Your Ultimate Packing List for Skipping Rock Cottages

Planning a visit to Skipping Rock Cottages? We’re so excited to welcome you. 

Nestled along the quiet shores of Georgian Bay and just minutes from the charming town of Meaford, our cottage is designed to help you unwind, explore, and reconnect…with nature and with each other.

To help make your trip smooth and stress-free, we’ve created a thoughtful packing list based on what our past guests have found helpful and what we know you’ll need to make the most of your stay. 

Whether you're planning a summer escape, a winter retreat, or a family weekend away, here’s everything to bring along for your time at the cottage.

Clothing Packing List 

While we provide many essentials, we encourage you to bring your favourite adventure and comfy clothes for your stay! 

Don’t forget we also have an on-site laundry if your items need cleaning or refreshing – and we provide the detergent!

Essentials to pack:

• Comfortable loungewear and cozy pyjamas

• A warm hoodie, flannel, or light jacket for cooler evenings

• Swimsuits for the hot tub, paddleboarding, or a refreshing dip in the lake

• Sandals for shoreline adventures (note: we provide water shoes, 4 adults, 3 kids)

• Flip flops for getting to and from the hot tub 

• Sneakers or hiking shoes for trails and town exploring

• A rain jacket or windbreaker

• Warm socks and indoor slippers for extra coziness 

Other seasonal suggestions:

• For summer: light, breathable clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, aloe, after bite, bug spray, and sunglasses

• For winter: insulated outerwear, a touque, gloves, a hat, snow boots, and thermal layers

Toiletries & Personal Items

We provide all the basics (and then some) when it comes to toiletries, including:

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Body wash 

• Baby soap

• Baby bath tub

• Makeup remover wipes 

• Hairdryers (in both cottages)

• Towels (bath & swim)

• Kleenex

• Toilet paper

However, you may also want to bring along any of your go-to products to feel completely at home. Here are some common toiletry items we suggest you bring:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Moisturizer and lip balm

• Hairbrush or styling tools

• Prescription medications or personal care items

Outdoor Adventure Items

One of the best parts of your stay is enjoying the great outdoors. From water sports to forest trails, there are endless ways to connect with nature right on the property.

At Skipping Rock Cottages, we provide more opportunities for fun than you could ever imagine.

Ensuring there’s never a dull moment, we’re fully stocked with the following items, so feel free to leave these ones at home:

• Sand toys

• Water shooters

• Swing sets & kids slide

• Ride-on toys

• Sidewalk chalk

• Lawn games: ladder toss, bocce ball, horseshoes, Spikeball, bean bag toss

• Kayaks, canoe, stand-up paddle boards, floaties

• Beach chairs & beach umbrella

• Hammock

• Sprinkler

• Snowshoes (seasonal)

Safety & Comfort

• Life jackets

• Bag of firewood for campfires

• Propane tanks for BBQ

• Ski boot warmers

Family Entertainment

• Kids toys

• Board games & colouring supplies

• Air hockey & foosball tables

Wellness Amenities

• Hot tub

• Sauna

However, we do suggest you consider bringing your own:

• A reusable water bottle

• A backpack for hiking or day trips

Entertainment for Rainy Days or Cozy Nights In

While the views are sure to keep you entertained, we also provide:

• Books for adults and kids

• Decks of cards 

• Board games

• Netflix (on both tvs)

• Google speakers (in both cottages)

Kitchen Extras 

Our kitchens are fully stocked with:

• Cookware, utensils, and dishes

• Muffin trays

• Blenders

• Milk jugs

• Roasting pan

• Instapot

• Slow cooker

• Tin foil, saran wrap, parchment paper

• Paper towel

• Ziplocs

• Sponges & rags

• Recycling, garbage and compost bags

• Dishwasher tabs

We also provide the following:

Beverages: Coffee & tea selection including Chamomile, Chai, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green, Lemon Ginger, and Mint.

Spices & Seasonings: Basil, Cajun, Cayenne, Chili powder, Cinnamon, Cumin, Curry powder, Garlic powder, Ginger, Herbes de Provence, Italian seasoning, Onion powder, Oregano, Paprika, Pepper (table & whole peppercorns), Rosemary, Salt (table salt & sea salt for grinders), Steak spice, Thyme, and Vanilla.

Cooking Essentials: Olive oil, vinegar, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, honey, flour, white sugar, brown sugar, local jam, and cooking spray.

Bringing Baby? We’ve Got The Essentials

Skipping Rock Cottages is proudly set up for families and little ones. We provide a pack & play (with sheets), toddler bed rails, high chairs, booster seats, potties, stools, Bumbo seat, activity mat, chair & swing, ExerSaucer, baby gates, night lights, outlet covers, baby bath & soap, change mat, kids plates, cups & cutlery, kids playhouse, toys, swing sets, slide, and more.

Bringing a Pet? Here’s What You’ll Need

We love welcoming furry friends to Skipping Rock. The property is spacious and dog-friendly, with plenty of room to explore.

• Dog bed or blanket

• Food, treats, and bowls

• Leash and waste bags

• A towel for muddy paws

• Their favourite toy or chew

Exploring Meaford and the Local Scene

The town of Meaford is full of family-friendly activities, boutique shops, and stunning natural spaces. From beaches and hiking trails to cafés and seasonal events, there’s always something new to explore.

We recommend packing:

• Reusable shopping bags for the farmers’ market or local shops

• Cash or credit for local artisans or roadside produce stands

• A camera to capture the views

• A printed or saved copy of our digital guidebook with all our top town picks

Final Tip: Don’t stress about packing everything perfectly. Skipping Rock is meant to feel like your home away from home. Once you arrive and breathe in that lakeside air, you'll settle into a slower, more peaceful rhythm.

Need help planning activities or meals? Check out our guidebook or reach out anytime—we’re always happy to help.