Cottage Information Package - Relax Muskoka Cottage Rentals

G r e at B l u e C o t t ag e
on Pickerel Lake
Summer 2015
Named after a frequent guest… the Great Blue Herring!
Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/IZdca
Hello and happy summer! We are very excited that you have decided to spend your summer vacation at “Great
Blue” on Pickerel Lake, one of our four private cottages. Now in our 16th 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 “Great Blue”, 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
THE JOURNEY
BEGINS HERE
ABOUT THE COTTAGE
Located in between the village of Burks Falls and Sundridge, this spacious cottage property is situated on a
private lot offering a two cottage concept – the main cottage and a guest cottage. With southern exposure, the
cottages have a beautiful, private sand beach with a gradual slope into the water. The large deck from the main
cottage overlooks the lake and the beach volleyball court.
The Main Cottage is a 3 bedroom, split level (2 steps) cottage that is generally open concept with approximately
1,250 square feet of space. The master bedroom, second bedroom, bathroom, and mud room are all on the main
level. The lower level houses one bedroom, the kitchen and the living area.
The Guest Cottage is a two-bedroom cottage with a living area, a full bathroom, wet bar and fridge. It is located
directly beside the main cottage overlooking the lake.
The Games Room is in a separate building near the parking area and houses the ping pong table.
The Kitchen comes 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 (main cottage) – Queen
Bedroom #2 (main cottage) – 2 x Twin (single)
Bedroom #3 (main cottage) – Double/Single bunks
Bedroom #4 (guest cottage) – Double
Bedroom #5 (guest cottage) – Twin (single)
Other – the guest cottage has a double pull out bed (mattress cover is not provided)
Outdoors
There is lots of space on the level grass area at the front and back of the cottage for sports, games and other
outdoor activity! There is a beach volleyball court beside the cottage and a large deck in front for entertaining,
eating, drinking and lazing!
The waterfront at Great Blue is a sand beach waterfront with a very slow sloping decline into the lake. It is ideal
for families with young children. The waterfront is fantastic for swimming, sports or just relaxing!
The lake is 1, 268 acres with 13 kms of shoreline. It’s great for swimming, fishing and boating. Fish species
include bass, pike, pickerel/walleye and some perch. Both rivers coming into and going out of the lake are
accessible by canoe from the cottage. The lake is beautiful and generally very quiet in front of the cottage.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
The Septic Bed
The septic bed is located on the right side of the cottage when looking at it from the road. It is situated
beside the driveway on the other side of the fence. It takes up almost all the space between the main
cottage and the guest cottage. Do not drive any vehicles over top of the septic bed. If you are
launching a boat, this can be done at the end of Kent road or at Russ Haven Resort on the south side of
the lake.
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, paper towel, kleenex or
excessive TP in the toilet. Finally, for the protection of our environment, please use environmentally
friendly detergents and shampoos.
Water
The cottage is on a drilled well water system. Although the water is clean and clear, due to the
heightened water restrictions by the ministry of natural resources and the ministry of the environment, we
recommend bringing drinking water with you. Beyond that, the water is safe to cook and clean with.
Lake
The beach front is a sand beach. The waterfront is not suitable for diving, as it is too shallow. Thers is
no dock. There is a swim raft in front of the cottage that can be used for swimming, fishing and relaxing.
The water depth varies at the swim raft but is generally 8 feet deep. The lake floor is mostly clear sand,
with some clams 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.
Lake 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 wireless internet service at the cottage. Mobile service can be spotty at times
depending on your service provider. Our experience is that service is better outside on the deck. It is
important to note 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 use caution in and around the shed located behind the games room. This is the maintenance shed,
which houses our property maintenance equipment, and is not a safe place for children to play.
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:
“Great Blue” Information Package (including directions)
Bedding, pillows and blankets
Drinking water and good food!
First aid kit
Towels (bath and beach)
Toilet paper and paper towel
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/ VHS movies
Music / CD’s for the stereo
Fishing rods and tackle
Firewood
Bug spray
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 television, DVD player, stereo and
propane BBQ.
Activities and games include a canoe, paddle boat, ping-pong table, board games, fire pit, a swim raft, picnic
table and various other items.
Cleaning supplies are located under the sinks in the kitchen and in the bathroom. 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 nearby the television. Cable/satellite is not available and
reception is limited to one or two channels on a good day.
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 the paddle boat are stored by the waterfront. Please ensure they are not left in the water
at night or when you leave the premises.
Paddles for the canoe are located underneath the canoe (or sometimes in the deck box, games room or shed)
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 games room. Unfortunately ping-pong balls are
easily broken and frequently not replaced. To ensure you are able to play, we recommend that you bring
extra ping-pong balls with you.
Wood for the campfire can be found in the forest 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.
There is a deck box at the cottage that houses various outdoor games and equipment.
The swim raft is anchored in front of the cottage approximately 200 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, kayaks 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 Burks Falls Landfill Site or brought home with you when you
leave.
Directions to the landfill site and hours of operation are included below.
Landfill Card:
The Landfill Card must be presented to gain access to the landfill site. The card will be left on the fridge (in a
magnetic clip) or on the kitchen counter upon your arrival. Please ensure the card is returned to the fridge
and left at the cottage when you leave.
Do not leave garbage outside - this will attract wildlife that you do not want around!
Garbage can be temporarily stored in the games room until you are able to take it to the landfill site however
please do not leave it there.
Fee for lost or misplaced Landfill Card - $75.00:
Please ensure the Landfill Card is left on the counter in the cottage when you leave. A fee of $75.00 will be
applied if the card is lost or temporarily 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.
Thank-You for properly dealing with your trash!
Burks Falls Landfill Site
141 Chetwynd Rd, Armour, ON
Directions: (approx. trip time – under 20 minutes)
Drive back out to Hwy 11 and turn left (drive into Burks Falls)
Turn left onto Ontario Street, take the first left after the bridge onto Young St.
Follow Young St. over the bridge (becomes Victoria St.) and past the rail tracks (becomes Chetwynd
Rd.) - the Burks Falls landfill site is on the right hand side at 141 Chetwynd Rd.
Hours of Operation: http://www.burksfalls.net/landfill-services.htm
Summer Hours (May 1 - August 31)
Thursday - Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Winter Hours (September 1 – April 30)
Thursday - Tuesday 11am - 5pm
*Closed Wednesdays / OPEN during summer hours on Canada Day, Civic Holiday and Labour Day
IDEAS & THINGS TO DO…
On-site / Walking distance
A canoe & paddle boat are provided for your use. Please use them responsibly and at your own risk.
Pickerel Lake has excellent fishing - bait can be bought in Sundridge.
Outdoor games, board games, cards, ping-pong, nature walks, biking, hiking, swimming, exploring.
Swim, 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 15 minutes from the cottage. The town is
situated alongside beautiful Lake Bernard, which has the distinction of being the world’s largest body of
fresh water without an island. There is a beautiful public beach in town – great for swimming and play.
Area walking trails, picnic areas and public beaches and parks.
Our recommended restaurant 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 serious golfers, 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, a basic 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!
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. Value Mart is located in Burks Falls
and there is a Foodland and a butcher in Sundridge.
The LCBO is on Hwy 11 in Sundridge by Home Hardware and the LCBO is beside the Value Mart in Burks
Falls 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 100% reliable.
Service is available in the area (neighboring cottages) for emergency purposes.
DIRECTIONS
390 Kent Rd, Burks Falls, ON P0A 1Z0
http://goo.gl/maps/IZdca
Coming from Toronto
400 North becomes Hwy 11 North
Drive through Huntsville and past Burks Falls
Take the first exit past Burks Falls – to Pickerel & Jack Lake Rd.
When you exit Hwy 11, you will come to a stop sign – go straight. Turn right onto Pickerel & Jack
Lake Rd at the next stop sign.
Follow Pickerel & Jack Lake Rd. (east) for approx 5 km
Turn Left onto Ely Side Rd. – follow to stop sign at the end;
Turn Right onto North Pickerel Lake Rd.
Follow North Pickerel lake Rd. to the fork in the road (approx 2 km) – stay Left
Continue for another 2.2km to another fork in the road – go Right (Pevensey Rd.)
Continue for another 1 km to Kent Rd. – turn right;
Follow Kent Rd. (please drive slowly) to the end and turn left at the lake
The cottage is on the right side - #390 Kent Rd.
Welcome to the Cottage!
Directions from Cottage to Sundridge
Follow Dobbs Rd. out to Pevensey Rd. – turn right onto Pevency Rd.
Cross bridge and veer left.
Follow paved road (approx 10 minutes) until T intersection - turn left into town.
Welcome to Sundridge!
Directions from Cottage to Burks Falls
Reverse directions above OR try the following alternate route:
Turn left out of Dobbs Rd. onto Pevency Rd.
Turn right at the first fork (stay on Pevency Rd).
Follow Pevency Rd. to Hwy 11 – go south and take first exit into 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 Great Blue
(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!