What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage

Rain can put a damper on a cottage vacation, especially if you were planning on enjoying some outdoor activities. However, there are still lots of ways to enjoy yourself, both outdoors in nature, indoors at local attractions, and staying cozy at home. Here are some ideas to get you planning.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Get some rain gear and go for a nature walk or hike

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation! If it’s raining but you still want to get outside, you’ll have much more fun if you’re prepared with proper attire. Things like a quality rain coat and pants, warm underlayers, and a good pair of boots will get you prepared for anything.

With the right gear, and more importantly a good attitude, rain doesn’t have to prevent you from having fun outdoors. Hikes and nature walks can look very different in the rain, and it can feel like a whole new world of exploration. Don’t let the rain dissuade you from getting out on your favourite trail, or one you’ve never tried before.

If you don’t feel like exerting too much energy, another option is to go fishing or birdwatching under a sheltered area. Grab a pair of binoculars, or a fishing pole and tackle box, and find a gazebo, covered porch, or even a tree near the water (so long as it’s not a lightning storm) and scan for interesting wildlife or catch your dinner.

If that feels like too much, you can always set up a covered outdoor area for relaxing, maybe even with a barbeque. (This is also a great option for cooking the fish you just caught.) If you don’t have a rain cover, try setting up a shade tent or even a tarp, available at any outdoor store and most department stores.

Enjoy the Local Attractions

Explore The Nearby Towns

Rainy weather is the perfect excuse to go exploring, shopping,and sightseeing in the local towns. Especially in Ontario, the small towns and villages of cottage country are teeming with rich and interesting history. To take in the local culture, you can visit museums, art galleries, cultural centers, and the local theater.

Music

Music is another option. Check out the local events calendar for any concerts or festivals playing. If that’s not on, other ideas of fun activities include arcades (great if you have kids), escape rooms (great for teens and up), and enjoying some cinema at the movie theaters.

Eat and Drink

Most tourist destinations will likely have a good selection of restaurants, a brewery or two, and maybe even some wineries. Indulge in cuisine made from local ingredients or treat yourself to some comfort food, and wash it down with a craft brew or glass of wine (or three).

Keep Active and Practice Self Care

Being active and getting some exercise is a great way to uplift any melancholy mood caused by the wet weather. Most towns will have some sort of gym or recreation centre where you can play indoor sports, get a workout in, or join a fitness or yoga class. If you’d like to go swimming, search for a nearby aquatic centre. This choice is great for kids too. For a more laid-back form of self care, spoil yourself with a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, or a specialty treatment at a nearby spa.

Staying In

Don’t even feel like leaving your cozy cottage? There are plenty of ways to stay entertained and have fun just staying at home, both on your own, or with your friends and family. Board games, card games, and puzzles are a great way to spend a rainy day, especially with a roaring fire and a hot cup of something delicious. Have some fun creating arts and crafts, or make some tasty treats cooking or baking, and really get into it with an indoor picnic or a themed dinner party. Last but not least, for the ultimate laid back afternoon, enjoy a movie marathon while listening to the patter of the rain outside while you’re cuddled up and comfy.

Cottage Vacations in the Rain? They’re Still Fun!

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your cottage vacation has to be boring. Make the most of the trip, regardless of the weather, by enjoying some fun activities. There are plenty of options. Get some rain gear and go for a nature walk or hike, enjoy the local attractions, get in some vigorous exercise, or stay in and relax. Most importantly, if you’re flexible, have a positive attitude, and embrace new experiences, there’s no reason not to have a great time.