Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome.  Sandy Bay Cottages is a family oriented resort featuring clean two, three and four bedroom housekeeping units sleeping up to 8 persons.
 
Located  near the mouth of the Trent River on the south shore of beautiful Rice Lake, Sandy Bay Cottages offers terrific Weekly Rates.   All packages are inclusive of  gas  BBQ's  and free use of paddle boats and Kayaks (kayak accessories for rent).   
 
The season begins the first Saturday in May and ends Thanksgiving Weekend in October.
 
For the children in the family (big and small) there is a full playground area equipped with swings, slides, climber, merry-go-round and, of course, a lovely sandy beach for  swimming.  Every Thursday in July and August we have a children's fishing derby in the morning and potluck supper in the evening where all our guests are welcome to share food and friendship.  There is a  recreation hall that is open every evening with  a pool table, shuffleboard, table tennis and card tables for your enjoyment.  Limited WiFi is available.
 
Fishing  is excellent. Species  include  Walleye (Pickerel),  Muskie, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Carp, Panfish (Bluegill, Rock Bass, Perch and Crappie). Everything  is  at  hand including bait,  two  fish cleaning stations,  boat launch, fuel and complimentary fish freezing.  

Esther Cui invite you to come and stay at Sandy Bay Cottages.  The welcome is a warm one, the sunsets are spectacular and the fishing is rated as some of the best in North America.  To arrange a  memorable family vacation , give us a call at (1-705-9777-555) or toll free at (1-800-716-5278).  We'd love to speak with you.

 
What to bring
Bedroom
  • Bed sheets for double and twin beds
  • Blankets if you anticipate cold weather
  • Fans if you anticipate hot weather
  • Pillows 
Bathroom
  • Towels (hand and shower)
  • Wash cloths
  • Body soap 
  • Shampoo and conditioner 
  • Personal hygiene items
Kitchen
  • Scissors, condiments, salt and pepper shakers
  • Tinfoil, garbage bags, coffee maker filters (basket style)
  • Bakeware for oven and BBQ,
  • Plastic cups for children
  • Your favourite fry pan with flipper is optional
Other
  • Outdoor Card/Fishing Licience.  (If purchasing a fishing licence at Sandy Bay Cottages, please bring your outdoor card even if it is expired)
  • Everything you need to cook and clean on the BBQ as well as a firelighter or matches
  • Water shoes, beach towels, beach toys
  • Fire-sticks for wiener roast
  • Lawn chair is optional
Life Jackets

We only supply size-large with boat rentals.  For all other life jackets needs, bring your own or they are available for rent at the store.  (See Boat and Visitor Rates page)

If you have any further questions please call 1-705-977-7555 or 1-800-716-5278
Fishing Info

Fishing Licenses Available for Purchase at online of Ontario service  
 

Fishing Season - Year 2024
Species Season Water Temp F.
 Panfish, Crappie, Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass Open year round 65
 Walleye (Pickerel) Second Saturday in May to Nov. 15th 63
 Muskellunge First Saturday in June to
 Dec. 15th
63
 Largemouth / Smallmouth Bass Third Saturday in June to 15th Dec. 71 and 66

License Fees
 
 Fishing License Fees  - Year 2024

Subject to 13% HST      Resident Status        

 License Type Ontario  Canadian Non-resident
 3-year Sport Fishing  $79.71 $164.43 $245.07
 1-year Sport Fishing  $26.57 $54.81 $81.69
 3-year Conservation Fishing $45.21 $97.29 $155.13
 1-year Conservation Fishing $15.07 $32.43 $51.71
 1 Day Sport Fishing $12.21 $14.96 $24.36
 8-day sport  Fishing N/A    $53.38
 8-day Conservation Fishing N/A    $31.02
  N/A     
*   + $8.57 for outdoors card - if req'd

For Each License Type, Possession Limits
 
 Fishing License - Possession Limits

License Type/Limit 

 Fish Species Standard Conservation
 Walleye (Pickerel) 4* 1*
 Largemouth / Smallmouth Bass 6 2
 Muskellunge (112cm/44in minimum) Total of 1 0
 Crappie 30 10
 Perch 50 25
 Bluegill/ Pumpkinseed/Rock Bass/Sunfish 300** 15
 Catfish 12 6
 Carp No Limit No Limit

* between 35-50cms/14-20ins
** with no more than 30 over 18cms/7ins

For American Citizens Please Note:
Limits now apply to pan fish and must be identifiable in your packaging. For more information on transporting and packaging fish please check here:

Packaging and Transportation of Sport Fish
Exporting, Transportation or Storing Fish
Ontario Fishing Regulations Highlights
Getaway and visitor Rates
 

Getaway Rates

These are great times of year to take a week, a few days or just a weekend to unwind.  During the Spring and Fall seasons you will enjoy the best fishing Rice Lake has to offer and a most relaxing and quiet time to appreciate the charming countryside.
 

Cottages FEW DAYS COTTAGE RATES
Summer June 14 - Sept 7 Spring May 17 -  June 14
Fall Sept 7  -  Oct 19
2 Days 3 Days 2 Days 3 Days
2 Bedrooms (4 Persons)
1#,2#,3#,4#,5#,6#,7#,12#,Cedar
$450 $560 $345 $455
3 Bedrooms (6 Persons)
8#,9#,10#,11#,Island View,Lake View
$540 $670 $425 $540
4 Bedrooms (8 Persons)
Roadhouse
$645 $775 $505 $630
  • Extra Person-the number of persons allowed per cottage is either four (2bedrooms), Six (3bedrooms) and Eight (4bedrooms). One extra person may be accommodated at an additional charged of $35 per day/ $150 per week . No exceptions—extra person includes babies and children. 
  • Visitors-Visitor for the day must register at the office on arrival. The charge for visitor is $20 per person/ per day. Visitor remaining in the resort after 10pm are considered to be staying overnight. 
  • Rates include free use of paddle-boats and kayaks  
  • Rates also include fish cleaning huts, fish freezing, gas BBQ's for each cottage and more...
  • Rates are in Canadian dollars 
  • All Taxes Extra (HST 13%)
  • Deposits of $400 / per cottage / per week is required to secure your cottage
  • Deposits will be forfeited if cancellation with less than 60 days notice
  • Cancellation within 14 days before the check-in date will be subjected to full payment 
  • Deposit $100/16ft & $200 /pontoon boat , no refunds on cancellation 
  • Canadian  long weekends are considered 3 day stays
  • Life Jacket Rental Fee is $5 .  $30 deposit , refund when returned in good condition
  • Kayak Paddle Rental Fee is $5 .  $30 deposit,  refund when returned in good conditio
  • The boat deposit will be held as a damage deposit to the end of the rental period
  • We supply size "large" life jackets only with the boat rentals.  For beach use, bring your own or rent from our store.  All life jackets and other equipment to be returned undamaged to store by Friday at 9:00pm or other agreed time for a deposit refund.
Reservations and Terms
Reservations and Deposits    
Inquiries can be made by mail, phone, email. A deposit of $400 per cottage, per weekly rental is required to confirm all reservations.   Deposits required for boats - $100 for a 16ft boat and $200 for a  pontoon boat.  Deposit must be received before February 1st to secure the reservation.  (Personal cheques are accepted for deposit only).  Cheques payable to : Sandy Bay Cottages  (address: 92 Sandy Bay Rd, RR 1, Hastings , ON, Can. K0L 1Y0 ).  Reservations made after February 15th must be confirmed by a deposit within 14 days otherwise the reservation will be cancelled. We cannot hold your cottage longer.
 
Hours  
Reservations accepted 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.  Reservation phone 1-705-977-7555 or 1-800-716-5278. Arrivals up to 11:00 p.m. daily.  No arrivals after 11:00 p.m.
Upon Arrival
All guest to register at store upon arrival. Balance of cottage rental fee is due upon arrival.  We accept E-transfer , Cash, Visa, M/Card and Direct Debit.  (Personal cheques are not accepted on arrival)
 
Other Fees
A security/damage deposit of $100 per boat and $200 per pontoon boat will be required to secure boat reservations.  Deposit will also be used as damage deposit and will be refunded at close of rental. (14 ft boats do not require reservations deposit, damage deposit may be requested on arrival).  A cleaning deposit of $50 per cottage may be requested on arrival.  An extra charge applies for people above maximum occupancy (Boat and Visitor Rates).  No over crowding will be allowed.
The Recreation Hall games as well as the Volleyball, Basketball and Horse Shoe equipment require a small deposit which is refundable when equipment is returned.
 
Cancellations  
Deposits will be forfeited if cancellation with less than 60 days notice. Cancellation within 14 days before the check-in date will be subjected to full payment. 
 
Check-in Time  
Check-in 2:00 p.m.  Check-out time is 9:00 a.m.  No arrivals after 11:00 p.m.  Adjustments will not be made for late arrivals or early departures.  Please let us know upon booking, your approximate arrival time. 
 
Visitors and Quiet Time 
All day visitors must leave by 10:00 p.m.  For the comfort of other guests, no noise after 11:00 p.m. please.
 
Pet Policy  
For the comfort of all of our guests, we do not allow pets.
 
Other 
Sandy Bay Cottages absolves itself from any liability, loss, injury or damages, however caused.  Due to insurance regulations, no storage of gas or gas containers on Sandy Bay Cottages property.   We supply size "large" life jackets only with the boat rentals.  For beach use, bring your own or rent from our store.  All life jackets and other equipment to be returned undamaged to store by Friday at 9:00pm or other agreed time for a deposit refund.
 
Firearms 
Please note.  Legal  registration of all firearms are a Canadian requirement.  For carefree travel we recommend leaving them at home.
Hunting Info

Hunting Licenses Available for Purchase at Our General Store
 

 Hunting License Fees  - Year 2021

Subject to13% HST       

 License Type Ontario Resident Non-Resident

(includes Canadian and Non-Canadian Residents)

 3 Year Small Game $68.28 $357.06

 1 Year Small Game

$22.76

$119.02
 Deer Licence  $43.86 $235.81
 Farmer' s Deer Licence  $25.14 N/A
 Black Bear Licence  $43.86 $235.81
 Wild Turkey Licence  $26.33 $29.83
 Dog Licence* $12.21 $14.96
 Wolf/Coyote Tag $10.05 $253.07
 Elk Draw Application Fee $15.00 N/A
 Elk Licence $48.25 N/A
 Moose Draw Application  Fee $15.00 N/A
 Moose Licence $35.29 $469.86
 Bull Moose Tag $200.00 $200.00
 Cow/Calf Moose Tag $150.00 $150.00
 Calf Moose Tag $30.00 $30.00
   Outdoors Card --- $8.57, required for all products except those indicated by an asterisk (*)

Replacement/Duplicates ---  $9.29, a declaration must be completed for tags that have been lost, stolen or damaged

Non-Resident Hunter Accreditation Submission Fee --- $9.29