At many cottages, board games live in a cupboard beside well-worn decks of cards, waiting to be pulled out in bad weather. But at Springwood Cottage Resort on Kennebec Lake, Ont., games are the main event.
Owners Christine and Ed Chaplin (above) have built a collection of more than 1,000 board and card games, transforming a traditional cottage pastime into a signature guest experience.
“We never planned for it to grow this big,” says Ed. “It started with some family games from home and a few we found in the 17 cottages when we bought Springwood in 2021.”
The Chaplins kept the early collection in the “Share Shed”—an outdoor borrowing space stocked with puzzles, DVDs, books, and games. The shed proved so popular that the Chaplins decided to create a dedicated games room in the main building, where cottagers can sign out games or families and strangers can gather to play. Springwood now also offers group board game retreats, along with family game weekends.
“It fits our goal of helping guests connect without technology,” says Christine. “I’m still hoping for Springwood’s first board game–themed wedding!”
Christine expanded the collection through online marketplace finds, used-game events at board games conventions such as Breakout Con, donations, purchases from independent board game shops, and by backing crowdfunding campaigns for new game developers in order to get early access to their games.
Today, the collection spans generations and skill levels. There are party favourites, strategy games, and cooperative adventures. A comprehensive labelling system and a booking app let guests navigate shelves by complexity, number of players, and play time.
“We’ve been very intentional in ensuring there is a game for everyone,” says Christine. “We have options for birdwatchers, craft beer aficionados, and zombie fans: Wingspan, Brew Crafters, and The Walking Dead.”
Christine’s latest obsession is A Gentle Rain, and Ed’s favourite is River Valley Glassworks. Guests gravitate to One Night Ultimate Werewolf, a party game for larger groups.
This year, the Chaplins plan to add a second games room with more shelving and additional tables for group play. And yes, that means they’ll be buying more games.
This article was originally published in the Early Summer ’26 issue of Cottage Life.
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