Blog Layout
"Cabin Life during Covid times" or "What to expect when you are here"
Erin Crecelius • July 10, 2020
Daily life when you visit Hay Lake is the same - with a few changes...
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!
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.
903 McRae-Hay Lake Road
P.O. Box 189
Whitney, ON K0J 2M0