You could consider it a rite of spring: the annual Cottage Life Show at the International Centre in Mississauga (April 5 - 7) is a sure sign that the opening of the next cottage season is just around the corner! And this year’s show -- the 9^th such event hosted by Cottage Life magazine -- boasts plenty of exciting things to see and do (almost 40,000 visitors attended last year's event!).

  “This year, more than ever, people are investing their time and money closer to home,” says Show Manager Ian Forsyth. “And having a cottage getaway is a great way to spend extra quality time with family.”

  More than 450 exhibitors will showcase the latest cottage-related products and services, and 10 special "hands-on" activity centres designed to educate and entertain will be available. These include the new Vintage Canoe Restoration Demonstration Area, a place to learn how to rebuild and restore wood-canvas and wood-stripped canoes; the Cottage Environment Centre, providing cottagers with information focusing on protecting, conserving, enhancing, and restoring cottage shorelines; and Cottage Life food columnist Jane Rodmell in her Cottage Kitchen where she’ll be preparing delicious food samples for hungry attendees.

Family fun for all

  There's lot's for the young 'uns to do, too. They can find the answers to those mysterious wildlife sounds heard around the cottage, and identify those odd tracks, by speaking with experts at the Cottage Wildlife Centre. Some neat "common cottage critters" -- turtles, flying squirrels, owls and snakes -- will be on display, giving the kids a chance to learn more about their habitat, protection and preservation. The Family Activity Centre gives parents and kids the opportunity to relax and have fun, with storytelling, sing-a-longs, crafts, painting and other educational activities.

  For those thinking about taking the plunge and buying a cottage, the Cottage Real Estate Centre is also worth checking out. The area will host dozens of realtors, many from Muskoka, listing getaway properties and rentals covering every part of Ontario’s cottage country.

It's show-time!

  The Cottage Life Show opens Friday April 5 at noon (to 7 p.m.), and continues Saturday April 6 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The International Centre is located  at 6900 Airport Road, Toronto. Admission is $13 for adults, $6 youth (13 - 18), and children under 13 are free (parking is free).

  For further information call 416-599-2000, or visit www.cottagelife.com