BOOKING INFORMATION

What can we expect in terms of amenities, comfort, etc.?

When renting a privately-owned cottage, even a high-end one, expect some level of rustic experience. It's not a hotel or resort, and owners may have different preferences and tastes than you. Insects and mice can also be present at any time, as they are part of cottage living regardless of the cottage price. Please practice water conservation as cottage wells can and do run try with too much use! Please limit laundry to only if necessary

What are the Payment Procedures?

A down payment of 50% of the total amount is required if you are booking your vacation more than 60 days prior to the rental period date. The Balance Due is due 60 days prior to occupancy. All bookings made within 60 days of the start of your rental must be paid in full.

For all the cottages we list, there is a Property Association fee and an Accidental Damage Plan (ADP) fee. Any other costs such as a cleaning fee, if applicable, will be listed before you book.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance

Things happen. And a sudden illness or a bereavement can impact your cottage vacation plans. Without travel insurance, you could lose, not only your holiday but the money you paid for it, as well.

Cottage rentals are not like hotels, where you can cancel at the last minute if something happens. In case of a cancellation, we are only able to refund your money if we re-book the cottage for that time period. Therefore, it is our strong recommendation that you consider purchasing a trip insurance policy that will cover you for cancellation and trip interruption.

Will you send us directions to the cottage? When do we get the keys?

Direction information can be found in your personalized Guest Portal link prior to the start of the rental. This is for security and insurance concerns. These are privately owned cottages and the owners do enjoy them as well. As such, you are only authorized to be on the cottage premises during the time of your rental.

Directions, key codes, and other essentials are found in the PDF link under the "Attachments" section towards the bottom of your Guest Portal page (just above the map).

Please ensure when you are travelling to the cottage that if you are using a navigation system it matches with the written directions found under the Attachments section on your Guest Portal (just above the map section) as navigation systems can sometimes lead you astray in cottage country (even onto impassable snowmobile routes).

Kindly be aware that the pet policy, # of occupants, & check-in/out times are firm.

What do we need to bring with us?

All cottages come equipped with pots, pans, dishes, glasses, coffee makers, cups and cutlery. Appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, etc. are available at some cottages (check the listing description for your cottage).

You will want to bring:

Drinking water.

All cottages run off either well or lake water. If there is a filtered, treated source of water at the cottage, it may only be at the kitchen sink. If there is treated water, it is posted in the listing for the cottage. It is a good idea to bring drinking water. Be mindful that wells can run dry from overuse. Practice conservation (i.e., limit showers, only do laundry if absolutely necessary, etc.).

Linens.

Cottages generally come equipped with blankets and pillows (unless otherwise stated in the cottage listing). If linens are included, they will be specifically stated in the listing; otherwise, you will need to bring sheets, pillowcases, towels and dishcloths.

Life jackets.

Some cottages may have life jackets, but in order for a life jacket to work, it must fit properly. Therefore, you should bring your own. It is your responsibility. One approved life jacket or PFD is required for each person on board any boating vessel.

Groceries.

Consider that most cottages only have a small freezer as part of their fridge. You may want to pack coolers with ice.

Insect spray.

A repellent with DEET is recommended by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

How do we know what’s expected of us while at the cottage?

Each cottage has a cottage information folder, containing the “Household Rules” (emergency numbers, cleaning checklist, garbage disposal and septic information, etc.). Please read through this Folder as you are responsible for following the information contained in it.

Using the septic system.

Natural waste and toilet paper are the only things allowed down the drain. Other items, such as tampons, food, grease & diaper/personal wipes- even though they say flushable, will back up the septic system and result in costly repairs. All children and guests need to know – and observe – this.

Power outages.

If the power goes out, do not run water (taps, flush toilets, etc.). In cottage country, water systems run off electric pumps. Running water could result in emptying water lines, which would then require the pump to be primed, etc.

Cottage concerns.

The cottage owner is responsible for checking the cottage between rentals. If there is a problem or concern while you are at the cottage, please call us. We will then contact the owner for you. For emergencies call 911. Northern Comfort Cottage Rentals is not authorized to conduct any repairs or maintenance to the cottage or the property.

Dealing with garbage.

Similar to city regulations, cottage municipalities have restrictions on the number of bags allowed for dumping or collection. Regardless of your cottage's capacity, there are still limits on garbage disposal. This is similar to having a large group at your own house where garbage limits still apply. You may need to make frequent trips to the waste disposal site. Site dates and hours will be provided to you. It is important not to leave garbage and recycling behind when you depart, as a fee of $35 per bag will be charged to your credit card. Please remember that if you are able to bring items to the cottage, you should also take your garbage back with you. It is not someone else's responsibility to dispose of your garbage.

Parking.

Park only in designated areas and drives. Failure to do so could result in major damage to septic beds. Do not exceed limits for cars and do not block neighbours’ entrances.

Having a campfire.

If there is a designated campfire pit and fires are allowed at the cottage, then yes, you can have a campfire. However, please ensure that the campfire is contained and supervised and that it takes place only in the designated campfire pit. It is your responsibility to know if there is a fire ban in effect and to adhere to it. Any fines for not following fire regulations, such as but not limited to, burning during a fire ban, not using the provided campfire pit, or day burning, whether issued by the OPP or a by-law officer, are your responsibility.

Please use only the wood and kindling specifically designated for the campfire, and not any firewood intended for indoor use. Before leaving the campfire, make sure to thoroughly douse it with water.

Pets at the cottage.

Please be aware that all cottages with a "no pets" policy strictly enforce this rule. However, if the cottage you have booked allows pets, it is important to keep your pet under control and prevent them from entering your neighbours' property. Your pet should not bother the neighbours, whether by going onto their property or by excessive barking. As sound travels easily in lake country, it's essential to be considerate of the noise levels caused by your pet. Cleaning up after your pet is your responsibility. Ensure that pets are kept off furniture and beds, and they should not be left alone in the cottage. Sadly, many pets get lost each year in cottage country, so please take the necessary precautions to prevent this. Additionally, it is important to provide your pet with proper flea and tick medication or prevention.

On the Water, on the Roads, Children: Keeping safe

Children.

We're delighted to welcome children and infants to the cottages we list, and many happy families have visited these cottages! However, we want to stress the vital importance of providing close supervision at all times. It's important to note that while cottages are child-welcoming, they may not be specifically designed or equipped for your child's individual needs. Therefore, we cannot guarantee or imply suitability tailored to your child(ren). To ensure their safety and well-being, we strongly recommend that children are closely supervised at all times throughout their stay. Our utmost priority is for everyone to have a fantastic and enjoyable time at the cottage!

Watercraft.

If any watercraft is provided, it is your responsibility to ensure that all rules, laws, regulations, and safe boating practices are followed. We advise that you obtain a hydrographic map if you are boating on unfamiliar waters. For more boating regulations and safety information, visit the Canadian Coast Guard website. If you are bringing a boat on your vacation, it must only be launched at the boat launch, NOT the cottage property.

Roads.

Please respect speed limits and watch for cottagers out for a stroll or bike ride. Wildlife may also be on the road. Do not park on any roadway and park only in the designated cottage driveway.

Being neighbourly.

It is crucial to respect property boundaries and refrain from using other people's waterfront, docks, or beaches. Sound travels easily across water, so please keep noise levels to a minimum, especially when playing music or gathering around the campfire.

Quiet enjoyment is essential, and it is expected that you treat your neighbours with respect. Any excessive noise, loud music, or behaviour that violates these policies may result in eviction from the premises without a refund, and additional charges may be applied. Guests are expected to interact with their neighbours and others in the area in a quiet and respectful manner, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their surroundings.

Leaving the cottage.

CLEANING THE COTTAGE AT DEPARTURE

Please note that housekeeping and cleaning services are not provided for your cottage unless explicitly mentioned or posted in the cottage listing. Renters are responsible for following all check-out procedures and leaving the property in the same clean and well-maintained condition as it was upon arrival. This includes the interior of the cottage, as well as the exterior, grounds, BBQs, and hot tubs (if applicable). The cottage must be thoroughly cleaned and tidied before your departure, which means that a comprehensive cleaning must be performed by you and/or your party prior to leaving.

COTTAGES THAT HAVE CLEANING SERVICES INCLUDED

If a cleaning service is included with your rental, it will be specifically mentioned and posted in the cottage listing. However, even if a cleaning service is provided, you are still required to leave the cottage in a neat, clean, and tidy condition. Please keep in mind that this is someone's privately owned cottage, not a resort or hotel. Guests are expected to respect the property and leave it in a neat and tidy state. Failure to do so may result in additional cleaning charges. Please note that if the listing does not mention a cleaning service, the cottage does not have one, and the responsibility for cleaning rests entirely with the renters.

The service covers a regular cleaning of the cottage after you depart, i.e. sanitizing bathrooms & kitchen, vacuuming, washing floors, dusting etc. (If there is a spill or mess do not leave it, please do clean up after yourself). Examples of tasks that may require extra time and costs may include but are not limited to: washing your dirty dishes, moving furniture back to its original place, washing mattress pads, disposing of garbage & recycling left behind, cigarette butts left on or around the property, excess debris on the floors & carpets, spills on floors & cupboards, extra cleaning of washrooms, and any other excessive mess that requires extra time/charges.

Cottage Conditions

Please remember to comply with any special conditions set for the cottage you have chosen, such as the maximum number of occupants/guests or pet policies. Kindly refrain from requesting exceptions, as these conditions are set by the cottage owners, often based on insurance and/or septic rating, and are strictly enforced.

Swimming

Please be aware that swimming conditions, including water levels, water clarity, and weed growth, can vary each year in every lake due to various factors such as snowmelt, lake levels, rainfall/runoff, and weather conditions. While we strive to provide accurate descriptions of swimming/water conditions based on our visit to the cottage and information from the owners, we cannot guarantee or control these factors.

Additionally, we would like to emphasize that we do not have information regarding what may be present in the water near the dock. Diving can be dangerous, and spinal injuries can occur. Therefore, diving from docks, swim rafts, shorelines, or any other location is strictly prohibited at all of our cottages. Your safety is our priority, and we urge you to exercise caution and adhere to this policy.

When can we check in?

Generally, the arrival time for check-in is at 5:00 PM, and the departure time is at 11:00 AM unless otherwise specified in the listing. The Northern Comfort Cottage Rentals (NCCR) team will be available to check for messages until 6:30 PM on the check-in day. If you have any concerns or questions, please call within this time frame. It is important to note that you must arrive before 6:30 PM, as NCCR and the cottage owners cannot be held responsible for renters arriving after this time.

Please refrain from arriving early or departing late, as the time between rentals is necessary to prepare the cottage for you & the next guests. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in allowing sufficient time for cleaning and maintenance between bookings. Thank you for understanding.

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