It's official— the multiple award-winning Explore magazine is headed to OP Publishing based in North Vancouver, while its current owner Cottage Life Media will acquire OP's Cottage magazine in return.

Al Zikovitz, Explore's publisher, said the swap makes "an awful lot of sense to us... we'd like a greater presence across Canada." He noted the move is in line with a planned national television channel he hopes will be launched sometime next year, but he declined to elaborate on it. (Cottage Life dabbled in television in the 90s.)

Cottage magazine will retain its brand and staff, said Zikovitz. "We'll be using the same editor and salespeople," he said. "The idea is to build the circulation. Some content in Cottage Life could work in Cottage, but it's certainly going to maintain its Western Canada focus." 

However, Explore's editor James Little has been lost in the shuffle and is no longer with Cottage Life Media, confirmed Zikovitz. "James is one of the finest editors I've ever had," he said. "We're really sorry to lose him. He's done miracles with that magazine. It has been hitting well above its weight."

Zikovitz expects OP will keep Explore as is. "I think they realize we have a good formula there... and so many of our writers are from out west anyway, (OP) works with some of them for their other magazines," he said. "They're delighted, it's a great fit for them."

Subscribers will not be affected by the move, he added.

OP Publishing also publishes Pacific Yachting, Canadian Aviator, BC Outdoors Sport Fishing, Western Sportsman and The Outdoor Edge, also a hunting and fishing title.

Cottage Life Media, part owned by multimedia producer Blue Ant Media Inc., publishes Cottage Life, Outdoor Canada and Canadian Home Workshop.