Lake Day Essentials Ontario: What to Pack for the Perfect Weekend
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There's nothing quite like an Ontario summer weekend spent at the lake. Whether you're heading to your cottage, hopping on the boat, or lounging at your favourite beach spot, packing the right gear can make or break your experience. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to lake day essentials in Ontario so you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time running back to shore.
1. The Flowcho – Your Must-Have Ontario Lake Day Essential
Let’s start with one of the most versatile lake day essentials Ontario families and boaters are loving: The Flowcho. This high-quality changing poncho lets you switch in and out of swimsuits without the awkward towel dance or chilly winds.
Whether you’re:
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Changing on the dock or boat
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Warming up after a swim
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Drying off quickly in the breeze
...The Flowcho is built for life by Ontario lakes. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and feels like a cozy hug after a cold dip.
2. Quick-Dry Towels: Lake Day Packing Must-Haves
Ditch the soggy beach towel. Quick-dry microfiber towels are a go-to Ontario cottage essential. They’re lightweight, compact, and dry faster — perfect for back-to-back swims.
3. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for Ontario Beach Days
No lake day is complete without a killer playlist. Bring a Bluetooth speaker that’s either waterproof or splash-resistant. Whether you’re chilling on the dock or cruising across the lake, music sets the vibe. We recommend the JBL Go 4, this waterproof, dustproof bluetooth speakers has 7 hours of battery life!
4. Insulated Cooler with Snacks & Drinks
Ontario summers can get hot. Pack a cooler with your go-to drinks, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and maybe a few local brews. Bonus points if your cooler doubles as a seat! We absolutely love the Titan Deep Freeze Cooler, it's portable and perfect for a day on the water!
5. Cottage Essentials Ontario: Sunscreen, Hats & Polarized Sunglasses
A must. Grab a reef-safe sunscreen (especially important if you’re swimming), a wide-brimmed hat, and a good pair of polarized sunglasses to cut the glare off the water.
6. Footwear Lake Day Essentials: Cottage & Beach Comfort
The rocky lake bottoms and hot cottage decks are no joke. Bring something sturdy for walking to and from the water.
7. Swimsuits (Yes, More Than One)
If you’re spending the whole weekend lakeside, pack a few swimsuits so you’re not stuck in a damp one. Trust us — you’ll thank yourself later.
8. A Dry Bag for Valuables
Keep your phone, keys, and wallet dry and secure with a waterproof dry bag. Ideal for boat days, paddleboarding, or any situation where splashing is inevitable.
9. Floaties, Paddleboards, and Water Toys
Inflatable loungers, stand-up paddleboards, or even a floating beer pong table — pick your fun. Ontario lakes are made for play.
10. Cozy Layers for the Evenings on the Lakes in Ontario
Even in July, Ontario evenings can get chilly. A comfy hoodie or crewneck, joggers, and maybe even a light blanket will keep you toasty around the fire pit.
Final Pro Tip: Pack Light, But Pack Smart
The key to a perfect lake weekend isn’t just what you bring — it’s how prepared you feel. With this list (and your Flowcho, of course), you’ll be the person everyone wants to sit next to on the dock. That concludes our lake day essentials Ontario guide!
Stay safe, soak it up, and we’ll see you out on the water.
Don’t have a Flowcho yet?
Grab yours today and change the way you lake forever.