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COVID-19 Update
Erin Morlock • May 18, 2020
Greetings from Erin at Hay Lake
I wanted to let you know that in spite of the cold spring, in spite of COVID-19 setbacks, we do plan to be open this season, and we are getting ready.
“Ready” this year means a few extra steps we would like to share with you. It seems the coronavirus is going to be with us for a while, and in order for you to have a holiday that is both safe and relaxing, we have started some new procedures. Many of these will be behind the scenes - like having designated laundry baskets for clean and dirty linens, and frequently sanitizing high touch areas.
You can relax on your holiday knowing that these measures will ensure your safety without disrupting the tranquility of your stay at Hay Lake.
All of our efforts and changes are aimed at making sure you know that Hay Lake Lodge and Cottages will be a safe and restorative location for your getaway in the midst of these challenging times.
We’re fortunate that Hay Lake Lodge and Cottages is naturally well-suited for a COVID-safe holiday - our cabins are well distanced from each other and self-contained with everything you need to be comfortable and at home. We only have six cabins on five acres, so even when we are full it is never crowded here. And being on a lake in the Algonquin woods, 15 minutes from the nearest town, ensures lots of fresh air (and distance).
Here are some highlights from our COVID Response:
Deposits
We know that this year is unpredictable and plans may have to change. Feel free to make a reservation, knowing we will happily fully refund your deposit or apply it to another stay if you are unable to come.
Housekeeping
Our guests regularly tell us how amazingly clean our cabins are, and now we are ratcheting up our standards even further! Every cabin will receive a deep clean and full sanitization between guests. We’ll have linen bags for the towels you want replaced. High-touch areas will be sanitized frequently, and the Main Lodge will be fully done twice a day.
We’re keeping supplies in your cabin - soap, shampoo, coffee, etc - to a minimum as it will all be discarded after you leave. But of course we’re happy to provide more if you need it!
Check-In
COVID has done what decades of technological changes in the hospitality industry could not - we will check you in virtually. You can go directly to your cabin and we can process your credit card payment to settle your account online.
Due to the process of fully sanitizing a cabin, in addition to allowing an additional safe window of time for any potential virus to become non-viable, check-in time will now be 4:30pm.
Marina
We will tag a kayak/canoe of your choice and it will be solely yours for your entire holiday. You will keep your paddles and lifejackets on your porch. We will move the boat(s) you choose to the beach that is closest to your cabin, so that they will not be concentrated at the marina. And when you leave we will deeply clean and disinfect everything you used for the next guests.
Know that providing a place where you can safely experience the peace and rest Hay Lake offers is our top priority.
When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming you back with open (albeit distant) arms.
Until then, be well.
- Erin
Summer is in full swing at Hay Lake. We are grateful to be open, and it seems a lot of people just want a few days “away”. Cabins are busy as Ontario begins a season of staycations; it's a good time to explore our own backyard! It has been our pleasure this season to welcome both first time and returning guests. Some of our visitors have not been here for several years, but have said they remember the peace and the quiet and the cabins and want a safe clean place to holiday. It seems like a good idea then to provide a description of daily life at Hay Lake Lodge and Cottages. It is true that Covid has made for new ways of doing a few things. We want returning guests (and anyone reading old Trip Advisor reviews!) to know we have discontinued our breakfast service. You will want to bring breakfast supplies or you can order take-out from the Lunch Bar in Whitney starting at 8:00 a.m. Our local grocery is happy to serve you, and the Mad Musher has patio service till 8:00 pm. Check in is now 4:30 because of the extra cleaning. When you get here you do not need to come in to the Lodge and register - When you arrive I'll come out to greet you (from a safe distance :). Then I will lead you and your car to your cabin. I'll let you open the door to the cabin, and I'll wear a mask while I am on the porch with you while I make sure you have what you need, and tell you about Hay Lake. There is now a small booklet in each cabin with suggestions for your stay. We have to throw away the coffee or tea that is left behind so you now have a Keurig in the cabin with starter pods. The 12-Cup drip coffeemaker is also still there if you want to bring your own coffee and basket filters. There are no books in the cabins this season since it takes too long to sanitize before the next guests arrive, so you will likely want to bring a few for relaxing on the porch. If you want to go paddling, you will choose your canoe/kayak when you are here and we will tag it and put it by the water close to your cabin. You will keep the life jackets and paddles on your porch. I think most people have gotten used to social distancing, but it will be something to remember while checking wifi in the lodge or on the deck. There is sanitizer in the lodge and on the deck. But the important things have not changed. Hay Lake is as beautiful as ever, there is plenty of room for hikes and relaxing, and summer is here! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call or email- See you soon, Erin
Did you hear the good news? The Provincial Government has said that lodges and cottages can open. Ironically, it turns out Hay Lake Lodge and Cottages is classed under hotels and motels by Revenue Canada so we could have been open since May 19 but this is actually better for everyone. We spent the spring staining every cabin and have started on the decks. Wanda, Delilah and the rest of the staff are busy scrubbing the cabins and we will be ready to see you June 19. We will remind you when you confirm about our health and safety measures in this new reality. I had said you could drive directly to your cabin and that is still true if you know where you are to go, but if you are arriving for the first time, I will see you when you pull into the parking area . I will come out to greet you (from a safe distance!) and escort you and your car to your cabin. That way I can make sure you are pleased with your cabin and explain the new procedures for canoes and kayaks. So I hope you will feel free to come and relax with us. Our cabins are well-spaced, clean and ready for you. The lake is as magic as ever and the screened porches are just the place to relax. We're SO ready for summer and I imagine you are too!
903 McRae-Hay Lake Road
P.O. Box 189
Whitney, ON K0J 2M0