The ten questions we actually get asked

1. 01Are linens and towels included?

   Towels are — bath towels, hand towels, face cloths, kitchen towels and dish cloths are all provided, so you do not need to pack any. Bed linens are not included by default: the cottage runs on a private well and septic system, and laundering seven beds of bedding every turnover is more than they can comfortably take. Every bed has a clean mattress protector and pillows are provided, so you are welcome to bring your own bedding. If you would rather not pack it, we will make up any bed for $15 — fitted sheet, duvet, duvet cover and pillow covers. All seven beds is $105. Just let us know how many beds at least 48 hours before you arrive.

2. 02How many dogs can we bring?

   Dogs are genuinely welcome — we keep leashes, bowls and a dog bed on site. If you are bringing more than a couple, just ask; we are almost always happy to say yes to well-behaved dogs. We ask that you clean up after them, trim their nails so they do not mark the floors, do not leave a chewer unattended, and set leashes clear of the garden solar lights. Our neighbours have a dog, so if yours would bolt over to say hello, please keep it leashed.

3. 03What is provided — do we need to bring supplies?

   Provided: toilet paper, two rolls of paper towel, dish soap, sponges, garbage bags, recycling bags, cleaning products and a vacuum. A full kitchen — a coffee maker that takes both ground coffee and K-pods, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, stove, blender, ice maker, crock pot, pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, wine glasses, kids dishes, a high chair and a travel crib. Propane for the BBQ, and firewood for both the fire pit and the wood stove. Washer and dryer. Bring groceries, your own bedding unless you add the linen service, and a water jug if you want cold water from the cooler.

4. 04Can we get a truck and trailer down the driveway?

   Yes. The driveway and yard have plenty of room to pull in and turn a truck plus trailer around, and there are side pull-offs that make backing out straightforward — guests have brought a 23-foot trailer without trouble. The one thing to know is the final hill down to the cottage: it is steep. AWD and 4WD can drive right down; in a 2WD vehicle we recommend parking up at the garage and walking down, which is a short walk. In winter the driveway is plowed only as far as the garage, so plan to park there.

5. 05Is the water safe to drink?

   Yes. The Wolf Den is on a private well and the water is tested and safe to drink straight from the tap. There is also a water cooler in the cottage if you prefer it cold — bring a 15L disposable or 18L reusable jug, as we do not stock them.

6. 06Is there somewhere shallow for little kids to swim?

   There are two places to get in. To the right of the fire pit is a shallow, soft-bottomed walk-in — that is the one for little kids and non-swimmers. Off the dock the water is deeper, around eight feet, with a ladder and a rockier bottom, so water shoes are a good idea there. Honestly: the shallow side can get weedy in mid-summer. There is no lifeguard, and children must be supervised at the water.

7. 07Can we fish?

   Yes, straight off the dock. White Lake has bass, pike and walleye, and it fishes well in both summer and winter — ice fishing is popular. You will need an Ontario fishing licence, and you should bring your own gear.

8. 08Can we bring our own boat?

   Yes. There is a public launch at Cedar Cove Resort — a $10 launch fee, about a minute away by water or ten minutes around the lake by car. There is no parking at the launch, so launch the boat, then bring the vehicle and trailer back to the cottage where there is plenty of room.

9. 09How far is everything?

   Ottawa is about an hour. Arnprior is 20 minutes for groceries, the LCBO and Arnprior Regional Hospital. Cartwright Springs Brewery is 23 minutes, Pakenham Ski Hill 25, Calabogie 40, and the California Road trails 15. Cedar Cove Resort and the Lakeside Grill are 10 minutes by car or about a minute by boat, and there is Crown land for hiking directly across the main road. Restaurant hours out here swing with the season, so call ahead.

10. 10Is it wheelchair accessible or step-free?

    Partly, and here is the honest picture. The main cottage is single level — once you are inside, the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen are all step-free on smooth flooring, and the front yard runs flat down to the lake with no stairs. The front entry has a landing of about four inches, and a ramp is available on request — just ask when you book. The limitations: the driveway final hill is steep, the bathroom is a standard cottage bathroom rather than a barrier-free one, and the bunkie is a separate building across the yard.

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