HomeFrequently Asked Questions
About the Cabin
Q: Where is the cabin located and how do I get there?
A: See the location page for directions and a map.
Q: How do I make a reservation?
A: A deposit is required to hold your reservation. Check the rates and reservations page for details.
Q: Where do I get the key?
A: You can pickup the key on the island. We will give you instructions once your deposit is received.
Q: How many bedrooms and beds are there?
A: All the beds are upstairs in the cabin which is one big room with a small balcony. There is a queen size bed, a double bed and a single bed up there.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes. As long as you agree to make sure to carefully clean-up afterwards and to keep it under control with regards to the wildlife. A large dog can kill a deer if you are not careful.
Q: Is the kitchen fully equipped?
A: The kitchen has a cook top, a countertop oven (big enough for a small turkey!), a microwave oven and is fully equipped with pots/pans/utensils and even a waffle maker and small sandwich grill. There is a basic BBQ outside that can be set up if you bring charcoal. There are plenty of plates, cups and utensils and the dining room table has seating for four.
Q: Is there maid service?
A: We have now added a cleaning charge and have someone who will come in as some guests were not leaving the cabin ready for the next guest.
You are still expected to leave the cabin neat and tidy before checking out--that includes emptying the toilet, doing the dishes, removing any food you brought and laundering any linens from the cabin you used. Please check the list in the cabin for things you should do before you leave.
Please do not leave any food in the cabin and do not leave food out during your stay so as not to attract rodents into the cabin.
Please let us know if the cabin is not clean when you arrive.
Q: Is it a flush toilet or an outhouse?
A: Neither actually. It is a sawdust toilet which means that it's inside the bathroom and that after you use the toilet, you put a couple scoopfuls of sawdust shavings on top and then it doesn't smell. The poop goes into a bucket which when it gets full (and before you leave), you empty in an outhouse hole. Men are encouraged to pee outside.
Q: Is there phone? Cable TV? VCR? DVD? Internet?
A: There is a phone. Please use a calling card for long distance or use the YAK access code and make note of your calls made. There is no cable TV and no reception on the antenna either. There is however both a DVD and a VCR. There are a lot of movies in the cabin as well as video/DVD rentals available at the Manson's store. There is no internet access at the cabin but there are free public access terminals and free wireless access for your own laptop at Manson's Landing (the store, the co-op and the cafe beside the store all have terminals and wireless).
Q: Is there a boat? A dock? A beach?
A: There's no dock at the moment. If you were arriving by boat, you'd need to dock at one of the government wharves on the island. There is one about a 5 minute drive away at the Gorge Harbour Marina. There is a canoe at the property with life jackets and paddles which you're welcome to use. You just carry it down and launch it off the rocky beach below the cabin. The beach to the right is an oyster lease and should not be used.
Q: What do I do if there's a problem?
A: You will be provided with a contact number on the island for our neighbours Ben and Ann if there is something we can't resolve with you over the phone from Vancouver. In an emergency dial 911. The address of the cabin for emergency responders will be posted by the phone.
Q: What do I do with the garbage and recycling?
A: You should be careful not to leave garbage inside the cabin lying around--especially edibles--so as not to attract rodents in from outside. Put it in the can on the porch. You can take the garbage can to the road where it is picked up each Saturday morning. Or you can take your garbage and recycling to the Recycling Centre on the island which is open Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Q: What's with those barges out in Gorge Harbour?
A: It is an oyster and mussel farming operation. Occasionally during the day there are some noises from there disturbing the peace a little but never particularly loud.
Q: What do I need to do before I leave?
A: There is a full list of items on the bulletin board in the cabin. Basically it boils down to making the cabin ready for the next guest and putting the patio furniture and canoe away.
Q: Is there a guestbook?
A: There is a guestbook in the cabin where many guests have left their thoughts and impressions of their stays on Cortes Island. You can also leave a comment on the online guestbook here on the website so others can read your comments before they come.
Island Questions
Q: Where can I get groceries? Go out for a meal? An espresso?
A: A: See the Island Activities and Attractions page
Q: What's there to do on Cortes Island?
A: See the Island Activities and Attractions page
Q: Is there a bank on the island? An ATM?
A: Yes, there is a branch of Quadra Credit Union. Just past the Cortes Market towards Smelt Bay, look for a short road up to the right. The credit union is open Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat and has a 24 hour Exchange ATM.
Q: Can I stay at the cabin and take a workshop at Hollyhock? How do I get to Hollyhock?
A: Yes, you can. Check with Hollyhock regarding the rate if you don't take their accommodations and/or meals. It takes about 15 minutes to drive there, just follow the signs towards Manson's Landing and then Smelt Bay. There is a map on the location page.
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