FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We hope these FAQ's answer some of your questions. You will find more details in the Terms and Conditions, however we invite you to call us if you have any other questions or require more details.

WHEN DO I BOOK?
You may submit a rental application at any time. Our owners renew their listings each fall, so if the calendar for the cottage you are interested in is still showing undetermined, feel free to inquire and send in an application. Once we receive the application, we will contact the cottage owner regarding availabilty, and then we will call you to go over the details. Booking in fall and winter give you the best choices for locations and dates. New listings are always being added, so bookings do continue throughout spring.

IS THE CALENDAR UP TO DATE?
The calendar is updated constantly; be aware availability changes very quickly and we do work in live time. Once we receive your application form, we will call you to confirm dates and details.

IS THERE A MINIMUM BOOKING PERIOD?
During the high season, the minimum booking period is one week for most cottages, but for some it is 2 or perhaps even 4 weeks. During the Low and Winter Season the minimum is 2 nights, with the exception of long weekends which is a 3 night minimum. There may be some exceptions, such as only 2 nights being available due to other longer bookings or due to a last minute cancellation in which case we may rent for just 2 nights. There also may be a couple of cottages that have unusual dates available even during high season, so there could be limited availability for less than the weekly minimum.

WHAT DOES "WEEKLY ONLY" MEAN ?

Weekly Only indicates that the cottage books by the week during the time indicated (during High Season, for example). You are welcome to book multiple weeks, but we do not offer partial weeks during these periods.

LONG WEEKENDS

Long weekends are considered High Season and the 3-day Holiday Weekend rates will reflect this. Long weekend rentals are NOT available in the summer High Season (July, and August Long Weekends). We require all the information to be filled out on the rental application form. Please note: majority of our cottage owners will only accept families.

HOW DO I BOOK A COTTAGE?
Select a cottage that interests you (first and second choice), confirm its availability on the handy Availability Calendar, then simply click on one of the links to ‘Rental Application’, fill it out and ‘Submit’. You will be contacted by telephone to confirm final availability and to complete the process. No booking is considered confirmed until your application has been approved and we have your deposit.

WILL THE COTTAGE BE HELD FOR ME?
Once we have received a completed (all blanks filled in) application form, we will contact you to confirm details and availability (it changes quickly!) and you will be asked to provide us with a VISA or Mastercard number, the 30% deposit will then be charged to your credit card and the cottage will be held for you pending receipt of the signed ‘Terms and Conditions’ with a cheque for the balance dated 90 days before your holiday. If your booking has been approved and you do not have a VISA, Mastercard or American Express card, the cottage will be held for you for 2 business days ONLY, if payment is not received in 2 business days (out of country and across the country excepted), priority will be given to the booking with the first payment. No exceptions.

HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENT?
The only credit cards we accept are VISA, Mastercard or American Express and these are used for the 30% deposit, (you may include it on the application form as the site is secure), however we will call you regarding payments and booking details and can also obtain it at that time. We accept cheques or money orders for the balance. Of course we also accept cheques for the deposit, but cannot guarantee that you will be booked into your first choice if the payment arrives late. We will discuss this with you at that time. Overseas vacationers can wire the money directly into our bank account. To book a cottage, we require the following:
1. A deposit equal to 30% of the total invoice (i.e. Weekly rate = $1000, you booked for two weeks then: $1000 x 2 x .30 = $600 deposit)
2. A post-dated cheque dated 90 days prior to the start of your holiday, or authorization to process the balance, on your VISA, Mastercard or American Express, 90 days prior to the start of your holiday.
3. A signed copy of the ‘Terms and Conditions’ form.

HOW DO I KNOW FOR SURE THE COTTAGE IS BOOKED IN MY NAME?
Once we have the 30 % deposit, your booking is confirmed pending receipt of the remaining cheque or credit card payment and the signed ‘Terms and Agreement’. We will send you your invoice and written confirmation, by email, upon receipt of the deposit amount.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY MONEY ONCE I REMIT IT TO WATER’S EDGE?
The money goes into a Travel Industry Trust Account. Water’s Edge Vacation Rentals Inc. is licensed by The Travel Industry Council of Ontario, and your funds are protected by their Compensation Fund. Registration # 50011981

HOW DO I GET THE KEYS?
The keys will usually be in a lock box beside the door of the cottage or there will be a combination type entry. You will be advised of the combination at least one week before your holiday.

WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
Unless otherwise noted: Arrival is on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and departure is on Saturday by 11:00 a.m. Weekend or midweek bookings may have departure times of Noon until 2 P.M.

CAN I BOOK AT THE LAST MINUTE?
Some cottages can be rented last minute, no later than 3 days prior, although most require longer lead time, especially in the winter season.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
Cancellations must be in writing. If some or all of the dates can be re-booked, you will receive a refund, prorated, less a cancellation fee of $75 plus GST per week. If the accommodation cannot be rebooked, you forfeit all monies paid.

SCREENING PROCESS
We are handling very expensive private cottages and we need to give the owners a sense that we are renting to responsible people who are going to treat their property with respect. Think of it as if we are renting out YOUR private home. This information is used for internal screening purposes only.

WHY IS THERE A MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY ON COTTAGES?
It is necessary to have a maximum number of people to preserve the demands on the water system, the septic system and to maintain the condition of the cottage. Babies (and all ages) are considered people and are therefore counted.

CAN I OR A GUEST BRING A PET?
Cottages accepting pets (please be aware, only 1 pet per cottage) are the only locations where pets are welcome. Owners of pets at any non-pet cottage will be asked to leave with no compensation given for lost vacation time.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Unless otherwise stated, pillows and blankets are provided, but you must bring your own bed sheets, pillowcases, towels and kitchen linens. In some cases you may be required to bring your own drinking water. For out of the country visitors, arrangements can usually be made to provide linens, if requested; a fee will apply. Advance notice is required.

WHO CLEANS THE COTTAGE?
You do. You are expected to leave the cottage in the same condition you found it, including cleanliness. Cleaning supplies and a check list are provided. It will be inspected as soon as you depart, so that it will be ready for the incoming guests. Failure to do so will result in a charge to your credit card plus an administration charge.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE GARBAGE?
Instructions for garbage disposal are provided at the cottage. No garbage whatsoever is to be left on the premises or you will be subject to a disposal fee, NO exceptions !