Welcome to the Crowe River Retreat!

Find us on IG: @croweriverretreat



Looking for a stress-free family getaway where you don't need to pack your whole house? Crowe River Retreat is a four-season waterfront cottage on the Crowe River, set on a private half-acre property just a 2-minute walk from town.



Whether you're soaking in the hot tub on a crisp evening, warming up by the gas fireplace, challenging the kids to a game of foosball, or spending summer days on the water, there is plenty to enjoy without ever needing to leave the property.



Conveniently located approximately 2 hours from Toronto, 2.5 hours from Ottawa and 3 hours from Niagara, Crowe River Retreat is an easy destination for a family vacation or a relaxing weekend away.



WINTER ADVENTURES: Our road is municipally maintained and plowed, making the property easy to access in snowy weather. Relax in the 6-person hot tub, cozy up beside the gas fireplace, enjoy the games room and board-game collection, or settle in for a family movie night.



Snowmobilers can access the main OFSC District 2 trail system approximately 2 minutes away by sled when trails are open. Crowe Lake, approximately 5 minutes away, is also a popular ice-fishing destination when weather conditions permit.



THE WATERFRONT & WARM-WEATHER FUN

You’ll enjoy private, direct access to 16+ km long crystal-clear, swimmable, and fishable Crowe River. The river is a vast 200 feet wide, expanding to an incredible 800 feet wide (and 35 feet deep) just a quick 5-minute paddle away. Our unique, gradual shoreline is incredibly shallow and features a gentle slope which is perfect for easy water entry and safe splashing for the kids!



The Fleet: Guests enjoy complimentary, unlimited use of a 16-foot canoe, 2 stand-up paddleboards (SUP), 2 adult kayaks, and 1 child kayak. Multiple Life jackets in each size ranging from toddler to adult sizes are fully provided.



Waterfront Beach & Dock: Guests have access to a private waterfront sand play area. Due to varying spring water levels, the beach is replenished by the end of June and available until winter. Our seasonal dock is fully installed around mid-June until the first weekend of October. Because this is a natural river ecosystem, the shoreline can have occasional sticks or zebra mussels. We recommend bringing water shoes for little feet!



Premium Fishing: Cast a line right off the dock or the water! The Crowe River is an angler’s paradise, teeming with smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, and more.



Outdoor Living: Unwind in our 6-person hot tub nestled under a covered pergola, gather around the fire pit (firewood is complimentary!), swing in the traditional and chair hammocks, or set up a tent for a fun backyard camping experience. With a highly sought after Blackstone BBQ with propane provided and 8-person outdoor dining, you are ready to enjoy the beautiful weather.



The Games Garage: Step into the detached garage (not temperature controlled) to find a pool table, dartboard, and mini ping-pong table. Also have badminton, croquet, chipping, bocce ball and bean bag toss.



SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

We comfortably sleep up to 8 guests (with a recommended maximum of 6 adults for optimal comfort). Sleep soundly on our selection of down, cooling, and plush polyester pillows with all linens included.



Bedroom 1 (The Primary Oasis): king bed with pillows/linens, small couch, small cot, 50" Smart TV, workspace desk, dresser, full-length mirror, USB bedside lamps, and two robes.



Bedroom 2: Queen bed with pillows/linens, 45" Smart TV, comfortable chair, dresser, full-length mirror, and two robes. The closet holds a premium foldable crib with a mattress and linens provided if crib set up is requested (fitted sheet, small blanket and pillow).



Bedroom 3: Twin bunk beds, a dedicated toddler bed, two kid-sized dressers, and a kids' lamp with pillows/linens provided for all 3 beds.



Rec Room: A massive, cozy modular pit couch that can sleep 2 adults or 4 children (linens not provided).



Note for Light Sleepers: In the early spring or with heavy rain, the property's sump pump may cycle on and off. It is only slightly louder than a standard furnace, feel free to bring earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper!



INSIDE THE HOME

Fully Equipped Kitchen & Dining: Features a dishwasher, stove, oven, fridge, microwave, toaster, crockpot, countertop ice maker, blender, and all necessary cookware. We provide basic spices and cooking oil to save you packing space. Dining table comfortably seats 8.



Coffee Bar & Lounge: Start your morning at our dedicated dual Keurig station (pods and carafe) and kettle (stocked with pods, ground coffee, tea, and sugar) and relax in the intimate seating lounge built for two.



The Sunroom: Boasts floor-to-ceiling sliding windows with panoramic views. Cozy up in the swinging egg chair by the electric fireplace. In the summer, open the sliding walls to let the breeze transform the room into a covered patio!



Full Bathroom: Includes a tub/shower combo with a rain showerhead, vanity storage, hair straightener, blow dryer, and complimentary premium toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion).



Rec Room Entertainment: Features a 50" Smart TV, a warm gas fireplace, a foosball table, and a massive collection of vintage and modern board games.



Laundry Room: Full-sized washer, dryer, and laundry detergent, stain remover and dryer sheets are fully provided—perfect for rinsing/drying off swimsuits daily.



PARENT-FRIENDLY AMENITIES

Travel light! To help reduce travel friction for parents, we proudly provide a complimentary pack of family essentials: a full crib, toddler bed, highchair, booster seat, baby bath, potty chair, baby monitor, small sound/music machine, plus toddler books, toys, and puzzles. A dining table that comfortably seats 8 ensures the whole family can eat together.



CONVENIENCES & LOGISTICS

Check-In/Out: Seamless, contactless self-check-in via a smart lock. Your unique code is active after 4:00 PM until your 11:00 AM check-out. Early check-in/late check-out may be requested. A small fee may apply. We do not allow early check in or late check out in July and August.



EV Charging: Equipped with a Level 2 ChargePoint J1772 electric vehicle charger (7.5 kW). Tesla adapter available for use.



Boat Access: Our street ends at a public Crowe River boat launch (perfect for larger boats you wish to bring). A larger Crowe Lake boat launch is just a 5-minute drive away. Please note there is no access to Crowe Lake from our waterfront.



BOOKING POLICIES & HOUSE RULES

To maintain our high standards of safety, cleanliness, and neighborly respect, all guests must review and agree to the following 8 rules and important info before booking:



1. Age & Occupancy: At least one booking guest must be 21+ and present for the entire stay. Maximum occupancy is 8 guests. For peak summer (July & August), the limit is a max of 6 adults (the remaining 2 guests can be kids). Any daytime visitors must be approved in advance. No parties or disruptive events are permitted. Quiet hours are from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. You may still enjoy the hot tub or fire pit after 11:00 but no music or loud conversation.



2. No Pets Allowed: Due to severe family allergies, an unfenced yard with small children next door, and close proximity to the riverfront, we enforce a strict no-pets policy with zero exceptions.



3. Water Safety: Children must be supervised outdoors at all times. Life jackets are mandatory for all guests whenever leaving our shoreline to go onto the water.



4. Hot Tub Care: Please follow all hot tub safety rules posted and in rental agreement. Guests must thoroughly rinse off river water or beach sand before entering the hot tub.



5. Smoking & Fires: Smoking is permitted strictly at the outdoor fire pit area. Guests must strictly obey all local fire bans communicated by the host (no refunds or discounts for fire bans).



6. Garbage & Recycling: Guests are responsible for taking their garbage, recycling, and beverage empties upon checkout. Friday is garbage curbside pickup, Tuesday recycling, or visiting the nearby town dump (open Sat/Mon, plus Thursdays in summer). You may leave your garbage for $25/bag if bagged neatly, or $50/bag if sorting/bagging is required by our cleaners.



7. Rental Agreement & Guest Verification: All reservations require completion of our guest verification process through our VRBO-approved, API-integrated property management system. This includes processing booking payment, signing the rental agreement, providing the names of all adult guests, uploading a valid government-issued photo ID for the primary booking guest, and securely providing a credit card through Stripe for the security deposit hold. These requirements must be completed within 48 hours of booking and before check-in.



8. Rental Agreement Review Period: Guests booking more than 48 hours before check-in are provided a 24-hour period after receiving the rental agreement to review it and cancel if they do not wish to proceed. After this 24-hour review period, the regular cancellation policy applies. Reservations made less than 48 hours before check-in are not eligible for this additional review period or refund.



9. Security Deposit Hold: A refundable security deposit pre-authorization will be placed on the card provided 2 days before check-in. This is a hold only and is not a charge. The hold is released within 5 business days after departure, provided there is no theft, property damage, excessive cleaning, or violation of the rental agreement or house rules. The security deposit must be successfully authorized before check-in. If the required guest verification, rental agreement, or security deposit requirements are not completed within the applicable timeframe, the reservation may be cancelled, the door code will not be provided, and no refund will be issued.