A weekend by the lake offers a rare kind of calm—sunlit mornings, refreshing swims, and unhurried time outdoors. Whether you’re headed to a lakeside cottage or a waterfront retreat, knowing what to pack ensures you get the most out of every moment. From paddleboard essentials to dockside accessories and cozy layers, here’s a guide to what to bring for a weekend at the lake.
Pack with intention, and the rest will take care of itself.
1. Choose the Right Paddleboard for the Lake
Your paddleboard is the centerpiece of your time on the water. Inflatable models are easy to stow and ideal for spontaneous trips, while rigid boards offer a smoother, more sculptural glide—perfect for calm mornings and glassy coves.
Think of your board not just as gear, but as your weekend companion. Choose one that reflects the pace and place you're headed for.
2. Pick the Best Paddle for Your Needs
A hybrid paddle is a great option when you're sharing equipment or need versatility—its adjustable height makes it adaptable and travel-friendly. If you're seeking something more refined and personal, the fixed-length Bras d'Or paddle feels like it was built for your stroke alone .
The choice between the two comes down to one thing: Do you want flexibility or permanence? Either way, your paddle should meet you where you are.
3. Bring a High-Quality Beach Towel
Not all towels are created equal. A towel should be soft, oversized, and absorbent—but also elegant enough to drape over a chair, and sturdy enough to last the weekend. Toss it in your tote, wrap it around your shoulders, or lay it across the dock.
It’s not just a towel—it’s your seat, your blanket, your warm embrace after a swim.
4. Stay Hydrated with a Durable Water Bottle
Hot afternoons and long paddles demand a steady supply of cold water. Bring a bottle that can keep up—a double-walled stainless steel one that won’t sweat or spill. Whether you tuck it in a dry bag or the side pocket of your tote, keep it close.
Hydration isn’t optional when you're chasing the sun.
5. Pack Comfortable Apparel for Dockside Living
Start the day with breathable cotton and end it wrapped in something warm. A heavyweight crewneck or a sun-worn tee covers the range, whether you’re lounging on the dock or heading into town for supplies. A well-made hat keeps the sun at bay—and finishes the look.
Good layers don't just keep you warm, they let you stay out longer.
6. Use a Bag That Fits It All
You want one bag that can hold everything: a towel, a sweater, sunscreen, snacks, maybe a bottle of wine. Choose something structured and strong, with pockets that keep the essentials easy to grab. A compact dry bag inside helps protect your most important items while you paddle.
Your weekend bag should feel like part of the ritual.
7. Bring Food, Firewood, and Evening Ambience
If your lake spot allows for it, bring firewood and a way to light it. Candlelight or lanterns go a long way once the sun dips below the trees. As for food, keep it simple: fresh bread, ripe fruit, something to pour, and something salty.
The best lake dinners happen barefoot, plate in hand, with no schedule in sight.
8. Don’t Forget the Little Things
Portable Paddleboard Pump: Especially for inflatable SUPs, a good pump saves time.
Board Leash or Dock Line: Keeps your paddleboard secure while you swim.
Compact Bluetooth Speaker: Set the soundtrack without overwhelming the setting.
Sunscreen, journal, and a good book: Essentials for rest, reflection, and reset.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Lakeside Getaway Effortless
There’s no wrong way to spend a weekend at the lake—but when your paddleboard, apparel, and accessories are well-chosen, everything else falls into place. Whether you're gliding through Muskoka mist or lounging by Laurentian rocks, being prepared lets you fully unplug.
Bring what you love, leave the rest, and let the water set the rhythm.