Frequently Asked Questions

What is a professional managed fine rental cottage? All Cardiff Woods Cottages are professionally managed by Cottage Counrty Travel Services. With over seventeen years of experience in meeting the vacationing public's expectations for private, rental cottage accommodation, their service takes much of the hassle and uncertainty out of renting a cottage. Cottage Country Travel Service currentlys represent over 160 personally inspected cottage rental properties throughout the Muskoka, Haliburton, Parry Sound and Kawartha regions.

Cardiff Woods' fine rental cottages are clean, impecably well maintained, furnished in high quality woods, tiles and leather furnishings and located in prime, private settings within the Haliburton Highlands region.

Should you have any other questions about Cottage Country Travel Services please refer to their site at http://www.cottagerental.com/our_services.htm

Renting and Checking In

Minimum Booking Durations? Each of our cottages has a Minimum Booking Duration for both Low and High Season periods. A full list of max and min timings are available on the "Rates" page or on our manager's site.

 
How do we book a cottage? On the reservations page there is a link that takes you to our management company. This is professional service from which you can expect 24/7 availability. You'll be directed to contact their office where they will begin by verifying availability and rate for the cottage which you are applying to rent. Then they'll take some personal information and provide you with our Booking Application form and direction on payment, etc.
 
Costs/Payments? All cottage rates and prices are quoted in Canadian dollars. Payment is in Canadian funds only, by cheque (or cash). A deposit on the rental is due within five business days of the date we put the cottage on "hold" for you. You will have the option of purchasing RBC Cancellation Insurance as well. Depending on the cottage, there may be several other, optional charges for extra service. Should you wish to use our laundered sheets, or our cleaning service these extras can be book upon renting.
 
What is 'Holiday Cancellation Insurance'? As a registered travel agency, Cottage Country can offer holiday cancellation insurance with RBC Insurance. The cost is approximately 6% of  the booking cost. The insurance covers the cost of the vacation accommodation, should you have to cancel for one of RBC's "risks insured" reasons. Normally, that means accident, sickness, death in the family, transfer out of province, call to jury duty, etc. For more details ask for a copy of the policy booklet.
 
 
Once we have received and processed your initial deposit and booking form, Cottage Country will forward a TRAVEL PACKAGE  which contains:

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

  • A Cottage Information Sheet - 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.

  • A set of Cottage Instructions - these are the owners 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.
 
How do I get the keys? Our cottages will have a lock box beside the door at the cottage. You will receive the combination for the lock box approximately one week prior to the start of your holiday. If there are keys for the cottage, they 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? Our "high season" i.e. summer bookings, start and end on Saturdays - to allow the owner to check the cottage between bookings.  The check in time is 4:00 pm and the check out time is 10:00 am. 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 check out staff 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? This is a decision that you make at time of booking. Professional cleaning services are available but this must be requested at the time of booking to arrange. The cost for this service is an additional $100. If you would prefer to clean yourself please leave the cottage exactly in the same condition as you found it - and everyone will be happy.  Cleaning supplies and equipment are left at the cottage and a list of all neccessary cleaning activities is posted. As noted elsewhere, the check out staff 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. If cleaning is required $150 dollars will be deducted from your damage deposit.

Linen service is included for $15/bed set or $75/all bed sets, otherwise you are expected to bring your own linen.

 
What do I need to bring? Please check the cottage information sheet provided to you at the time of booking for a list of cottage facilities and amenities. 
 
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 Information Sheet. It is the number of people the cottage can safely accommodate with respect to septic system, pumps, etc. 
 
Pets Can I bring my pets? Regretfully, no pets are permitted due to allergic concerns of our other guests.
 

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.

 

Boating

Can I put my motorboat in the lake? Yes, you may put motor boats in the lake for water play however Lower Cardiff Lake is a small to medium sized lake and it will offer little opportunity to "tour". This lake supports a local Rainbow Trout fishery and most boats on the lake are small outboards and canoes. All renters are restricted to power boats less than 6Hp. To note, Seadoos, Jetskis, and other forms of Personal Water Craft are not permitted on the lake by the local owners council.
 

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 being phased in over the next few years.  Since 2002, all operators of  motorized watercraft under 4 meters have been required to have on board, proof of competency. And there are age restrictions for youth  in place now.  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...
 

How's the fishing? Fantastic. As mentioned, Lower Cardiff Lake is one of only a few lakes in the area that supports a Rainbow Trout fishery. The lake is open to fish year round and limits are as posted in the MNR fishing guidelines. You will need a licence to fish which can be obtained thru many vendors licence by the MNR. A link is provided on our Activities > Fishing page which provides more information on licencing.