swim in the lake, this super lightweight, antibacterial towel naturally wicks water away from the body.
Oversized Turkish Towel, $45; houseofjude.ca
2. Lip Protection
This lip balm not only gives you a natural tint, but it’s formulated with SPF 30 and contains ingredients like organic cupuaci butter and mongongo oil to keep your lips protected and hydrated all day. Tip: Reapply every two hours if you’re out in the sun.
Coola Mineral Liplux SPF 30, $29; thedetoxmarket.ca
3. Snag-Free Suit
This one-piece swimsuit is cut from snag-resistant and fast-drying fabric, making it ideal for the cottage. What’s more, it comes in an array of colours. (Check out more Canadian swimwear brands we’re currently obsessed with.)
Sunday Suit, $200; leftonfriday.com
4. A Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Use this lightweight mineral sunscreen if you’re looking for a safer sun protection option. The best part? No white residue.
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $49; beautycounter.com
5. Comfortable Sunnies
From paddle boarding and boat rides to lounging with a good read on the dock, these lightweight sunglasses contain a polarized lens that completely cuts out glare.
Wiki Wiki Polarized Aviator Sunglasses, $369; mauijim.com
6. Lake-Approved Hoodie
Ideal for boat rides, after a wake surf set or running errands in town, this towel hoodie is essential. Plus, it boasts a personal wallet—there’s an interior zippered pocket to keep your valuables safe while out on the water.
Towel Hoodie, $99; waivwear.com and at these Canadian retailers
7. A Hat That Fully Blocks the Sun
To keep the sun off your face, a broad-brimmed sun hat will have you covered.
Tahiti Straw Hat, $98; tilley.com
8. Weekend Romper
This lightweight, wrinkle-free, crop-legged romper is ideal for when you want to get cozy post-swim.
Thursday Romper in Copper, $119; smashtess.ca
9. Sunburn Soother
Because this cream contains 100 percent pure tea tree oil (a natural antiseptic), it provides quick relief to gently soothe sunburns and even mosquito bites. (Here’s how to find out if you have a mosquito bite allergy.)
Tea Tree Antiseptic Cream, $10; thursdayplantationcanada.ca
10. Convenient Hydration
This water bottle filters as you drink from its easy-sip straw to provide fresh water on-the-go. (Here’s why you should aim to drink a full eight glasses a day.) Bonus: The filter only needs to be replaced once every two months.
Brita Premium Filtering Bottle in Seaglass, $25; major retailers
11. Electrolyte Boost
The best way to beat sunstroke is to stay hydrated, and sometimes water just doesn’t cut it. For an electrolyte boost without the high-sugar intake, these tablets are the perfect portable option if you’re spending the day in the sun.
Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets, $13; hydralyte.ca
12. Water Shoe With a Grip
If you’re heading out on the trails or walking on slippery surfaces in the lake, a shoe designed with fast-drying materials and dependable traction is always handy.
Choprock, $150; merrell.com
13. Mosquito Repeller
When the sun sets, that’s when the mosquitos really come out. And to keep them away, a citronella candle is one of the best natural bug repellents to have on-hand.
Scented Outdoor Candle. $15; Winners
14. Post-Sun Hair Reviver
Yes, the summer sun can inflict serious havoc on your hair. This hair mask (featuring marula oil, coconut cream and shea butter) works great for all hair types to provide an extra boost of hydration after a weekend spent exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls 3x Moisture, $12; available at Shoppers Drug Mart in August
Next, check out our editor-approved summer beauty picks.
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