What to Bring

For me, packing for our vacations is both a pleasure and a curse.  I love the thought of leaving, but hate the activity of getting ready.  Suitcases line my bedroom floor for days ahead of time.  I put things in and then take them out.  It’s hard to plan the perfect “go-with-everything wardrobe”.  There is so much to think about, especially when you have children!  The new airline rules for the number of suitcases and carry-on-bags you can take with you just add another frustrating dimension to this task!  

All the cottages are privately owned and are fully furnished and decorated to the homeowner's personal taste.  Kitchens are well equipped with dishes, glasses, cutlery, pots & pans, cookware and linens.  All the beds have mattress pads, pillows, sheet sets, blankets, bed spreads or comforters.   Most of the cottages have BBQs and patio furniture.

Here is a list of some of the personal things that you are going to have to bring with you.

Groceries

All the cottages are stocked with basic condiments at the beginning of the season.  All food in the fridge was purchased this season.  You are welcome to use the food that is in the fride and cupboards.

There are grocery stores in all the major towns: Liverpool, Shelburne and Barrington.    The Sobey’s in Shelburne stays open until 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and is also open on Sundays.  The Atlantic Superstore is a good grocery shop and can be found close by in Yarmouth, Barrington, and Liverpool.  There are also independent fish markets - Mr. Fish in Shelburne has a good supply.  If you see someone selling seafood from the back of their pick up truck, it is safe to buy.  It is most likely a fisherman or his family.  The seafood will be fresh.

Wine, Beer and Spirits

NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation) stores can be found in all major towns close by – Barrington, Yarmouth, Liverpool and Shelburne.  Stores usually stay open until 9 p.m in the summer.

Towels and Bed Linens

Hand, face and bath towels are provided.  The homeowners would prefer that bath towels were not taken to the beach, so please bring a beach towel with you. Bed linens are provided in all cottages.  If you require a  “special” pillow in order to sleep, please bring that with you.

Toiletries and Medications

Bring all personal toiletries and all prescriptions with you.  Pharmacies are usually open quite late during the week and on Sundays if you need over the counter medications. 

Clothing

Nova Scotia’s summer weather pattern is typically warm days with cool nights.  Being on the coast, you should plan for some rain.  Bring comfortable walking shoes, a windbreaker/raincoat, and a warm sweater for the evenings and sun hats, shorts, sundresses and bathing suits for the days.  There can be some cool days in the spring and fall.  Warmer sweaters and coats are advised.  

Sports Equipment and Games

Kayaks and canoes can be rented locally.  Most of the cottages have some games on hand – cards, backgammon, cribbage, etc.

Camera Equipment

Film and regular batteries can be purchased locally.  It is not always easy to find the right battery for your camera.  So, to avoid the disappointment of a ‘dead’ camera, it might be a good idea to bring an extra camera battery with you.  Hint: If you are leaving the country, proof of purchase of expensive camera equipment can avoid customs problems.

Sun Screen and Bug Repellant

Both can be purchased locally.  An insect repellant with the active ingredient DEET is the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.  While West Nile Disease is not widespread in Nova Scotia, Heath Canada advises that to be on the safe side one should minimize outdoor activities where mosquitoes are likely to be encountered, especially at dawn, at dusk and at night.

Paper Products

There is a small supply of paper products such as napkins and emergency toilet paper at the cottages.  Please bring your own toilet paper and paper towel supplies with you.

Wood

If the cottage has a wood-burning fireplace, wood is supplied.  Wood is not supplied for fire pits or beach bonfires.  Most often wood for these fires can be found on the beach or in the woods around the cottage.  All outside fires must not be left unattended and have to be fully extinguished before going to bed.