The Victoria Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of cottage season. Whether you want to get out on the ATV and explore, easily and safely make some kindling for your campfire, or enjoy a cottage without the commitment, these three businesses will help you enjoy the best of the outdoors in the Kawarthas this summer.

Get some mud in your tires with Dunfords of Havelock

Forget the parking lot: Dunfords of Havelock lets you try out your ATV, UTV or 4x4 in real conditions before you buy it. (Photo: Dunfords of Havelock)

Deb Taylor shows off one of Dunfords of Havelock's many side by sides with shop dog and door greeter Barney. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

Owner Murray Croteau kept the Dunfords name because of the business's great reputation throughout central Ontario. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

Glenn Girard started working for Dunfords of Havelock in 1998. His service expertise is one reason people keep coming back. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)

Finding the perfect ATV or side by side isn’t just about the specs. It’s about getting out in the field, trying it out in real-world conditions, and knowing you’re dealing with people who know their products and will back them with great service.

Dunfords of Havelock (9323 County Rd. 30, Havelock, 705-778-3767) was established in 1970. The Dunford brothers started in the street bike business, but when ATVs came out their off road business boomed and they refocused. Dunfords was recently bought by Murray Croteau, who kept the Dunford name because of its great reputation.

They sell boats, jetskis, side by sides, snowmobiles, ATVs, trailers, FLOE docks, power equipment, parts, and accessories. They also have a repair shop with staff who will keep your motors running when you need them, and a storage facility to keep them safe and out of your way when you don’t. They carry products by Honda, Yamaha, G3, Suncatcher, Mirrocraft, Montego Bay, and Triton.

Deb Taylor has been working for Dunfords of Havelock since 2008. She says that having a staff that’s not too pushy is one of the keys to their success.

“I think what’s helped to build the Dunfords reputation is that our sales staff are not driven by making commission. It’s a team effort here to make a customer happy.”

Deb says that when you offer great service, people come back, and they tell their friends.

“We have been in the top 25 dealers for Honda in all of Canada, year after year after year. I think a big part of that reason is because we work as a team and because everybody gets a chance to demo what they think they want to buy.”

And that’s not just in the parking lot either. At Dunfords, you’re encouraged to try out your potential purchase in the conditions you’ll actually be using them in.

“You’ve got 90 acres to go out in — woods and field and pond and sand.”

Sales Manager Phil Higgins agrees.

“Part of what they talk about, generation after generation, is the Dunfords experience. Driving around the building once means nothing.”

That’s why Dunfords of Havelock offers the opportunity to try out your vehicle in real conditions.

“The farmer can ride around the edge of the field, and the trail rider can go out through the trails in the woods. We’ve got a track that simulates a racing or sports experience. And we don’t expect a test drive to last 30 seconds or a minute. We make sure they’ve got enough gas in the tank to spend 10, 15, 20 minutes if they need to.”

Dunfords of Havelock offers competitive financing options, with the highest five year rate topping out at 5.9%. There are also special deals for members of Ducks Unlimited and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

Dunfords of Havelock are open six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. You can find them online at www.dunfordsofhavelock.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Throw away your axe and keep all your fingers with The Kindling Maker

Whether you heat or cook with wood, or just enjoy sitting around a campfire, The Kindling Maker makes it easy and safe for anyone to split kindling.

The idea

Charles Tyson has been a steel fabricator for 40 years. The idea to create The Kindling Maker began years ago when he made his first foot-powered splitter.

“It was 25 pounds, and a little difficult to use, but it worked. Improving the design has always been in the back of my mind.”

Fast forward to 2013 — after numerous prototypes, Charles designed a kindling maker that would split kindling easily.

“I wanted something that anybody could use.”

His wife tested his many prototypes, and he remembers the moment of truth.

“My wife placed the firewood on The Kindling Maker, and within minutes, had a pile of kindling.”

Splitting wood using leverage

Splitting wood into kindling doesn’t require a lot of force, and the blade doesn’t need to be very sharp. “It’s a matter of physics,” explains Charles. The Kindling Maker utilizes leverage.

Safety was Charles’ primary concern when designing The Kindling Maker. He remembers a trip to his uncle’s cottage on Kushog Lake when he was 7 years old.

“I was always itching to swing that axe. My uncle showed me a scar on his knee from when he was cutting kindling and missed, bringing the force of the sharp axe blade down on his knee. That always stayed with me.”

Charles is no stranger to wood-splitting accidents. When his own kids came along and the family started camping, he hit his own fingers a few times with the hatchet.

“I thought to myself, there must be a better way.”

Fun and easy to use

Instead of being at risk of injury from the traditional methods such as an axe, The Kindling Maker is easy very safe and, as Charles’ customers can attest, an innovative solution to making kindling. Many of his customers come back to purchase units for their own family and friends.

“It’s really gratifying to get that repeat business, to know that The Kindling Maker is making splitting kindling safe and easy for everyone.”

The Kindling Maker is available on Charles’ website at www.thekindlingmaker.com.

In addition to the classic “Wall Mount Kindling Maker”, there’s also a “Portable Kindling Maker”, which is great for camping, and a “Little Kindling Maker”, that works on any sturdy surface or workbench.

Relax into cottage fun with Southview Cottages

Southview Cottages offers 52 cottages, 12 RV or campsites, 50 acres of land, and over 1,400 feet of shoreline. (Photo: Southview Cottages)

Fishing is a star attraction at Southview Cottages. Owner Sandy says that Rice Lake has the best fishing in Ontario. (Photo: Southview Cottages)

Cool off on Southview's sand beach, or enjoy your air conditioned cottage. There are plenty of ways to relax in comfort. (Photo: Southview Cottages)

Southview Cottage's new play area offers plenty of fun to keep the little ones happy and occupied while you relax. (Photo: Southview Cottages)

Looking for a cottage without the commitment? Southview Cottages (875 Southview Drive, Bailieboro, 705-939-6761) offers boating, fishing, swimming, and more on the beautiful shores of Rice Lake.

Part owner Sandy Brough says that you can’t help but relax at Southview Cottages.

“Our way of life here is enjoying each moment by the water’s edge — either by a campfire or out in a boat fishing.”

Sandy’s family bought the resort in 1974, and she is part of the third generation involved in the family business. The resort has 52 cottages, 12 RV or camp sites, 50 acres of land, and over 1,400 feet of shoreline.

World-renowned fishing

Southview Cottages was founded in 1945 as a fishing camp, and Sandy says that they still get guests from all over the world who come to fish.

“The old fishermen’s tale here is that ‘there’s more fish in Rice Lake per acre than any other lake in Ontario.’ Southview is great for the anglers looking to fish for large and small mouth bass, walleye, pan fish, catfish, and carp.”

Lots to do and see by the water

In addition to top rated fishing, Southview Cottages offers a heated pool and a sandy beach for swimming, as well as a sports court and a new playground for the kids.

Guests have free use of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and paddle boats. There’s also a boardwalk and 30 acres of nature trails to explore. Cottages are air conditioned, with large decks and barbecues for guests to use.

Sandy says that you will spend your trip surrounded with natural beauty.

“You can expect to wake up every morning watching the sunrise as you listen to the calming sounds of water and nature. We have an extraordinary view here, that brings our customers back year after year.”

Family time, not screen time

More than anything, Sandy says that Southview Cottages is a great place to spend quality time with your family.

“In this age of technology, it’s difficult to find time to unplug and make classic memories with your family. Southview’s focus is to create an atmosphere of country cottage living, with relaxation as the key to making the most out of your vacation.”

This summer Southview Cottages is offering specials throughout the season.

Their “Catch the Southview Experience” special offers a mid-week rate for the long weekends of Victoria, Memorial, and Labour Day. For their “Catch the Family Fun” special, they are offering 25% off a week stay for the week of June 24th and August 26th.

You can find Southview Cottages online at www.southviewcottages.com. They are also on Facebook and Twitter, and you can see photos of their cottages, fishing, and more on their Flickr feed.

Have you visited GreenUP Ecology Park yet this season? This time of year, Ecology Park is springing alive with a host of display gardens and naturalized areas, a native plant nursery, children’s programs, the garden market, skill-building workshops, and hands-on displays.

GreenUP Ecology Park is an award winning, five-acre showcase of sustainable landscape ideas and resources. It is located in Peterborough’s East City at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, next to Beavermead Park, and has everything you need to be a good steward of the land in your care.

If you are looking for an ecological adventure for the whole family this long weekend, then you will want to visit Ecology Park this Sunday, May 21st from noon to 4 p.m. for the Annual Ecology Park Plant Sale.

This is GreenUP’s biggest sale of the year and the official opening of the GreenUP Ecology Park’s Garden Market. The Garden Market carries quality veggies, seedlings, and a large variety of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees, which thrive in our region of Ontario. Planting native and locally adapted species in our gardens restores health and diversity to outdoor spaces.

In the Peterborough area, we are fortunate to have a unique variety of native plants to choose from. Did you know that this region has historically contained woodland, wetland, and prairie ecosystems? Of course, not all native plants will survive in all areas of Peterborough County. Some are suited to wet areas, woodlands, clay soils, or sandy sites.

Peterborough is situated near the edge of the Canadian Shield, which is an area that has been scoured by glaciation, with thin acidic soils underlain with a granite base. The more southern areas of Peterborough County are very different with deeper, alkaline soils underlain with limestone. Becoming familiar with your backyard soil types, and the native plants that thrive there is an enjoyable and satisfying way to build health and vitality in your yard, and to attract wildlife.

Many native and wild plants are not only beautiful; they are also an important part of the ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Native plants foster a balanced ecosystem providing food and shelter for local birds and butterflies that depend on wild plants for survival.

Attracting wildlife also means that you are bringing important natural services to your garden. Birds and toads are natural predators who help to control pests like slugs and grubs, while butterflies and bees pollinate flowers and veggies, and also improve enjoyment and beauty in your yard.

Ecology Park carries a huge selection of native and locally adapted plants, many from locally collected seed. View our catalogue of species online at greenup.on.ca for a list of prices and descriptions of species that are available throughout the Garden Market season.

The GreenUP Ecology Park Plant Sale will also have native and edible trees and shrubs for sale, as well as bulk leaf compost, cedar mulch, straw bales, wood chips, and more. Remember to bring your own containers for leaf compost and cedar mulch. The bulk sales are self-loading, with a 20 bucket limit per person per visit.

The sale will feature many annuals and veggies grown by Thomas A Stewart Secondary School’s horticulture program. All tree purchases over $100 will receive a free water bag, as supported by Peterborough Utilities Group.

This year, you can also attend the free workshop, Rain Gardening 101 with GreenUP Water Programs Manager, Heather Ray. This 20-minute workshop will be offered at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Visitors can also learn about GreenUP Ecology Park’s five-year revitalization fundraising plan while children enjoy the cedar maze and the Children’s Garden, which will be set up with puppets, animal costumes, games, and interactive displays.

Visit with the Peterborough Pollinators and register your garden for the 150 pollinator garden challenge. Bring a picnic and explore the park, or enjoy a delicious wood-fired C’est Chaud Pizza for lunch while you’re there.

Parking for GreenUP Ecology Park is available at the Beavermead Park parking lot via Marsdale Drive. After the Plant Sale, The Ecology Park Garden Market will be open each week on Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until October 26th. For more information about GreenUP Ecology Park, The Garden Market, and the Annual Plant Sale, visit greenup.on.ca.