Cottage Winter Checklist

An empty cottage faces a long list of winter risks: frozen pipes, heavy snow on the roof, power failures, mice, and the occasional break-in. Most of them can be prevented, or at least caught early, with a little planning before you leave and a simple routine while you’re away.

Use this checklist alongside your fall closing routine.

Before you leave for the season

Closing the cottage properly is the foundation for a trouble-free winter. Make sure that:

• The water system is fully drained, or the heat is set and reliable if you keep it on
• Non-toxic plumbing antifreeze is in every drain trap, toilet bowl and toilet tank (never automotive antifreeze)
• All food is removed, including canned goods that can freeze and burst
• The fridge and freezer are empty, unplugged and propped open
• Propane is shut off at the tank, unless you’re keeping the heat on
• Breakers you don’t need are off, but sensors, heat and any sump pump stay powered
• Outdoor furniture, the barbecue and anything that can blow away are stored
• Seasonal docks and swim rafts are out of the water or secured
• Eavestroughs are cleared after the leaves have fallen
• You’ve written down what was done, for whoever opens the cottage in spring

Arrange someone to check on it

A caretaker or trusted neighbour is the single most useful protection for an empty cottage, and many insurance policies require regular checks. Agree on:

• How often they’ll visit, and that they’ll also check after major storms
• What they’ll check: inside temperature, signs of leaks, the roof, doors, windows and signs of animals
• How each visit will be recorded, such as a dated note or photo sent to you
• What they can fix or approve without calling you first
• Who to call in an emergency, including your plumber, electrician and insurer

Add remote monitoring

Remote sensors are inexpensive and can alert your phone the moment something goes wrong:

• Low-temperature alerts warn you before pipes can freeze
• Water-leak sensors under sinks, near the water heater and by the pump
• Power-failure alerts so you know when the heat may have gone off
• Cameras or door sensors to deter and detect break-ins

They need power and an internet connection to work. Where there’s no internet at the cottage, a cellular hub can send the alerts instead.

Snow and the roof

Heavy snow and ice can damage a roof and cause leaks when it melts. If your area gets heavy snowfall, arrange roof clearing with a local contractor and ask how often roofs in your area typically need it. If you’ll visit in winter, arrange plowing for the driveway as well.

Power outages

Rural power lines run through forest, and winter storms bring outages. If you keep the cottage heated through winter, plan for what happens when the power goes off: a low-temperature alert, a caretaker who can respond, and a backup plan.

If you use a generator, connect it to the cottage’s wiring only through a proper transfer switch or interlock, installed with an Electrical Safety Authority permit. Never “backfeed” through an outlet: it can electrocute line workers and start fires. Always run generators outdoors, well away from windows, doors and vents.

Keeping mice and animals out

Mice move into empty cottages as soon as the weather turns cold. Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter and around doors and foundations with steel wool or metal mesh, since mice chew through foam and plastic. Leave no food behind, and check for signs of squirrels and raccoons in the attic before you leave.

If you visit in winter

• Carbon monoxide alarms: since January 1, 2026, Ontario requires CO alarms on every storey of homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage, which includes most cottages with a wood stove or propane heat. Test them on arrival.
• Wood stoves: make sure the chimney was cleaned this year, and store ashes in a covered metal container outside, well away from the cottage.
• Ice safety: no ice is guaranteed safe. Canadian Red Cross guidance for clear, solid ice is at least 15 cm for walking alone, 20 cm for a group and 25 cm for a snowmobile. Stay off ice near inlets, outlets, docks and pressure ridges.
• Access: make sure the propane delivery truck and emergency vehicles can reach the cottage, and that your civic address sign is visible above the snow.

When something goes wrong

If your caretaker or an alert reports a problem, act quickly: shut off the water if there’s a leak, arrange repairs, photograph the damage, and call your insurer. Most policies expect you to limit further damage once you know about it.

Your winter checklist at a glance

• Cottage properly closed and winterized, with a written record
• Caretaker arranged, with visits logged
• Remote sensors installed and tested
• Roof clearing and plowing arranged if needed
• Insurance vacancy conditions confirmed with your broker
• Emergency contacts shared with your caretaker

This article is general information. Confirm requirements with your insurer, licensed trades and local authorities.