❄️ Leaving for a Winter Vacation? Here’s How to Make Sure Your Ontario Home Survives Without You

/

Winter in Ontario is beautiful… but it’s also unpredictable, dramatic, and occasionally a little unhinged.

So if you’re heading off for a well-deserved vacation this season (hopefully somewhere warm and turquoise — see image to left), your home needs a bit of prep to make sure it stays safe, secure, and stress-free while you’re away.

 
 

Here’s a complete guide to getting your home ready for your winter getaway — with tips for Southern Ontario homes, plus extra considerations if you own a northern or cottage-country property.

1️⃣ Give Your Home a “Pre-Flight Check” Before You Go

✔ Set your thermostat properly

Keep your heat at 15–17°C to prevent frozen pipes and maintain airflow.

Insurance tip: Many insurers require you to keep heat on while you’re away. Turning it off may void your coverage if damage occurs.

✔ Shut off your main water line

If you’ll be gone more than a few days, turn it off — and drain taps.

For cottage or northern homes, also add RV antifreeze to drains and toilets.

✔ Check doors, windows & weather stripping

This prevents cold drafts, heat loss, and surprise moisture buildup.

✔ Replace your furnace filter

A dirty filter can cause your furnace to work overtime — or worse, fail while you’re away.

2️⃣ Avoid Insurance Nightmares (Yes, They’re Real)

A few reminders straight from common Ontario policy requirements:

✔ Your home must be checked every 48–72 hours

This is the big one.

Most home insurance policies in Ontario require someone to physically check the property regularly when you’re away in winter.

This can be:

  • A neighbour

  • A friend

  • A hired property check service

Halton Region tip: Companies like Halton Concierge Home Check, Just Call the Girl, and several small Burlington/Halton caretaking services offer scheduled check-ins.

✔ Document everything

Have your home-checker keep simple notes (or photos) showing each visit — insurers love proof.

✔ Clear walkways

Under many municipal bylaws (including Burlington), snow and ice must be cleared from sidewalks within a certain time frame. Hire a driveway/sidewalk service if needed.

3️⃣ Protect Your Pipes (Ontario Winters Don’t Play Around)

✔ Keep interior doors open

This allows heat to circulate evenly.

✔ Open cabinet doors near plumbing

Especially under kitchen/bathroom sinks against exterior walls.

✔ For cottage country:

  • Add insulation to exposed pipes

  • Wrap vulnerable lines

  • Consider a smart leak detector

A burst pipe can cause tens of thousands in damage — and most insurance requires proof that heat was maintained.

4️⃣ Unplug and Power Down

Ontario is no stranger to winter power flickers, so:

✔ Unplug small appliances

✔ Turn off power bars

✔ Unplug unnecessary electronics

✔ Empty the toaster (it’s shocking how many tiny fires start here)

Leaving the fridge on? Yes.

Leaving the wine fridge on? Absolutely.

5️⃣ Tidy, Clean, and Prevent “Ick”

A few small tasks save you from a very gross welcome-home experience:

✔ Empty garbage + compost

✔ Run the dishwasher

✔ Do laundry

✔ Clean the fridge

✔ Flush all toilets

✔ Pour a bit of mineral oil into sink traps to slow evaporation

✔ Seal open food containers

If you’re gone longer than 2–3 weeks, consider tossing questionable condiments.

No one wants “mystery fridge odours” becoming a 2026 problem.

6️⃣ Light Up & Lock Up

✔ Put lights on timers

✔ Set exterior motion lights

✔ Double-check window locks

✔ Test security systems or cameras

✔ Pause mail delivery or ask a neighbour to grab it

✔ Make sure valuables are out of sight

✔ Lock garage door from the inside (ideal for longer trips)

For cottage properties, consider installing a remote low-temp alert system so you get notified if the heat drops dangerously low.

7️⃣ Snow, Driveway & Structural Considerations

✔ Hire a snow removal company before leaving

✔ Clear gutters before your trip

✔ Ensure downspouts drain away from the foundation

✔ Mark driveway edges with reflective stakes

✔ For lakefront or cottage homes: confirm your roof can manage expected snow load

If your property has a history of ice dams — install heat cables or plan for mid-winter maintenance. Bring your snow tires and sense of adventure - winter is one of the most spectacular seasons in ‘the north.’

8️⃣ Create a “Home While I’m Away” Binder

Include:

  • Emergency contacts

  • Insurance policy numbers

  • Instructions for furnace, alarms, breakers

  • Contact info for your home checker

  • Snow removal details

  • Wi-Fi & security system access

  • Notes for your plants, pets, or anything special

This is especially useful if you rent your home while away, or if multiple people are keeping an eye on it.

9️⃣ A Note for Fellow Cottage-Country Owners

(Yes, Haliburton, Muskoka, Kawarthas — I see you.)

Winter prep is serious business up north.

A few extra reminders:

🏔 Turn off water + add antifreeze to lines

🏔 Ensure propane tanks are full

🏔 Arrange someone to monitor snow load

🏔 Secure docks and shoreline structures

🏔 Check sump pumps + backup batteries

🏔 Install wildlife-proof latches (trust me, raccoons have winter goals too.)

Your cottage will thank you — loudly — in the spring.

1️⃣0️⃣ Leaving Ontario for Somewhere Warmer? (Yes, Please.)

And… if you haven’t booked your winter vacation yet — I’ve got you.

After spending the last six months living on Grand Cayman Island, I’ve built an incredible network of professionals, property managers, luxury rental hosts, and real estate contacts. This is one island you truly won’t want to miss experiencing for yourself.

Whether you want:

✨ The best vacation rental on Seven Mile Beach

✨ A quiet long-stay condo

✨ A luxury villa

✨ A local’s list of recommendations

✨ Or you’re a savvy investor exploring international real estate opportunities… with ROI you and your family can live, I can connect you with the absolute best people on island.

Just reach out — I’m more than happy to help you plan a getaway or explore ownership options.

FINAL CHECK: Are You Ready for Takeoff?

A quick last-minute list:

  • Lights on timers

  • Heat set

  • Water off

  • Doors + windows locked

  • Walkways arranged

  • Someone assigned to check the home

  • Security system tested

  • Garbage out

  • Fridge cleaned

  • Snow removal booked

  • Travel documents packed

  • Deep breath. Vacation mindset activated 😎

NOTE: These tips are based on general best practices and cozy Canadian common sense. They’re not a substitute for professional inspections, licensed contractors, or that one neighbour who knows way too much about sump pumps. Every home is different, so use your judgment — and if something looks sketchy, sounds weird, or hisses at you, please call a pro.

Stay safe, stay warm, and remember: frozen pipes are only fun in Hallmark movies!

Happy travels!