Guest Information – Muskoka Stays

Everything you need to know for a comfortable, stress-free Muskoka getaway.

Occupancy & Minimum Length of Stay

All Muskoka Stays properties have a maximum occupancy limit that must be respected at all times. This number includes both adults and children, however infants under the age of two are not counted toward the total. Failure to comply with maximum occupancy limits may lead to immediate cancellation of the reservation without refund.

Most properties require a minimum stay of two nights, though weekends, holidays, and peak summer weeks may require longer durations. Three-night minimums may apply to long weekends and six-night minimums may apply to summer months for select properties. If you have flexibility with your dates or need clarification, we’re always happy to assist.

Security Deposit

A $500 security deposit is pre-authorized on your credit card two days before arrival. This is not a charge, but a temporary hold used to cover potential damages or excessive cleaning. After departure, the property is inspected and the hold is released within approximately five business days.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary by property and follow either a 14-day or 30-day schedule.

If you need to cancel, we will make every effort to re-rent the dates. If we succeed in renting them at the full rate, you’ll receive a full refund.

If the dates are only partially re-rented or re-booked at a lower rate, you’ll be refunded the recovered amount.

If we cannot re-rent the dates, refunds are only issued if your cancellation occurred outside the 14- or 30-day window. For direct bookings made through our website, please note that Stripe’s credit card processing fee (typically 2.9% + 30¢) is non-refundable even if you cancel within the refund window; your refund will be issued minus this fee.

Check-In & Check-Out

During the summer season, check-in typically begins at 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. depending on the property, with check-out at 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Shoulder and off-season stays often allow for more flexibility, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate early arrivals or late departures when possible. Because summer turnovers are tight, these cannot be guaranteed in peak months.

Before Your Arrival

Before your stay, you’ll receive a unique smart-lock code valid for the duration of your visit, a digital welcome guide, and a request to provide a photo of your driver’s license along with signing our rental agreement. Access codes are sent the night before your stay or the morning of arrival.

Failure to complete ID verification or sign the rental agreement may result in cancellation without refund.

Upon Departure

The day before departure, we’ll send friendly check-out instructions. We ask that guests complete a few simple tasks:

1. Please load all dirty dishes into the dishwasher and start it before you head out.

2. Put all indoor and outdoor furniture back where it was when you arrived.

3. Ensure fireplaces are shut off.

4. Make sure all lights are turned off, and windows and doors are locked.

Other than these tasks, we kindly request that you leave the cottage tidy. Our Housekeeping team will take care of a deep clean after you leave to ensure the property sparkles. No need to vacuum, mop, wash sheets, or clean the bathroom/kitchen.*

*Properties left excessively untidy may incur an additional cleaning charge of $50/hr, deducted from your security deposit.

House Rules & Expectations

Our properties are designed for relaxation, reconnection, and quiet enjoyment. Parties, events, and large gatherings are not permitted. All homes are equipped with Minut noise monitoring devices, which measure decibel levels but do not record or store any audio. If prolonged excessive noise levels are detected (75 db), we will reach out to request that noise levels are lowered. Continued excessive noise levels may result in cancellation of the reservation without refund. Some properties are equipped with exterior security cameras for safety and monitoring of entry points only. Cameras are never placed inside the home, and no device captures or has visibility into private areas such as hot tubs, saunas, or interior living spaces. Tampering with or disabling safety devices (Minut sensor, cameras, smoke detectors, CO detectors, cameras on exterior only) will result in immediate eviction.

Pet Policy

Pet policies vary by property. If a home permits pets, a fee applies per pet. Guests are responsibility for:

Cleaning pet waste;
Keeping pets of furniture and bedding;
Supervise pets at all times. Pets cannot be left unattended, unless crated.
Guests must also monitor lake conditions during warm months, especially when blue-green algae is present, as it can be toxic to animals.

Watercrafts

All motorized watercraft parked at the docks are not available for guest use and may not be rented or operated. Guests are welcome to use all non-motorized water crafts such as kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, and pedal boats. Guests are responsible for bringing appropriately sized life jackets and supervising children at all times.

Reservations & Policies

Fire safety is extremely important in Muskoka. Guests must follow all local fire ratings and burn bylaws, use only the designated firepit, and burn wood exclusively. Fires must never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Fireworks are not permitted at any time.

All properties are on septic system - we ask that only toilet paper and human waste be flushed. Items such as wipes, diapers, tampons, paper towels, and similar products must be disposed of in the garbage to avoid immediate and costly damage.

Smoking or vaping of any kind (including cannabis) is not permitted inside the home or on covered decks. $500 minimum charge will apply for any smoking inside of the house.

No tents, trailers, RVs, or additional overnight guests beyond your reservation are permitted on the property.

Commercial photography, filming, or content creation is prohibited unless approved in writing.

When not in use, the following must be covered/closed: Hot tub, BBQ Lid, and Sauna door. Do not eat or drink in the hot tub or sauna. Consumption of water is acceptable and encouraged. Spills in the hot tub and sauna may result in excessive cleaning being required.

We reserve the right to immediately terminate a stay, without refund, for violations including excessive noise, parties, unauthorized guests, smoking, or any behavior that endangers the property or community.

We are not responsible for items left behind. If found, items can be returned at the guest’s cost.

Liability Disclaimer

By booking any of our rental properties, guests acknowledge and accept the following terms:

Assumption of Risk: The use of the property is at the guest's own risk. Guests should be aware of their own limitations when using amenities such as the sauna and hot tub.
Liability: Property owners, hosts, Port Sydney Cottages Inc, and their insurers are not liable for personal injury or death claims resulting from property usage.
Responsible Use: Guests are responsible for the safe and proper use of amenities, including the sauna, hot tub, firepit, BBQ, and all other amenities and appliances. Adults are responsible for supervising children at all times.
Terrain: Uneven, slippery, rocky or icy terrain on the property carries inherent risks. No liability is assumed for injuries or death due to falls anywhere on the property. Guests acknowledge risks associated with open water, including drowning, slippery docks, uneven lake bottoms, sudden drop-offs, cold shock, and currents. Adults are responsible for supervising children and pets at all times. Swimming is at your own risk, no life guard or supervision provided.
Wildlife: Muskoka is native to many insects and animals such as bears, wolves, coyotes, snakes, and deer. Other creatures such as insects and spiders are also native to Muskoka. Their presence does not warrant refunds.
Weather: Guests acknowledge that windstorms, lightning, falling branches, slippery decks, snow, ice, and other naturally occurring hazards may be present on the property. By staying with us, guests assume all risks associated with outdoor conditions and accept responsibility for their own safety. We strongly recommend arriving in a vehicle equipped with proper winter tires, as conditions can change quickly. We make reasonable efforts to keep walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice, but surfaces can still be slippery. Guests accept full risk when entering or exiting the property.
Power Outages: Frequent power outages may occur in Muskoka. Guests are advised to prepare accordingly and are responsible for any inconvenience caused by such events. A presence of a power outage does not warrant a refund.
Allergens: We cannot guarantee the property is free from allergens such as pet hair, dust, pollen, scent, food, or insects.
Damages and Theft: Any damage to or stolen property from the premises will be the responsibility of the guest. The guest agrees to pay for all damaged and missing property. By booking, guests agree to these terms and conditions and affirm their understanding.