Frequently Asked Questions

     I'd like to visit Oiseau Rock. What is it, and is it close?
     I have friends/business in the Deep River area. Are the cottages close?
     Why do you require a 50% deposit?
     Can I book a stay that's less than a week in summer?
     How do I drive to Oiseau Bay Cottages?
     Do I need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get there?
     Where can I rent a boat?
     What about fishing at Oiseau Bay? 
     What should we bring?
     Can we drink the water?
     Are there shops nearby to do our grocery shopping?
     How should we pack our food?
     What does "off-grid" mean for me and my vacation?
     Do you have cell service and Internet access?
     How much privacy is there between cottages? 
     Are there birds and wildlife there?

I'd like to visit Oiseau Rock. What is it, and is it close?

Oiseau Rock is a magnificent rock feature jutting out of the Ottawa River not far from our property boundary. It is a sacred Aboriginal site. It has ancient Algonquin aboriginal pictographs, and there are many legends and lore surrounding this amazing place.

You can hike to the top of Oiseau Rock, where there is a spectacular lookout, a picnic area, and a crystal-clear spring-fed lake for swimming. You can paddle or boat to the trailhead from here (a ~1-mile trip by water), or you can access a new trail opening 2010 by vehicle. A trip to Oiseau Rock is an unforgettable event.

Why do you require a 50% deposit?

A 50% deposit is common for small vacation rentals like us. Unlike a hotel or motel in the city, we NEVER overbook, we turn away many bookings once you've reserved, and we cannot fill your spot last minute if you cancel. The deposit ensures you that we're serious, and us that you're serious. It's a win win!

Can I book a stay that's less than a week in the summer?

In July and August especially, we tend to only book full weeks (Saturday to Saturday). However, if you have a shorter window of time in mind, email us and we'll see what we can do.

How do I drive to Oiseau Bay Cottages?

Driving directions can be found under the "How To Find Us" tab. We have a locked gate at the edge of our property, so you will have to contact us before you come to get through.

Do I need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to the cottages?

We recommend having a four-wheel drive to come in. Be mindful as you drive on the back roads, especially of your clearance. High clearance vehicles are required for the road.

*A 4WD is necessary when coming in the winter and early (wet) spring.

Where can I rent a boat to use at Oiseau Bay?

Oiseau bay has a 14ft aluminum boat with 15HP motor available for rental. Please email for prices and availability. Ryan's Campsite at (613) 584-3453.

What about fishing at Oiseau Bay?

There is great fishing all along this stretch of the Ottawa River. We are also only a couple of kilometers away from some great fishing lakes. You will need a Quebec fishing pass, which you can pick up at one of the convenient stores as you drive here. Or, if you're boating in from Deep River, pick one up in Swisha. Also, legally you need bait purchased in Quebec. Keep your receipts for your minnows!

What should we bring?

Flashlights (1 per person), child's lifejackets (if necessary), bath and beach towels, bug repellent and sunscreen, bandaids for scrapes, a cell phone, driving directions from our website, slippers in the cooler seasons, and don't forget your butter! Bring all of your cold food in coolers, and as much frozen as possible. We also recommend biodegradable shampoos.

*What you shouldn't bring: Avoid bringing glass, any appliances that plug in, fireworks, little candies with little wrappers, factory packaging, and complainers.

Can we drink the water?

Yes.

Are there shops nearby to do our grocery shopping?

There are small convenient stores in the townships about a half hour's drive from Oiseau Bay. We recommend bringing all of your food in coolers from your home base. There are also large grocery stores in Pembroke, Ontario on the drive in.

How should we pack our food?

Please bring your perishable food in coolers, and bring frozen things already frozen. Please do not bring liquor, wine, or beer in glass bottles (common wilderness/Park etiquette).

What does "off-grid" mean for me and my vacation?

We do not have 120-volt electricity on the property, but we do have lights, stoves and ovens, refrigeration units, etc.--basically, everything you're used to except for hair dryers! You'll be surprised by how easy and comfortable it is to live off the grid. Just please be mindful that you do not waste resources.

Do you have cell service and Internet access?

You can get cell service where the cottages are. Bring your 12-volt cell car charger to keep your phone powered. We cannot power laptop computers, but if you have sufficient battery power and a USB go-anywhere Internet stick, you should be able to connect. But don't be afraid to leave the computer behind and really "let go of it all." You deserve it!

How much privacy is there between cottages?

The 4 cottages are spaced around a large wildflower field over about 0.75 kilometers. Each building has its own lawns, BBQ areas, etc., and each feels very spacious. It is about a 2 to 5 minute walk between buildings.

*Check out our little map. Click here.

Are there birds and wildlife there?

Birders, they don't call this place "Oiseau Bay" (Bird Bay in French) for nothing! We are close to a peregrine falcon and bald eagle nesting ground, and there are oodles of north-eastern Ontario birds of all kinds.

In terms of animals, don't be surprised if you see deer and moose tracks, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, wild turkeys, fox, geese, loons and grebes, and butterflies of all sorts.