Policies & FAQ

Policies

Check in and Check out

Check-In: Any time after 4:00 PM
We kindly ask that you do not arrive early unless pre-approved by management, as we want to ensure everything is perfectly prepared for your stay. If you happen to arrive in the area a bit ahead of time, consider exploring downtown or enjoying one of the nearby hiking trails while you wait.

Check-Out: By 10:00 AM
We appreciate your help in allowing us enough time to get ready for our next guests. After checking out of your cabin, you’re welcome to enjoy our outdoor facilities for the remainder of the day. Please note, however, that bathroom access will not be available once the cabin has been vacated.

We sincerely thank you for respecting our check-in and check-out times. As a small team, we truly rely on this time to ensure each cabin is clean, comfortable, and ready to welcome the next guest with care.

  • For stays of 2 to 6 nights, a deposit equal to 1 night’s stay is required at the time of booking.

  • For weekly reservations, a $350 deposit is required to confirm the reservation at the time of booking.

Due to fire and insurance regulations, we cannot exceed the maximum occupancy limit for each cottage. Please note that all guests count toward this total, including babies and children.

Cancellation & Payment Policy

As a small business, cancellations have a significant impact on our resort. We truly appreciate you giving us as much advance notice as possible to help us fill the vacancy.

Deposits will be refunded (minus a $50 administration fee) if cancellations are made:

  • By April 30 for one-week summer bookings in July and August

  • At least 4 weeks before your arrival for all other bookings

Please note that deposits are non-refundable for:

  • Cancellations during long weekends

  • Cancellations made after April 30 for July and August bookings

  • Bookings made less than 30 days before arrival

HST is extra, and prices may change without notice.

Since a reservation is a firm agreement, we kindly ask for your understanding that no refunds can be given for late arrivals, early departures, or shortened stays.

We’re excited to welcome you! Before you pack, please double-check what we provide and what you’ll need to bring to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay.

Upon arrival, please find a staff member before entering your cabin so we can confirm it’s been cleaned and is ready for you. We’ll also give you a quick outdoor tour to help you get settled in.

Vehicles remain in the parking lot, and luggage carts are available to help you bring your belongings up to your cabin.

You will receive a Guest Registration Form and a Welcome Email one week before your arrival with important details about your stay.

The credit card on file will be charged for your remaining balance on arrival, and an invoice will be emailed to you for your records.

Before you head out, we kindly ask that you return your cabin to the condition in which you found it. A step-by-step checklist is posted on your cabin’s fridge to guide you through the process.

  • Laundry bags are provided – please place used linens and towels in the bags and leave them on your deck.

  • Wash, dry, and put away all dishes before departure.

  • Double-check the cabin (including drawers, under beds, and bathroom) to ensure you’ve packed all your personal belongings.

  • Once you’ve vacated your cabin, notify a staff member so we can prepare for the next guests.

  • Leave your keys inside the cabin and leave the door unlocked.

As a small housekeeping team, we truly rely on our guests to help us by leaving the cabins tidy, so we can focus on preparing a welcoming space for those arriving next. Thank you for your care and cooperation.

We understand that pets are part of the family and are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs to The Pines Cottage Resort.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for all guests, we kindly ask that you follow our pet guidelines:

  • A maximum of 2 dogs per cabin is allowed.

  • Dogs must be supervised at all times and never left alone in the cabin or on the grounds.

  • Please keep dogs on a leash when outside your cabin.

  • Clean up after your pet promptly—waste bags are not provided, so please bring your own.

  • Dogs are not permitted on furniture or beds. If needed, we’re happy to provide drop cloths to help protect the furniture—just let us know.

  • Excessive barking or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to ask guests to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

An additional $25 per pet, per day fee applies. Please let us know at the time of booking if you’re bringing a dog so we can make the appropriate arrangements.

Thank you for helping us keep The Pines comfortable and welcoming for all guests

  • Cottage Condition:
    Cabins not left in an acceptable condition upon check-out will be subject to an additional $200 damage deposit charged at check-out.

  • No Smoking:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cottages. 

Slightly elevated view of walkway down to lake beach

Things to Know Before Booking

What You Will Find in the Cabins

  • Linens & Towels:

    • Sheets (fitted & flat), mattress pads, pillows with protectors and cases

    • Bath, hand, and face towels

    • Tea towels and dish cloths

    • Oven mitts

    • (We provide one complete set per stay; feel free to bring extras if needed)

  • Dishware:

    • Dinner plates, side plates, serving platter, bowls

    • Cutlery, glasses, mugs, wine glasses

  • Kitchenware & Appliances:

    • Pots, pans, cookie sheet, cake pan, fat tin

    • Cutting board, knives

    • Serving utensils: ladle, wooden spoons, whisk, spatula, peeler, scissors, tongs, flipper, pastry brush, serving spoon, corkscrew, can opener

    • Milk jug, juice jug, measuring cup, ice cube trays

    • Mixing bowls, strainer, grater

    • Stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, toaster, coffee maker, kettle, fan(s)

    • Dish rack, garbage bins (clear bags), recycling bin

    • Fly swatter, fire extinguisher, flashlight

  • Cleaning Supplies:

    • Hand soap, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner

  • BBQs & Propane:

    • BBQ, lighter, and propane on each cabin porch

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  • Blankets, comforters, quilts, duvets, or sleeping bags

  • Personal toiletries (body soap, shampoo, beach towels)
    (Hand soap provided in bathrooms)

  • Specialty kitchen items (blender, crock pot, food processor, etc.)

  • Roasting sticks

  • Groceries (saran wrap, tin foil, salt & pepper, paper towels, scouring pads/sponges)

  • Extra fans (one provided per bedroom; no A/C in cottages, but you can cool off in the lake!)

  • Games or outdoor gear (bikes, fishing rods, etc.)

  • Bug protection (spray, jackets, AfterBite, Reactine, etc.)

  • Optional: standalone canopy or screened tent for shade or rain shelter on the deck

A canoe sits on a beach at sunset

FAQ

Can I bring additional guests?

Any additional guests beyond what is registered with the reservation must first be approved by management.

We welcome small respectful group gatherings and reunions at The Pines. Due to the small and intimate nature of our property we have no tolerance for disruptive gatherings or community disturbances. If partying is an important part of your holiday plan we recommend seeking out an a more suitable location to accommodate your group needs.

We’re committed to making your stay as comfortable and safe as possible.

  • There is always someone available during the day to assist with guest needs.

  • If we happen to be off property for a short time, a note will be posted on the office door with contact information so you can easily reach us.

  • An onsite manager is available to assist with late arrivals and can be contacted in case of emergency.

  • For your safety, we also have first aid equipment and a defibrillator (AED) available onsite.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

The water in all of our cabins is safe to drink and is tested regularly for quality and safety. It goes through three purification systems: filtration, UV treatment, and chlorine.

We recommend letting the tap water run for a few minutes before drinking.

There is a well located in front of the residence, which you are welcome to use. Many of our guests enjoy and prefer this water. However, please note that the well water is not part of our tested system and is used at your own discretion.

All of our cabins are equipped with electric baseboard heaters to keep you warm during the cooler spring and fall months.

Please note that our cabins do not have air conditioning. However, we provide a fan in each bedroom to help keep you comfortable during warmer weather.

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We believe that part of the cottage experience is leaving the distractions behind. That’s why you won’t find TVs in our cabins—encouraging time to reconnect with nature, family, and friends.

While we keep things simple, Wi-Fi is available if needed:

  • Our Wi-Fi signal is limited to the area around the office. You’re welcome to sit on the bench or chairs near the office to connect.

  • Cabin #10 has a small Wi-Fi room available to guests for brief internet use, such as checking emails or attending to work matters.

    • Please note: this space is no longer intended as a social area, out of respect for guests staying in Cabin #10.

Cell phone coverage is generally reliable, and most guests are able to access their data plans from their cabins.

We do not have laundry facilities on-site. However, there are two laundromats located in Huntsville, just a short drive away, should you need to do laundry during your stay.

Yes! We have an EV charging stations for guest use during your stay with us. It is a Level 2, Core +, universal charging stations. Please remember to bring an adapter for your Tesla vehicle. Have the FLO app downloaded and payment ready on your phone. The fee for the charging station is $2 per hour, and all payments are made directly through the FLO app. Please be mindful of other guests who need to charge at our stations as well.

Yes, we have two communal fire pits available for guests, with wood and tools provided. Fires are allowed after 7:00 PM, and the last guest using a fire pit is responsible for fully extinguishing it with the bucket of water provided. Please bring your own roasting sticks.

For the safety and comfort of all our guests, fireworks are strictly prohibited at The Pines Cottage Resort.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a peaceful and safe environment for everyone.

Please note: According to local by-law, fireworks are only permitted in Algonquin Highlands over the Canada Day period. If you’re visiting during this time, you may hear or see fireworks displays from neighbouring resorts, though none will take place on our property.

Out of respect for our guests and the surrounding community, we kindly ask that all guests observe a quiet time after 11:00 PM.

When it comes to music, we ask that guests use headphones rather than playing music aloud. The Pines is a small, peaceful property, and sound carries easily—what may be enjoyable for one guest can impact the experience for others.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a quiet, relaxing environment for everyone.

Bugs & Wildlife
Depending on the season, you may encounter insects such as mosquitoes and black flies—an unavoidable part of the natural environment here. We recommend bringing bug spray and suitable protective clothing to stay comfortable during your stay.

While we take care to keep our cabins sealed and clean, the occasional critter may still make its way inside. If that happens, we’re here to help and will do our best to assist.

To help minimize encounters with bugs and wildlife, please:

  • Keep all food sealed and stored properly

  • Avoid leaving garbage outside your cabin

  • Refrain from feeding any wildlife

Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Our beach at Oxtongue Lake is a beautiful and family-friendly spot, with shallow water near the shore that makes it ideal for kids to swim and play. However, the water does gradually deepen further out, and there is no lifeguard on duty. For safety, guests swim at their own risk, and we ask that adults closely supervise their children at all times. To add to the fun, we offer a dock, swim raft, and water trampoline, perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy.

Yes! During your stay, guests have access to canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). We have plenty available, and they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Lifejackets, paddles, and bail buckets are also provided to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the water. Please note that the motor boat on the property is for staff use only.

Guests are welcome to bring their own motor boat, but prior approval from the resort is required.

Please note the following:

  • Boats cannot be launched on-site. You’ll need to use the public boat launch on Harris Road.

  • We have a small dock available for tying up your boat, or you may beach it along the shoreline.

  • If you’re bringing a boat, please speak with a staff member upon arrival for assistance with where to park your boat trailer during your stay.

As for Seadoos and ATVs:

Due to the intimate nature of our property and the lake, these vehicles are not permitted at The Pines. We’ve found them to be disruptive to the peaceful atmosphere that our guests and community value. We kindly ask that you leave them at home or enjoy them on a larger, more suitable lake nearby.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us preserve the quiet, relaxed environment that makes The Pines special.

We do recycle but do not offer composting on-site. The township requires all garbage to be placed in clear bags—black bags are not permitted. If you need additional or larger clear bags during your stay, just ask us, and we’ll be happy to provide them. Please bring all garbage and recycling to the green bins located beside the housekeeping shed. Be sure to follow the posted instructions to properly separate containers and fibers, and place bottle returns in the designated bin.

If we are aware of an approaching storm in advance, we will do our best to notify guests ahead of time so you can fill up water containers, check batteries, and charge your devices.

In the event of a power outage, we have a backup generator that powers only our water system to ensure water supply.

Please note:

  • When the generator is not running, water will not be available, and toilets will not function. We can provide buckets of water to help flush the toilets during these times.

  • During an outage, appliances and lights will not be operational in your cabin. We encourage guests to avoid opening fridges and freezers to help keep the cold air inside and preserve your food.

  • You may continue to use your BBQ for cooking.

  • The generator will run sporadically throughout the day, typically around meal times—please plan to use water facilities during these periods.

  • The generator will not run overnight.

  • A flashlight will be provided in your cabin for your convenience.

  • Management will keep you informed about when power is expected to be restored. We will try to communicate with guests in person or send group text messages to keep everyone updated.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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