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Booking Notes (FAQ)

We Get Questions.....

When do we book?

Summer rentals are booked starting in January, with previous year's renters given first opportunity to rebook cottages. Cottage availability is posted to the cottage web pages as it is received from our cottage owners. New listings and availability are added throughout the season however, so continue to check our site if you don't find the right cottage when you first visit.

Is the Availability Calendar up to date?

The on-line calendar is updated daily but availability changes very quickly during the busy booking season.  We will confirm availability with you when you call to reserve your cottage. Cottage availability calendars that are 'grayed' out (not showing any available weeks) are cottages that are either fully booked for the current year or we are waiting for the cottage owners to determine their rental dates and they will be posted when they become known. Please check back frequently for updates or check the "auto notification" box to be notified when the availability has been posted for a cottage.

Minimum Booking Durations?

Each of our cottages has a Minimum Booking Duration for both Low and High Season periods. Most of our cottages are available for one week rentals but some must be rented for a minimum of 2, 3 or even 4 consecutive weeks. Cottages that rent for longer periods may become available for shorter, one or two week rentals in late spring if there are any vacant periods remaining available. Bookings at cottages that rent for longer periods must also be rented back-to-back so that there are not any short, vacant periods between bookings.

How do we book a cottage?

On each of the cottage webpages, there are a series of tabs, the last of which is "Booking". Click on that tab, read the instructions, complete the 'Cottage Request Form' and submit it to our office. We will verify the availability, put the cottage on "Hold" and reply with a partially completed Booking Application Form for your review and return to our office. Once it has been determined that all of the "Conditions of Rental" have been met, the booking will be processed and confirmed.

Costs/Payments?

All cottage rates and prices are quoted in Canadian dollars. Payment is in Canadian funds only. A deposit on the rental is due within 2 days of the date we put the cottage on "hold" for you.

The total cost of the rental will include the cost of the cottage accommodation for the time period being rented plus our per booking, agency service charge of $95.00. All taxes are included in the rates quoted. You will have the option of purchasing RBC Cancellation Insurance and our Accidental Damage Waiver as well. Depending on the cottage, there may be several other, optional charges for extra service. Some cottage owners may be able to offer a full cleaning service and /or linens service and in a few cases, there are some extra facilities such as the use of an outboard motor, for which the owner charges extra. These options services must be confirmed at the time of booking.

The initial deposit of 30% is charged to your credit card (MasterCard or Visa) with the balance paid by cheque, (Balance payment are NOT accepted by credit card unless booking from overseas.) A post-dated balance cheque (dated 6 weeks prior to occupancy) must be mailed to our office within 5 business days of the time of booking. Balance payment received after the due date are subject to a 2% late payment fee.  All bookings made within 4 weeks of occupancy must be paid in full by certified cheque or valid credit card.

What is Holiday Cancellation Insurance?

As a registered travel agency, we are able to offer holiday cancellation insurance with RBC Insurance.

The insurance covers the cost of the vacation accommodation, should you have to cancel for one of RBC's "risks insured". Normally, that means accident, sickness, death in the family, transfer out of province, call to jury duty, etc. For more details, visit the RBC at http://www.rbcinsurance.com/travel/travel-insurance-policy.html.

Please Note:  Cancellation Insurance is NOT health insurance coverage for out of province visitors. Visitors to Ontario must obtain the necessary out of province health coverage for stays in Ontario.

What if I don't take the insurance or have to cancel for another reason?

If you don't take the insurance, or have to cancel for a reason RBC does not cover, our standard cancellation policy takes effect. If you have to cancel under these conditions, we would attempt to rebook the cottage on your behalf. If we are successful in doing so, we will refund any monies paid to us, less a non-refundable $200 cancellation fee. If we are not able to rebook the cottage, your deposit (or full payment if within the forty-five days prior to occupancy) are forfeit.

What is a Security/Damage Deposit?

The security/damage deposit (amount varies - please check cottage description - General tab - for the amount relevant to the cottage you have selected) is taken to ensure that the cottage is left in the same condition as found, including cleanliness. The owners are responsible for checking the cottage before and after each booking but renters are expected to leave the cottage clean and undamaged. Renters are also expected to use a credit card or their own mobile phone for any long distance calls.

The security/damage deposit is provided to the Company by way of credit card at the time of booking as noted in the Booking Application form. The amount is not held against your credit card and provided the cottage owner does not make a claim and there are no outstanding long distance charges, the credit card is not debited.

What is an Accidental Damage Waiver?

This is an optional service provided by our company which allows you to purchase coverage in the event of accidental damage you or a member of your party cause while at the cottage.  It's happened to everyone  - a broken window, an accident with a mattress, a lamp is knocked over, a BBQ cover is placed on a hot BBQ damaging the cover and the BBQ - all of which happened at cottages this past summer. 

If you purchase the waiver ($55 including applicable taxes), you are covered for up to $2500. in accidental damages you caused while at the cottage.  This waiver does not cover charges relating to claims made by the owner relating to cleaning, garbage removal, long distance telephone charges or accidents not reported to the owner or agency immediately.  These charges would still be covered by the Security/Damage Deposit which is required on ALL bookings.

Travelers from Out of Province.

Visitors from out of Province may require travel documents (passports, visas, etc) to enter the country or return to their own.  Renters are responsible for obtaining all required documentation prior to confirming their vacation in Ontario. Neither the agency nor the property owner is responsible for cancelled holidays, or refunding for unused holidays, in the event a traveler was denied entry for any reason.

Cancellation Insurance does not provide health insurance coverage for non-residents.  Visitors to Ontario are required to obtain appropriate health insurance coverage for stays in Ontario.

How do I get the keys and find the cottage?

Within 10 days of  receiving and processing  your initial deposit and booking form, we will  forward a TRAVEL PACKAGE  which contains:

• A Booking Confirmation, showing balance owing, dates and time of check in and check out.

• A print out of the Cottage Web Page - with bed sizes (bed & bath linen are not normally provided - you must bring your own) and the other facilities provided.

• A Map - showing the route/directions from the nearest major community. When available, we will also provide a cottage address that can be confidently used to locate the property using an on-line mapping system.

• A set of Cottage Instructions - these are the owner's instructions and notes on using the cottage including the cottage telephone number if there is service. Please review carefully, prior to going to the cottage and call if you have any questions. The owner's name/telephone number and/or alternate contacts are noted here as well.

PLEASE PUT THE TRAVEL PACKAGE IN A SAFE PLACE - THIS IS THE ONLY TRAVEL PACKAGE/INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE FOR YOUR BOOKING AND IT IS SENT OUT WITHIN TEN DAYS OF OUR RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOKING FORM AND DEPOSIT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THIS PACKAGE WITHIN 15 DAYS PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

Keys

Most cottages will have a lock box which contains the keys. You will receive the combination for the lock box (by email) approximately one week prior to the start of your holiday. If there is no lock box, the keys will be forwarded to your home address approximately four days prior to the start of your booking.

What time of day do we check in and check out?

Most of our "high season" i.e. summer bookings, start and end on Saturdays - to allow the owner to check the cottage between bookings. 

Please check your Booking Confirmation to determine the check-in and check-out times (this information is also posted on each cottage webpage). Most owners need the time between rentals to grass, make a security check etc. When end-of-stay cleaning services have been arranged, the check-out time will be advanced by one hour from the time noted on the cottage webpage.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT - that you leave by the check out time - and not arrive earlier than the check in time. Failure to depart on time means the owners are rushed in their work and the next people checking in are delayed. We do thank you for your consideration.

Do I have to clean the cottage?

The short answer is YES!  The cottages we represent are all privately owned  - and one of the owner's primary concerns in renting out their vacation home is how the cottage will be left by renters. In most areas of Cottage Country, it is difficult to arrange cleaning services on a consistent basis.  Therefore, we have found the only system that works, is to require renters to clean the cottage prior to leaving - basically leave the cottage in the same condition as you found it - and everyone will be happy.  Cleaning supplies and equipment are always left at the cottage. As noted elsewhere, the owners will check the cottage between rentals to ensure that the cottage is in appropriate condition for your arrival but renters are responsible as noted above. Please refer to the Cottage Instructions.

Cleaning and Linen service may be available at some cottages at an additional cost. The availability and cost for these additional services must be confirmed at the time of booking and will require a one hour earlier check-out time.

What do I need to bring?

Please check the cottage web page print out  provided to you at the time of booking for a list of cottage facilities and amenities. Most cottages provide pillows and blankets, but do not provide bed/bath linens, unless otherwise noted.

Generally speaking, most cottage owners will provide at least a starting supply of such things as toilet paper, paper towel, etc., but renters are expected to bring all their consumable items.

If you have pet allergies...

Please do not assume that a property is pet free just because the cottage is restricted re: pets and smokers. Some owners have pets (or are smokers) but still restrict renters from bringing pets.  If you have allergies, please check the Cottage Web Page to determine if the property is "Animal Free".

If someone in your party has mobility issues...

Almost all cottage properties have some degree of gradient -  from the driveway to the cottage and/or from the cottage to the waterfront and the terrain can be uneven to rugged.  In addition, some cottages have steps inside the cottage as well, even if only a one story building.

If someone in your party has mobility issues, please contact our office to discuss with a member of our staff before booking a cottage.  We have seen all of our cottages in person and can assist you in determining if a cottage is suitable for your party.

But why can't I bring our family pet?

Some owners have allergies themselves, or concerns about damages, or their neighbour's peace of mind - so if the cottage is pet-restricted, please observe the restriction. Some cottage owners are ok with dogs, but not cats, and vice versa. Please check the Cottage Web Page under Conditions of Rental  and please note - if pets are permitted - this permission is for ONE PET ONLY. If you expect to have more than one pet - please check  with us to make sure the owner is comfortable with that situation. 

NO PETS - means no pets - inside or outside the cottage - and ditto for guests who might have pets.  Thank you for your consideration.

Can I have guests? 

For many families, entertaining is part of cottage life. If that's the case for you, make sure the cottage you rent will accommodate the TOTAL group - guests, children, as well as your own family. 

The MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY is clearly noted on the Cottage Webpage. It is the number of people the cottage can safely accommodate with respect to septic system, pumps, etc.  Owners are very concerned about the number of people at a cottage with respect  to the wear and tear on the cottage systems, which are much more sensitive than our city dwellings.

Can I use my cell/mobile phone?

You shouldn't assume that your cell phone will work throughout Cottage Country. Many areas of the province have little or no cellular service depending on the service provider. Check with your service provider to determine whether a specific area has service. 

Can I hook up my laptop?

While most of our cottages have telephone service, some do not have the necessary jack and private, touch-tone line service that will permit you to hook up your lap top, a fax  machine - or even call home to check messages. Please check the Cottage Web Page for the status of your cottage.  If there is dial up access (very few cottages actually have high speed but if they do - it will be noted on the web page as well), you will need to check with your internet service provider to determine if there is a local number for dial up access.  You will also need an internal modem. Ask your service provider for instructions on setting up a dial up connection in your computer.

What about long distance telephone charges?

Renters are responsible for all long distance telephone charges made from the cottage during their occupancy.  If a telephone is provided at the cottage, you are welcome to use it for local calls - without charge.  If you make long distance calls, we would ask that you use a credit card.  If you cannot - we will rebill you, adding a $25.00 admin charge, once the owner sends us the bill. 

How do I locate a marina for boat rentals and what about fishing?

First, check with us. We will probably have the necessary information on file for marina/rental facilities in the area of one of our cottages. You can also check for a marina at www.marinasontario.com . It's worth noting that some marinas do not handle rentals at all while others are limited to certain types of watercraft. 

The nearest Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) is your best source of information on fishing in the lake you'll be on- you can check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Information Center for their location.

Can I drink the water at the cottage?

Most cottages use the lake as the primary source of water, including drinking water. We recommend you bring in some bottled water or boil the water prior to drinking, regardless of the water source, and whether or not it is filtered. Most owners bring in drinking water and we recommend that you do the same.

What happens if the barbeque runs out of gas?

Most cottages have propane barbeques. We ask owners to ensure that the tank is full at the beginning of the season - and to have  a second filled tank available to allow renters to switch as needed.     

What do we do about noisy neighbours?

Sometimes, but not very often, there will be a noisy neighbour, or someone on the lake with noisy watercraft - or an unexpected construction project nearby. Unfortunately, there is little we or the owner can do in these circumstances, which like the weather, bugs and lake levels, are beyond the owner's control. (Please refer to the Booking Terms & Conditions on the Booking Application Form.)

What do we do with our garbage?

Cottage Life is very different than life in the city. Everything you bring up to the cottage has to be disposed of, one way or another, including garbage.

At most cottages, you have to bring your garbage to the local dump - and a dump pass may be required. Some dumps have recycling facilities. Some dumps have bag limits. All of them have odd hours of operation. A few cottages have curb side (!) pick up. Check your Cottage Instructions for details.   

The most important thing to remember is NEVER leave garbage outside unless it's in a metal or wood container. If you can't get to the dump on your last day - please take your garbage with you. (You may be charged a fee if any garbage remains on site at the end of your stay.)

Can we have a campfire?

If the property owner permits campfires, and has a site available, it will be noted on the Web Page facilities.  If there is no site, or the owner does not wish to allow campfires, renters are NOT permitted to have an outdoor campfire on the property.  If campfires are allowed, it is the renter's responsibility to determine if a permit is required, and to determine if there are burn restrictions applicable at that time.  The property Cottage Instructions will provide additional information on what permits are required and how to obtain them.

Firewood

Most cottages provide a limited supply of firewood for fireplaces and campfire pits,  but please check the Web Page facilities list to determine if it is supplied at your rental property.

Fireworks

Fireworks are not  permitted at any cottage under any circumstances.

Safe boating regulations.

The Federal government produces a "Safe Boating Guide" we encourage all renters to read.  It covers the safety equipment required in ALL watercraft (including paddle boats and canoes) and covers the new Operator Competency Requirements that are now in effect. Please obtain a copy of this booklet - (call 1 800 267 6687 or visit their web site at (Boating Safety)... Safe Boating is Everyone's Business...

What do I do if I have a question while I'm at the cottage?

If you have a question or a problem while you're at the cottage - by all means contact the owner or the local/alternate contact noted in the Cottage Instructions contained in the Travel Package you receive on booking. Owners would much prefer to hear from you BEFORE a small problem turns into a bigger one.

Television reception.  

Television reception is almost non existent in many parts of Cottage Country. If there is a television - it is usually there for use with a DVD or VCR (you may have to bring your own).  If there is a satellite system - it may have less channels than you are used to as well. 

Lake water levels.

In Ontario, many of the lakes are on controlled water systems such as the Trent Severn Waterway System - and usually, the water levels will change during the course of the year, sometimes dramatically. This will vary from lake to lake and from year to year depending on precipitation levels and waterway system requirements.   

We try to advise you about particular lakes - and if our photos were taken at a particularly "high" or "low" water level, we'll try and point that out too - but the bottom line - if you'll pardon the pun - is that we don't know - and cannot know or control the lake levels on your destination lake. 

What about cottage life of the four-legged kind?

Or eight-legged for that matter - both flying and crawling, and scurrying animal and bug life, are a part of Cottage Country.....   Life out there is usually pretty different from life down here in the city - after all - that's why you're going on vacation right? So relax - read a book - maybe a book on cottage country wild life - and remember that most critters are more frightened of you than you are of them. 

Seriously, it is important to observe some  rules when vacationing up north....for example - don't leave food out on the kitchen counters - or anywhere else - ants and mice love your leftovers. Don't leave patio doors open - chipmunks and squirrels are brazen little things - not to mention mice - and will enter at the slightest invitation. Lights at night will attract moths - and other types of flying insects, some small enough to penetrate screens...

Please remember that bats (now on the endangered species list) are actually our friends since they eat lots and lots of mosquitoes!

Mother nature, seasonal temperature variations, life cycles etc., can all create unexpected visitations...again, part of cottage life that we all have to deal with. Check your Cottage Instructions for any notes the owner may have made about visiting wildlife.  If you have questions or need help - by all means call the owner or local contact - and have fun - it's all a part of Cottage Life.