Cottage Information Package - Relax Muskoka Cottage Rentals

Treetops Cottage
on Forest Lake
Summer 2015
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/yrA4S
Hello and happy summer! We are very excited that you have decided to spend your summer vacation at
“Treetops Cottage” on Forest Lake, one of our four private cottages. Now in our 10th year of rental at this
cottage, much time and effort has been spent in its preparation for this coming summer. We hope you enjoy it!!!
Your feedback is very important to us as it has a direct effect on where we focus our attention for continued
improvement. Although we are confident everything is in order for you to have a wonderful cottage experience,
we encourage your feedback and appreciate your comments. At the end of this package you will find a feedback
form. We would like to thank-you in advance for taking the time to complete it.
For those of you who are returning for another summer holiday at “Treetops”, we would like to thank you for
your continued support and interest in the cottage. You will note various changes and some improvements to
both the building and property thanks to your feedback!
It is our hope that your cottage experience will be as enjoyable as possible during your stay. If you have any
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We are always happy to hear from you!
Contact numbers are listed below in the “Mini-Directory”.
ABOUT THE TOWN OF SUNDRIDGE
Sundridge is a picturesque village located two and a half hours north of Toronto at the intersection of Highway
11 and 124. The town is located on the shoreline of Lake Bernard in the heart of Almaguin Highlands. Things to
do and see in this area include deep water trout fishing, public beaches at Federal Wharf and Lake Bernard Park,
a panoramic view of Lake Bernard from High Rock public lookout, dining, shopping and plenty of outdoor
adventure – hiking, biking, boating, nature, swimming… the list goes on!
Originally Sundridge was supposed to be named Sunny Ridge, but when the name was applied for in the late
1800's, an error at the post office department resulted in the name becoming Sundridge. Residents at the time
were more interested in mail service than in correcting the name, so Sundridge it was.
Sundridge has the largest shopping selection within a sixty kilometer radius. It has a large grocery store,
hardware store, butcher, café’s, restaurants, LCBO and most other conveniences. In Sundridge it is easy to find
the necessary goods as a visitor. A casual stroll through the village streets will make people aware of the many
unique businesses, restaurants and corner variety stores that cater to residents and tourists. There is a large
resort, centrally located and only steps away from the Water Front and municipal dock.
About 8 km north of Sundridge lies the Village of South River, featuring cycling, hiking, tennis courts,
horseback riding and hay rides. The South River Information Centre is the home of the Highland Farmer's
Market every Saturday morning through the summer months.
Signposts with the Forgotten Trails logo are a familiar sight throughout the district and direct visitors to a
system of all season trails that are used for hiking and cycling in the summer months. The Forgotten Trails,
which include the Old Nipissing Road, Old Muskoka Road and Old Rye Road, signify a group of long forgotten
colonization roads that brought the first settlers to their promised tracts of free land in the north. The Forgotten
Trails brochure, which includes a detailed map of the trail system, is available at local businesses and at the
Visitor Information Centres.
THE JOURNEY
BEGINS HERE
ABOUT THE COTTAGE
Located less than 10 minutes from Sundridge, this four bedroom cottage offers families a waterfront cottage
experience with many of the comforts you would expect with being at home. The cottage, located on the west
side of Forest Lake, is mainly open concept with two levels totaling over 1,500 square feet of space.
The main level houses the kitchen, a dining area, a living area and the bathroom. The upper level of the cottage
has a spacious recreation room (with a TV & DVD player), and the four bedrooms.
The games room is located on the top floor of the garage. It is accessed around the back, at the top of the
staircase. The games room houses the ping pong table.
Kitchen - Complete with all basic kitchenware and dishes, including fridge, stove, oven, microwave, coffee
maker and toaster.
Bedrooms and bedding – All beds have mattress covers on them, however bedding is not provided. For your
reference and planning, the bed sizes are detailed below:
Bedroom #1 - Queen bed
Bedroom #2 - 2 x Twin (single)
Bedroom #3 - Double bed
Bedroom #4 - Double bed
There is also a pull-out couch that fits double size bedding (mattress cover is not provided).
Outdoors
Though the cottage is on a sloped property that is well treed, there is a large driveway and open grassed areas for
sports, games and other outdoor activity.
The waterfront slopes fairly quickly into the lake. It has a short dock which is ideal for jumping (no diving) and
fishing from. Swimmers can walk in from the waters edge beside the dock where the water is shallow. The base
of the lake at the waterfront is mostly sand with occasional rocks.
Forest Lake is a smaller lake that is great for swimming, fishing and boating. The lake is beautiful and is very
quiet in front of the cottage.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
The Septic Bed
The septic bed is located on the left side of the cottage when looking at it from the road. Because we are
on a septic system, we ask that you use only single ply toilet paper and be aware of what you are putting
in the toilet. Please do not dispose of feminine hygiene products in the toilet. Finally, for the protection
of our environment, please use environmentally friendly detergents and shampoos.
Water
The cottage draws its water from the lake. Although we do have a filtration system in the cottage, the
water is not drinkable. The tap water is clean and safe and can be used for showers, cleaning and
cooking. We recommend that that you bring up drinking water or purchase it in town.
Lake
The waterfront is sand based and is not suitable for diving, as it is too shallow. The depth at the waters
edge is less than 1 foot deep and it slopes into the lake fairly quickly. The swim raft is in front of the
cottage and can be used for swimming, fishing and relaxing. At the end of the dock, the water is
approximately 6 feet deep (depending on lake levels). The lake floor is mostly clear, with some clams
and occasional weeds in the main swimming area.
Boating / Life Jackets:
We recommend bringing your own PFD's (personal flotation devices) better known as life jackets. Every
person in a boat of any kind in Ontario is required to have a life jacket. Life jackets are a very personal
thing - you should go to a store where someone can help you choose the right kind of life jacket and have
it fitted properly. Failure to have a life jacket while in a boat in Ontario could result in a heavy fine. Our
waterways are now consistently patrolled by the Marine Division of the Ontario Provincial Police.
In addition, every boat that leaves shore should be equipped with a bailer, a 15 meter floating rope,
a waterproof flashlight and waterproof whistle. At the beginning of the rental season, we ensure this
equipment is supplied for each watercraft at the cottage. If this equipment is missing, it is up to you to
ensure that these articles are in your watercraft before leaving the dock or shore to satisfy Ontario Safe
Boating Regulations. This equipment can be purchased at a marina in the area or at the hardware store.
Once again, failure to have this equipment on board or in proper working condition could result in a fine.
Driveway:
The driveway at the cottage is reasonably steep. If you are concerned about getting your car back up the
hill, please park half way down where the slope is more moderate. RelaxMuskoka is not responsible for
any issues you have with vehicles or parking - please use caution!
Courtesy Quiet Hours
Due to the ease of noise travel across the water on the lake, it is our hope that you will be respectful of
the cottagers around you. We ask that you be aware of noise levels when outside at all times and that you
make an extra effort to keep noise levels down after dark. This is a general rule/courtesy that we hope all
cottagers adhere to. There is a complete noise restriction on the lake after 11pm.
Mobile Reception
We do not provide phone or wireless internet service at the cottage and mobile service is spotty at best.
Mobile service should not be relied upon at the cottage or in the surrounding areas and you should be
prepared in case of an emergency.
IMPORTANT:
We cannot guarantee a risk free property since we do not provide day-to-day site supervision. In order to
manage the risks on site for you and future cottagers please ensure that all garbage and debris is properly
disposed of (i.e. any broken glass, or other materials which may cause harm). We ask that you tour the
cottage and the cottage grounds upon arrival to check for any possible hazards. Please contact us as soon
as possible to advise us of any problems.
PLEASE BE SAFE!!!
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
To ensure you are fully prepared, here is a checklist of items you will need, or items we suggest you bring:
“Treetops Cottage” Information Package (including directions)
Bedding, pillows and blankets
Drinking water and good food!
First aid kit
Towels (bath and beach)
Suntan lotion, hats and sun glasses
Life jackets (size specific)
Extra beach toys, water toys and toys for the sand
Water shoes
Reading material / A good book or two…
Ping pong balls
DVD’s
Music / CD’s for the stereo
Fishing rods and tackle
Firewood
Bug spray
Toilet paper & paper towel
Laundry detergent (environmentally friendly please!)
Standard propane tank for the BBQ - there is a tank at the cottage and we recommend using it however if you
want to ensure it has propane upon your arrival, we suggest you bring your own. Propane tanks can be
refilled in town.
More space for your ideas:
WHAT WE PROVIDE FOR YOU
When you arrive at the cottage, it is our hope that you will find everything you need for a relaxing, fun-filled
week.
The cottage comes complete with all basic kitchenware and dishes, a televisions, VCR/DVD player, stereo,
and propane BBQ.
Activities and games include a canoe, kayak, ping-pong table, board games, fire pit, dock, a swim raft, picnic
table and various other items.
Cleaning supplies are located under the sinks in both the kitchen and the bathroom and in the hall closet. We
suggest that you bring up toilet paper (reminder, one ply only please due to septic restrictions) and paper
towels.
You will find a selection of movies located around the television.
There is a selection of books for all age groups, as well as various puzzles and games located throughout the
cottage.
Both the canoe and kayak are stored at the waterfront by the docks. Please ensure they are not left in the
water at night or when you leave the premises.
Paddles for the canoe and kayak are located underneath the deck (or sometimes underneath the canoe)
Though we recommend bringing your own lifejackets, we do have some life jackets which are stored inside
the cottage (adult size). Please be sure to keep the life jackets inside the cottage unless damp. You are
responsible to ensure life jackets are proper fitting – see “Boating/Life Jackets” section above.
Paddles and balls for the ping-pong table are kept in the ping-pong area. Unfortunately ping-pong balls are
easily broken and frequently not replaced. To ensure you are able to play, we recommend that you bring
extra balls with you.
Though the cottage does have wooded forest on the property, wood for the camp fire should be brought up or
purchased in the area. Please be responsible with the size of all campfires and ensure they are fully
extinguished each night. Open fires are not permitted at any time between 10am and 6pm. Also be certain to
check on fire bans in the area before you light up. This can be done by checking newspapers or asking in
town. You are responsible for meeting with any fire ban restrictions that may be in place during your stay.
Violation of fire bans will result in a hefty fine from the ministry.
Bedding is not provided, however all beds have mattress covers on them..
The swim raft is anchored in front of the cottage approximately 50 feet from the shoreline.
Feel free to use all the equipment on the property but please take care of it and be sure to return all items to their
original location. We also ask that you keep the canoe, kayak and other equipment clean out of respect for the
other groups as we do not clean these during changeover.
Please use caution when using the equipment and boats provided. We take no responsibility for any injury or
accidents associated with their use. Please enjoy them safely but use them at your own risk.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE GARBAGE?
Garbage is one thing that is often overlooked when thinking about your cottage getaway.
Since there is no garbage pickup at the cottage, you must take it upon yourselves to dispose
of your own trash.
How to dispose of garbage and recycles:
All garbage and recycles must be taken to the Sundridge Landfill Site (Landfill #1 at 483 Forest Lake Rd.) or
brought home with you when you leave. Entry into the landfill site requires a magnetic “Gate Card”.
The Gate Card System:
When you arrive at the landfill site you must drive up to the gate and place the Gate Card onto the magnetic
reader. The gate will open and you can enter. This landfill site is divided into specific areas for certain types of
garbage.
The Household garbage area is located on the left side as you enter after the gate and the recycling area is in the
large covered building.
Please ensure you dispose of your trash according to the designated areas. The recycling area has detailed
signage to assist you. If you have any questions, just ask. Most people are very friendly and happy to help.
Otherwise, there is a site operator (Mike) that will be able to help with your questions.
You will find the Gate Card at the cottage on the fridge or kitchen counter when you arrive. Please ensure the
card is left at the cottage, on the fridge or kitchen counter when you leave.
Do not leave garbage outside - this will attract wildlife that you do not want around!
Garbage should be stored temporarily indoors until you are able to take it to the landfill site (due to animals).
Fee for lost or misplaced Gate Card - $75.00:
Please ensure the Gate Card is left at the cottage when you leave. A fee of $75.00 will be applied if the card is
lost or misplaced.
Fee for garbage left behind - $50.00 per bag:
We do our best to look after the property and the environment by trying to keep it clean. We have implemented a
fee for garbage that is not appropriately dealt with. Any garbage that is left at the cottage after you leave will
result in a charge of $50.00 per bag, a fee that will be deducted from your security deposit. The fee will also be
applied if garbage is found on or around the property, around the deck or by the waterfront.
Thank-You for properly dealing with your trash!
Sundridge Landfill Site – Landfill #1
483 Forest Lake Rd.
Directions (from Treetops): (approx. trip time - under 15 minutes)
Drive out of the cottage and turn left at the bottom of the hill onto Peacock Rd.
Take the first left onto Lynch Lake Rd.
Turn right onto Forest Lake Rd. – the Sundridge Landfill site is on the left side.
Hours of Operation:
Summer Hours (May 1 to Oct 31)
Daily 9am – 5pm
Winter Hours (Nov 1 to Apr 30)
Daily 10am – 5pm
IDEAS & THINGS TO DO…
On-site / Walking Distance
A canoe and kayak is provided at the cottage for your use. Please use them responsibly and at your own risk.
Forest lake has excellent fishing - bait can be bought in Sundridge.
Outdoor games, board games, cards, ping-pong, nature walks, biking, hiking, swimming, exploring.
Eat, drink, sun, nap, read.
Watch a movie from one of the many films in the TV cabinet.
Laze, relax and do absolutely nothing by the water!
A Short Drive
Sundridge - http://www.sundridge.ca
Sunny Sundridge is the largest town in the area and is about 10 minutes from the cottage. In town, there is a
great public beach and park for kids.
Area walking trails, picnic areas and public beaches and parks.
Our restaurant recommendation is Michaels on Main St. Best food in Sundridge and is reasonably priced!
If you are looking for some fine dining head over to Danny’s Justa Pasta in between Burks Falls and
Sundridge, on Hwy 11. Though the food is comparable to Michaels on Main, the décor is slightly better.
The Maple Sugar House Museum gives a year round peek into the methods of sap collection and processing.
Golf – Ten Gables Inn is an affordable, basic 9 hole course in Sundridge. Eagle Lake Golf & Country is in
South River and is a step up from Ten Gables. For 18 hole golf courses, we recommend Huntsville.
Burks Falls:
The Village of Burks Falls has some craft stores and antique shops, L.C.B.O/ beer store, Home Hardware
store, restaurants and two licensed Bars. It also has a picnic area, an art gallery, many arts and crafts studios
and a large grocery store (Valu-Mart). It also hasthe closest Tim Hortons which is about 15 minutes from
the cottage.
Visit the Burks Falls Flea Market (open weekends only) which is located off Ontario street in downtown
Burks Falls.
Other
Algonquin Park and all its attractions are less than 45 minutes away!
Check out Santa’s Village in Bracebridge Ontario, a one hour drive away.
Parry Sound is only 1 hour from us and has a fantastic 3 hour boat cruise (about $20.00 per person).
Take day trips to the town of Huntsville (30 minutes) or the town of Parry Sound (1 hour) or the city of North
Bay (45 minutes). All have great shopping and many activities.
Great golfing in Huntsville – be sure to book your tee off time…
For Groceries, Beer and Liquor
Both Sundridge and Burks Falls have large grocery stores and LCBO. There is a Foodland and a butcher in
Sundridge and a Value Mart is located in Burks Falls.
There is a LCBO is on Hwy 11 in Sundridge by Home Hardware. The LCBO in Burks Falls is beside the
Value Mart at the south end of town.
MINI-DIRECTORY
Emergency
Dial 911
Fire Department (Sundridge)
Health Center (Burks Falls)
Huntsville District Hospital
North Bay General Hospital
Veterinary Clinic (Sundridge)
705
705
705
705
705
Andrew Martin
Jay Martin
705 345-8896
416 577-4119
384-7378
382-2900
789-2311
474-8600
384-7366 or/ 705 384-0325
Sundridge:
Danny's Justa Pasta
Eagle Lake Golf and Country Club
Fish Tales Guide and Charter Service
Home Hardware
Maple Sugar House and Village Gift Shop
Michaels on Main
Red Brick Café & Gift House
Sundridge Marina
Sundridge Foodland
Sundridge Laundromat
Sundridge Meats & Deli
Sundridge Guardian Pharmacy
Ten Gables Golf Course
Tucks Bait & Tackle
705 384-5542
705 386-0261
705 386-8338
705 384-5365
705 384-7764
705-384-5447
705 384-2739
705 384-7469
705-384-5378
705-384-7648
705-384-7431
705-384-5335
705 384-5844
705-384-9845
Other:
Ahmic Lake Golf Course
Clear Lake Riding Stables
Hydro Outage
Magnetawan Area Trail Info Line
Little East River Farm
Santa’s Village
Boat Smart Canada
Canadian Office of Boating Safety
705
705
800
705
705
705
387-3961
387-4464
434-1235
474-5420
571-1612
645-2412
www.boatsmartcanada.com
www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/menu.htm
* We do NOT have a telephone land line at the cottage and cell phone reception is not reliable.
Service is available in the area (neighboring cottages) for emergency purposes.
DIRECTIONS
13 Peacock Rd. Sundridge, ON P0A 1Z0
https://goo.gl/maps/yrA4S
Coming from Toronto
400 North becomes hwy #11 North
Past Huntsville and continue past Burks Falls
Exit and go north onto Hwy 124 - follow signs to Sundridge. Drive through Sundridge. The third street
on the right past the town of Sundridge is Peacock Rd.
Turn right onto Peacock Rd and continue straight for approx. 6km until you come to a “no exit sign”
where you continue through until you come to the end of the road
Turn right up the (big) hill and continue along the road. We are the third driveway on the left.
Please drive carefully – the road is narrow and can be difficult to navigate at night.
The cottage address is 13 Peacock Rd however it is not marked. You will recognize the garage/cottage
from the road and from the signage posted.
Welcome to the Cottage!
Directions from Cottage to Sundridge
Down the hill and left out along Peacock Rd. to Hwy 124.
Turn left onto Hwy 124 and continue until you reach Sundridge.
Welcome to Sundridge!
Directions from Cottage to Burks Falls
Down the hill and left out along Peacock Rd. to Hwy 124.
Turn left onto Hwy 124 and drive through Sundridge, and go south onto Hwy 11 – exit at Burks Falls
Welcome to Burks Falls!
IN CLOSING…
We hope you have a great time at the cottage! Summer 2015 promises to be a memorable one, perfect for time
spent by the water in cottage country. We are always working to improve our cottages, we hope to hear back
from you with ideas and suggestions to improve the cottage for years to come.
Thank-you in advance for sharing your summer holidays with us this year, and again, please contact us with any
questions or concerns!
Have a great summer!
Regards,
Andrew & Jay Martin
Had a good week? Consider booking weekend in the fall!
We rent out the cottage year round! In the shoulder seasons, we rent any amount of days, as well as weekends.
If you are interested in renting for a week or weekend in the off-season we offer a discounted rate to our summer
renters. Dates are flexible in terms of start and finish, and weekend rentals usually run from Friday through
Sunday.
Please feel free to call us for inquiries or e-mail us at info@relaxmuskoka.com
Comment and feedback sheet for Treetops
(for the end of your visit)
In order for us to improve the cottage experience for future years, we ask that you please answer the following
questions. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will help us make appropriate changes and renovations for
next summer. We appreciate you taking the time!
1. Was the cottage clean and welcoming upon your arrival?
2. Did all equipment included in the rental meet your standards and expectations?
3. Did you feel you were accurately informed regarding the cottage and all things included in the rental? How
could we have better informed you?
4. What are some suggestions that you have, to make your vacation better?
5. What information would be helpful to better prepare you and your family for your holiday?
6. How would you rate your overall visit?
7. Would you recommend our cottage to friends?
8. Other comments?
Thank-you for completing this questionnaire, we hope you had a wonderful time at the cottage!