As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to look back on the happy times people have had at Fancy Free over the years. We are grateful to all the families who have chosen Fancy Free as the place where their happiest summer memories are made. Laughter and high spirits get somehow absorbed in the very walls of Fancy Free cottage and much of this is documented in the memorabilia left in the guest book.
Our guests have given us poems, photos, hand- made cards, heartfelt inscriptions, and sometimes even short essays and artwork that capture their memories. The children in particular love to leave their drawings. We have many magic-marker-made depictions of the front porch, the view of the lake, the view out of the windows in their rooms, and the cottage as seen from the front dock. They are all delightful and we cherish them.
So let’s take a peek at the guest books, shall we?
Here are some more comments guests have left behind:
“Words cannot describe this past week: family, friends, fun, laughter, smiles, happiness…I will always remember my three and a half year old, Maddie, learning how to swim off the dock…” D.O., Ottawa, July 8-16, 2011
“We had a great week on Fancy Free Island! The weather included a “monster” thunderstorm, scorching heat, howling winds and gorgeous sunshine… in short, it was perfect! Our gang made excellent use of the kitchen and bbq- we ate like kings and queens! The sailing was terrific…we put the Sunfish to good use. Glad you had kayaks and canoes- it’s a great way to visit the shoreline and get lost among the islands across the way…” J.E., Ottawa, July 16-23, 2011
“Yet another fabulous year at Fancy Free Island. Our second year will not be our last. Weather was fantastic, fishing superb. Lots of bass all around the island. [Fancy Free is] a small island with big character. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.” T.L. & family, England, Scotland and Canada, 29th July 2006
“As soon as we stepped on the island dock we knew we had found paradise! The week went by too quickly. We’ll always remember swimming to the raft. Paddle boarding was a new-found joy…” M.H., Ottawa, 2021
Among the notes in the guest book is this undated card from some of our American guests, who had clearly stopped to exchange currency at the border with Canada on Hill Island on the Thousand Islands bridge. Their note of thanks was on the back of the Custom House Currency Exchange card!
As 2025 winds down to a close, and we huddle in the midst of winter winds and snow, it’s easy to feel a bit of sweet nostalgia by looking back at all the glorious summer memories made by our guest families over the years. Each of them have become, in their own way, part of Fancy Free’s long history. We are grateful to all of them.
Have a very merry holiday season! We look forward to the making of more treasured spring, summer and fall memories in this very special corner of Big Rideau Lake in 2026.