Cottage Opening Checklist
Open the cottage safely in one weekend with this Canadian owner's checklist.
Quick answer
Open a Canadian cottage in this order: (1) exterior walkaround, (2) water system + septic, (3) hydro + propane, (4) dock + boat, (5) interior + pest check. Budget one full weekend and bring water, food, and headlamps in case anything's off.
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Winter is hard on cottages. A patient, sequenced opening prevents burst pipes, propane leaks, and unpleasant animal surprises.
Exterior walkaround
- Check the roof for damage, moss, and lifted shingles
- Clean eavestroughs; check downspouts
- Look for foundation cracks or shifting
- Inspect chimney, siding, windows, and doors
- Clear fallen branches; check trees for storm damage
Water system + septic
- Reconnect and prime the water pump
- Slowly repressurize the system — check every joint
- Flush the hot water tank
- Shock-chlorinate the well if applicable
- Have well water tested annually
- Inspect septic — pump every 3–5 years
Hydro + propane
- Turn on the main breaker; test each circuit
- Test GFCIs, exterior outlets, and smoke/CO alarms
- Check propane tank level and re-open valves slowly
- Sniff for propane leaks around fittings; use soapy water to confirm
- Reset any electronics unplugged for winter
Dock + boat
- Reinstall dock sections; check hardware and cribs
- De-winterize the boat: battery, plugs, fuel line, cooling
- Inspect life jackets — sun and mice destroy them
- Check dock ladder + swim platform
Interior + pest check
- Look for mouse droppings, entry holes, and chewed wiring
- Check for water stains on ceilings + around windows
- Test fridge, stove, hot water tank
- Wash all linens and bedding
- Restock first aid, batteries, headlamps, and non-perishables
Practical tips
- Open the water system before you turn on hydro to the pump — a dry pump running is how motors burn out.
- Bring drinking water for the first day. Well water isn't safe until tested.
- Keep a running list of small repairs — do them mid-summer, not on closing weekend.
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Cottage Opening & Closing Checklist
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Shop the BundleFrequently asked questions
Once overnight lows are consistently above 0°C — usually mid-April to early May in central Ontario, later in the north.
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