Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything you need to know about staying at Crowe River Retreat, from booking details to amenities and policies.

Water, Beach & Outdoor Access

Q: What is the river like?
A: The Crowe River here is calm, quiet, and peaceful and is more of a wide, slow-moving stretch than a busy boating channel. You won’t find heavy boat traffic, loud water sports, or choppy water, which makes it perfect for swimming, paddling, fishing, and simply enjoying nature. It’s common to hear birds, see frogs along the shoreline, and enjoy still mornings on the water with very little disturbance.

Q: How deep is the water at the end of the dock, and is it safe to jump?
A: The water at the end of the dock is approximately 2.5–3.5 feet deep, depending on water levels. It’s perfect for small kids to jump and play safely, but older kids and adults should not jump due to shallow depth. NO DIVING for anyone, including small children.

Q: Is there deep water for swimming?
A: The water gets deeper as you swim out to the middle, the water is generally pretty deep aside from the shore area and can be up to 35' deep in some areas.

Q: Are there weeds or obstacles near the dock?
A: The swimming area along the sides of the dock and 3–4 feet in front is clear of weeds. The bottom is sandy/muddy, though small sticks or zebra mussel shells may occasionally appear in shallow areas, so water shoes are optional. Kids and adults enjoy wading in the shallow area and swimming out to deeper waters.

Q: What is the entry into the water like?
A: Entry is easy from the dock or beach as it is a very gradual and gentle slope. The bottom is natural/sandy/muddy. The water is cool-warm in the summer months. 

Q: Can we see more photos or videos of the water?
A: Yes! We have recent photos and videos on our Instagram and Facebook or linked on our website. We are also happy to send some pictures over if you do not have social media. 

Q: Is there a beach?
A: Yes! Guests have access to a private beach. The beach is generally available from the last weekend in June until late fall as the beach may wash away in the spring due to varying water levels.

Q: Are there stairs or a long walk to the water?
A: The cottage sits on a larger, grassy yard, so it only takes a minute or two to get down to the river. There are no stairs, and the gentle slope makes it really easy for kids to run around safely. Many families love that the water isn’t right at the door so it feels private and secure while still being super accessible.

Q: What is fishing like?
A: Fishing on the Crowe River in Ontario offers a mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, and other freshwater species. Anglers can fish from the dock, kayaks, or boats, with early morning and dusk usually giving the best action. The river at the cottage is very light on traffic which makes fishing more enjoyable.

Q? Are the canoes and kayaks and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) available year-round?
A: Yes! Our canoes and kayaks are available throughout the year. In October, we move them closer to the house for safekeeping, but they can still be used anytime. That said, many guests typically choose not to use them from November through March due to colder weather, water and higher water levels.

Q? Can I bring my boat?
A: Yes! Yes, guests are welcome to bring a small boat. Water depth at the end of the dock ranges from approximately 2.5–4 feet, depending on the season (deeper in early summer, shallower in late August). Our dock is best suited for small, shallow-draft boats up to about 14–16 ft, such as aluminum fishing boats, jon boats, and small utility boats. Larger boats, including bass boats, bowriders, ski boats, and large pontoons (18 ft+) are not recommended due to the shallow water and dock length. There is a public boat launch just 30 seconds down the road at the end of our street, making launching and retrieving your boat very convenient if you prefer to bring a larger boat and take it out of the water after each use.

Q: Can I access the lake from Crowe River Retreat?
A: Not directly — the dam blocks boat access through to the lake. But that’s actually part of what makes our stretch of the Crowe River so peaceful. Since boats can’t pass through, we don’t have a steady stream of traffic heading to the lake, which means calmer water, less wake, and a much more relaxed swimming and paddling experience for families. You can paddle up to the dam for a fun little adventure less than a 5-minute paddle. If you’d like to spend time on the lake itself, there are several public launches just a few minutes away.

Q: What about the hot tub?
A: The hot tub is suitable for up to 6 people at a time. Water may spill slightly at full capacity, and if the water level falls below the higher jets, some noise from the uncovered jets is normal. Chemicals with instructions may be provided for longer stays to keep it fresh. Children under 12 must be supervised, and children under 5 are not allowed in the hot tub.

Q: Are there other houses that share the water or is the backyard private?
 A: The yard and waterfront are completely private for your stay. No amenities are shared with neighboring properties. There are houses next door to Crowe River Retreat, but our neighbors are friendly, respectful and do not bother guests.

Q: Can we use the firepit?
A: Yes! The firepit is open year-round (as long as it’s not buried in snow) and firewood is at the side of the garage. If there’s a fire ban, your host will notify you. Fires during a ban are not allowed and will result in loss of your security deposit and possible eviction. No refunds or discounts are given for stays that have a fire ban.

Q: Can I smoke on the property?
 A: Yes, smoking is allowed only at the outdoor firepit, and all butts must be disposed of in the firepit.

Q: How do we get into the garage?

A: You will receive a code for the big garage door in your check-in details. Alternatively, there is a key on a hook in the kitchen for the small side door, and you can open the big door from the inside using the button.

Property Amenities

Q: What "extra" amenities are included in the cottage?
A: Crowe River Retreat comes with:

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Not much! We’ve designed Crowe River Retreat for busy families and guests who don’t want to overthink packing. There’s no need to pack the whole house. Simply bring your food and drinks, personal toiletries, clothing, beach towels for outdoor use, streaming logins, and any specialty items you personally prefer. We take care of the rest so you can arrive, settle in, and relax.

Q: Are regular cable TV channels available?
A: No, we do not provide regular TV channels (streaming only).

Q: Is Crowe River Retreat child-friendly?
A: Absolutely! We offer a variety of family-friendly amenities:

We do have an unfenced yard and are on a large body of water and hot tub so children should be supervised at all times. 

Q: Is tap water safe to drink?
A: Yes! The tap water at Crowe River Retreat is safe to drink as we have city water. For added convenience, we provide a Brita filter in the fridge for fresh, chilled water, as well as an ice maker and ice cube trays in the freezer.

Q: How is the cottage heated and cooled?
A: Crowe River Retreat has central air conditioning that cools the entire house and a central furnace for year-round heating. There is also a gas fireplace in the rec space for cozy evenings.

Q: Can I adjust the thermostat?
A: Yes, the thermostat can be adjusted, but only within a set temperature range: usually 19–22°C (66–72°F) to maintain comfort and efficiency. Simply turn the screen on the thermostat to adjust. During the shoulder season, when the home switches from heating to cooling or vice versa, please contact us if you need the system switched over. We don't want you to be uncomfortable, if there are any temperature concerns we are happy to adjust. 

Q: How does the barbecue work? Should we bring charcoal or gas?
A: We have a Blackstone griddle BBQ that runs on propane, so there is no charcoal. The tank in the BBQ should already have propane in it, and if it isn’t, we have extra full propane tanks in the garage ready to use (instructions replacing propane here or with the grill instructions at the property).The Blackstone is perfect for stir-fry, eggs, pancakes, or anything else you want to cook outdoors.

Q: Are there safety measures on the property?
A: Yes, the property includes a fire extinguisher, smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector on each level, and a first aid kit.

Q: What is there to do at Crowe River Retreat?
A. Crowe River Retreat is a true four-season getaway. 

Summer is all about being outside. Guests can swim, fish, kayak, and paddle on the Crowe River, then relax in the hot tub or gather around the fire pit in the evening. The large grassy yard is perfect for lawn games as we provide badminton, cornhole, bocce ball, croquet, and more. We also have a pool table, basketball shooter, and darts in the garage so there’s something for every age.

In winter, the road to the cottage is plowed and easy to access even in snow. We are also just a couple of minutes from a main OFSC District 2 snowmobile trailhead by car or sled, so snowmobiling adventures are right at your fingertips offering groomed marked routes for exploring the snowy countryside. Other outdoor activities include snowshoeing, ice fishing on the lake before warming up in the hot tub. Inside, the fun continues with foosball, board games, card games, and smart TVs for cozy movie nights.

Pets

Q: Can I bring a dog or other pet?
A: Crowe River Retreat is not pet-friendly, due to guests requesting an allergen-free space. The yard is also not fenced and not suited for pets. 

Q: Is Crowe River Retreat allergy-friendly?
A: Yes. As a strictly pet-free property, Crowe River Retreat maintains higher cleaning standards than typical pet-friendly cottages. Without animals in the home, there’s no lingering dander, embedded pet hair in furniture, or allergens hiding in rugs and bedding. This makes the cottage an excellent choice for guests with allergies, sensitivities, or families who prioritize a fresh, ultra-clean environment.

Q: Is the cottage safe for toddlers and young children?
A: Absolutely. Because we are not pet-friendly, families with little explorers can relax knowing there’s no hidden pet hair, dander, or outdoor pet waste around the yard or fire pit area. The property is designed as a clean, controlled environment where children can safely crawl, play on the floor, and run freely outside.

Local Attractions & Activities

Q: What’s there to do nearby?
A: You’re just a 2‑minute walk to the heart of town with shops, restaurants, ice cream, LCBO, a small public beach and splash pad. Groceries and Tim Hortons are a 3–5-minute drive away. The area is filled with things to do so CLICK HERE FOR OUR GUIDEBOOK

Booking & Availability

Q: How far in advance can I book?
A: We typically open our calendar 10–12 months in advance. If the schedule does not allow a booking for your preferred dates, please contact us directly, as we can accommodate earlier bookings.

Q: What is the minimum stay?
A: We have a 2 or 3 night minimum (long weekends) outside of summer break. During summer, stays are typically 7 nights Friday-to-Friday only. Guests may book multiple weeks for a longer stay. The September long weekend is only a 3-night minimum as it doesn’t align with the standard Friday-to-Friday schedule.

Q: How do I book, and what is the payment schedule?
A: Once you’re ready to book, 50% is due at the time of booking, and the remaining balance is due 60 days before check-in. Our checkout form is secure, simple to use, and walks you through all booking components.

Q: How does the security deposit work?
A: The security deposit is just a hold, similar to a hotel incidental. It is placed 2 days before check-in and nothing is actually charged unless there is damage or a violation of the rental agreement.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: If a reservation is canceled more than 14 days before arrival, 97% of the total booking charges processed at the time of cancellation will be refunded, with 3% kept to cover credit card processing fees. If the cancellation is made more than 7 days before arrival but within 14 days, 50% of the total booking charges will be refunded. Within 7 days - no refund. 

Q: Do you provide travel insurance?
A: Travel insurance is available for purchase through our booking system at the time of reservation. You can also check with your credit card provider or personal benefits plan for additional coverage options.

Q: What communication can I expect before and during my stay?
A: Once your booking is complete, you will receive a link to the event calendar and guest guidebook about 1 week before check-in. The night before check-in, you will receive your check-in details and keypad code. On the morning of checkout, you’ll receive the checkout checklist. You may ask questions at any time, and we will respond promptly. 

Group & Capacity

Q: How many people can comfortably stay at Crowe River Retreat?
A: During summer there is a maximum of 6 adults (up to 8 guests total, including children) as this assists with turnover times in peak season. At other times of the year, the cottage can accommodate up to 8 adults (up to 8 guests total, including children). If you are booking for more than 6 guests, please note that two people will need to sleep on the couch (linens may not be provided), as there aren’t enough beds for everyone. We typically recommend a maximum of 6 adults, as the space is most comfortable for that number. There’s only one bathroom, the hot tub seats 6, and many of our items, like cups and seating, are set up with that capacity in mind.

Q: Can I invite others to visit during the day?
A: Yes! Day visitors are welcome, as long as the total overnight guests never exceed 8 due to short term rental insurance requirements.

Arrival & Departure

Q: When do I get the check-in address and keypad code?
 A: You will receive the check-in address and your unique keypad code around 8:00 PM the day before your arrival, so you can access the cottage any time after your check-in date.

Q: How do I check in?
A: Check-in is via keypad entry. You’ll receive a unique code that allows access any time after your check-in date and time.

Q: Is flexible check-in or check-out available?
A: During summer, check-in/out is fixed. For shoulder and off-season stays, flexibility is usually possible depending on other bookings.

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times?
A: Standard check-in is after 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Q: How can I reach you if there is a problem during my stay?
 A: A phone number will be provided at the cottage for texting or calling. Typically, our phone is set to Do Not Disturb at 10:00 PM, but calls will still come through. For urgent issues, you may call at any time, even in the middle of the night. Otherwise messages sent after 10:00 pm will be answered around 8:00 am the next day.

Q: Are there any garbage or recycling requirements during my stay?
 A: Yes! You may choose to take your garbage and recycling with you or leave it for us to dispose of for a fee.

Garbage Removal Fees if you want us to take care of it:

Curbside Pickup (Optional):

More info: Waste Management — Municipality of Marmora and Lake

Q: What happens if garbage or recycling isn’t picked up, I still have garbage at the end of my stay or I want to take care of it myself?
 A: Any garbage or recycling not picked up by the municipality must be taken with you to the landfill or home or charges will apply as above.

Marmora Landfill Option: 609 Station Rd., Marmora, ON, K0K 2M0

More info: Waste Management — Municipality of Marmora and Lake 

Madoc Landfill: 106968 Highway 7

Monday and Wednesday 8am - 12 noon and Saturday 8am- 4pm.

More info: Landfill & Recycling Depot - Municipality of Centre Hastings