FAQs
Accommodations
We have a variety of properties that have a 7-night minimum during our high season (Canada Day through to Labour Day). We also have a few properties that will allow short stays as a 2-night minimum.
Yes! We have a few properties that allow 2–3-night stays throughout the year. Many of our suites allow these short stays.
After Labour Day through late June, homes are available for 2-night minimums.
Unfortunately, we do not represent any properties that allow 1-night stays. You must book a minimum of 2 nights.
- High season is late June/Canada Day through early September/Labour Day.
- Mid-season (Fall) is after Labour day to before Thanksgiving.
- Quiet season is after Thanksgiving to before May long weekend.
- Mid-season (Spring) is after May long weekend to before high season.
Check-in is 4:00pm.
Check-out is 11:00am.
We understand you are excited to start your vacation. However, we have protocols we must follow, and we need this time to get the home ready for your stay.
During the summer months, we do not allow any early check-ins or late check-outs.
Mid & Quiet Season, we may be able to accommodate this. Please reach out via email a week prior to your stay, and we can let you know.
During the summer months, we do not allow any early check-ins or late check-outs.
Mid & Quiet Season, we may be able to accommodate this. Please reach out via email a week prior to your stay, and we can let you know.
We accept Visa or Mastercard only.
Yes, all properties charge 13% HST provincial tax.
As of February 1, 2021, Prince Edward County implemented a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax. This tax is charged on the accommodation portion of all short-term, roofed accommodation reservations in Prince Edward County (e.g., motels, hotels, inns, B&Bs, vacation rentals, etc.)
As of January 1, 2019, there is a non-refundable booking fee of 5.65% charged on all reservations, which covers processing charges and administration. This, along with the tourist tax, shows as “Required Fees” when you make a reservation.
Some properties may charge a cleaning fee and/or a pet fee (if it is a pet-friendly property.)
Some properties may charge a cleaning fee and/or a pet fee (if it is a pet-friendly property.)
A damage deposit is pre-authorized on the credit card you provide as security in the event of damages, excessive mess, or when the terms or conditions of the Short-term Rental Agreement are not followed. Upon departure, you are requested to leave the property tidy and free of trash and have the furniture returned to its original place. If the property is not left in reasonable condition, or if a violation of the Short-term Rental Agreement takes place, then you will be charged a portion of the damage deposit up to the full amount.
The damage deposit is provided to Sandbanks Vacations via credit card preauthorization at the time of booking. In some cases, we will require the refundable damage deposit to be paid upfront. Fourteen (14) days after you check out, the damage deposit can no longer be processed and expires. This gives us time to resolve any claims to the satisfaction of all parties. If damage or a violation has been identified, we will notify the Renter within 72 hours, although this may take longer if your check-out falls on a Friday or Saturday. Property owner teams check properties after guest check-out and before new check-in, but sometimes it takes a few days for notifications to reach us.
Please see our Cancellation Policy.
We do allow changes. However, if you need to change your dates or property choice after you’ve signed a Rental Agreement, there will be a $75.00-$150.00 +HST administrative fee (at the discretion of Sandbanks Vacations).
Most of our properties will supply bedding, linens, and bath towels. To confirm this, please check the individual property listing for detailed information about these and other amenities prior to booking. Usually, this information can be found in the Notes tab.
Yes! Most of our homes only supply BATH towels which are not to be taken outside.
There is nothing nicer than being able to invite friends and family to join you while you are on vacation. In most cases, you are welcome to have guests during the day within reasonable limits. You are required to ensure that your guests respect the property, neighbours, and noise restrictions.
If you have overnight guests, this needs to be shown on your rental agreement. If it is a last-minute decision, you MUST contact Sandbanks Vacations to confirm you are allowed.
As of 2020, there are new Prince Edward County short-term accommodation (STA) bylaws, and exceeding property maximums could result in fines or extra charges. Please note the maximum occupancy guidelines in each property listing and ask if you have any questions.
If you have overnight guests, this needs to be shown on your rental agreement. If it is a last-minute decision, you MUST contact Sandbanks Vacations to confirm you are allowed.
As of 2020, there are new Prince Edward County short-term accommodation (STA) bylaws, and exceeding property maximums could result in fines or extra charges. Please note the maximum occupancy guidelines in each property listing and ask if you have any questions.
Most properties offer drinkable (potable) water. If not, you can purchase water at Metro, Sobeys, or No Frills in Picton and Foodland IGA in Wellington. Please check the Amenities Tab on the property page.
Many cottages offer a fire pit, but not all. Before starting an outdoor fire, The County requires you to call the Permit Department to notify them of each fire planned. You will need to ensure there is no “burn ban” on, and this information should be relayed when you call the Permit office. Often you will find the permit in the guest guidebook at the property or on the fridge. You will be asked to provide the permit number and fire route address (usually the 911 address).
For those who wish to bring a fire pit, you must okay this with us, and the Owner must arrange a fire permit with the Permit Department before your stay.
Please use care when building a fire. Never leave the fire unattended and have several buckets of water on hand before building a fire.
Sometimes starter wood is included. It is also often for sale along the side of the road for around $10 per bag. Make sure to bring cash or purchase at Canadian Tire, Metro, or Sobeys in Picton. Check the Amenities or Notes tab on the individual listing page to find out if firewood is included.
Recycling must be sorted prior to collection and put into the correct bins onsite. Use the appropriate containers for recycling and garbage to avoid attracting wildlife. Instructions for garbage removal are provided at each individual property. Please make sure to contact the Owner if any questions.
Although it has improved, reception is not guaranteed to be great at remote County locations. Check with your cell phone provider as to whether they have a tower near your rental home.
We request that you leave the cottage tidy upon departure. This means general cleanup, such as returning furniture to its original place, washing all dishes, glasses, and countertops, removing bottles and excessive garbage, and hanging wet towels to dry. There should be a check-out list at the property detailing what you need to do before leaving. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Owner or the “Owner Contact” in your Welcome Package.
Renters may be charged additional costs if the property is left in an unreasonable condition or damage is found.
Renters may be charged additional costs if the property is left in an unreasonable condition or damage is found.
This information can be found in your Welcome Package email (emailed out approximately four (4) weeks prior to your arrival). Please make sure to add stay@sandbanksvacations.com to your contact list so that essential communications do not filter into your Junk/Spam Mailbox.
If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact the “Owner Contact” in your Welcome Package. If they have not responded within a couple of hours, you may contact Sandbanks Vacations. Our emergency number can be found in the Welcome Package email for after-hours emergencies when the Property Owner cannot be reached or in case of emergency.
Certain properties are pet-friendly. Please ASK before bringing a pet, even if just for an afternoon. Information regarding pet fees can be found in the Notes Tab on the property page.
Where properties are pet-free, we respectfully ask that no guests bring pets even for a short visit as Owners can be highly allergic.
Where properties are pet-free, we respectfully ask that no guests bring pets even for a short visit as Owners can be highly allergic.
Most properties have Wifi. However, there are some properties where there is no internet provided. Please check amenities for inclusions. If Wifi is included, please understand that it may not be at the speeds you are accustomed to at home. In a rural area, the infrastructure is not always in place. At certain times guests will experience slower streaming and download times due to networks being maxed out in the area. Please make sure to respect the bandwidth download limits stated in the instructions at the property, as not everyone has unlimited plans. You will be liable for extra charges for excessive downloading. Contact us before booking if you require Wifi to work so we can ensure the property is a good fit for you.
Tours
Prince Edward County features over 40 unique boutique wineries. Our coordinator will pick a variety of wineries for the tour to ensure a well-rounded experience. Itineraries are put together 2 – 3 weeks before your tour, depending on your group size.
We have a range of vehicles to accommodate a variety of groups sizes:
- 4 Passenger ½ Ton Pickup
- 5 Passenger Ford Flex (x2)
- 7 Passenger Executive Van
- 9 Passenger Transit Bus (x2)
- 11 Passenger Transit Bus
- 22 Passenger Luxury Mini Coach
If your group is larger than 22 people, we have access to several luxury coach buses and will have one of our guides step on to give you the insider’s tour. We can NOT guarantee a specific vehicle for your group unless you have secured a private tour.
All our tours are open, so other groups will likely be on the same tour as you – the more, the merrier! If you prefer to be on your own, depending on vehicle and guide availability, you can request a private tour (additional fees apply).
As of 2021, we are offering a new option for our Private Tours. Please go to our Tour Page and check out the pricing and options for the Private Tour.
For groups of 6+, please contact our office by email or phone at 613-393-2424, and we will happily help you book your tour. For groups of 5 or less, you can book directly through our tours page.
We require a 50% deposit of the total tour cost to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 1 week prior to your tour date. If your tour is scheduled 30 days or less from the time of booking the entire amount is due at time of booking.
The final balance for your tour is due one (1) weeks prior to your scheduled tour date.
We accept payment by Visa or MasterCard. We also accept email bank transfers sent to our email.
Yes. All tours are subject to 13% HST tax.
Bookings cancelled within three (3) to seven (7) days of the scheduled date are subject to a 50% refund of the full amount paid. Please see the tour cancellation policy in full at the bottom of your booking receipt.
Tour dates can be changed if you give two or more weeks’ notice before the tour date. There is no penalty if the new dates you would like are available.
There is no penalty for changing your group size two or more weeks before your scheduled tour date. If the number of guests changes from the original booking date up to three (3) to seven (7) days of the scheduled date, you are subject to a 50% refund of the individual price paid. Please see the tour cancellation policy in full at the bottom of your booking receipt.
Our guides do their best to ensure that you have a unique and memorable tour experience. Gratuities are appreciated.
Yes, absolutely! Please leave a review about your tour experience on Google, Trip Advisor, or our Facebook page. We value your feedback.
Most of our tours start between 11:30am-1pm. Start time will depend on what tour you have chosen. Most tours end between 4:30pm-6pm.
If you are making lunch or dinner reservations, please let us know at the time of booking so we can schedule your times accordingly.
If you are making lunch or dinner reservations, please let us know at the time of booking so we can schedule your times accordingly.
There is no dress code at any of the wineries. Make sure you are dressed comfortably and check the weather! Please Note: Due to Covid-19, most places are doing their tastings outside (rain or shine), so make sure you bring appropriate items in case it rains or is cool.
You’re welcome to bring a snack and bottled water for your group to enjoy during the tour.
You’re welcome to bring a snack and bottled water for your group to enjoy during the tour.
No, guests are not permitted to consume alcohol on the tour vehicles under any circumstances. If your group is consuming alcohol in the vehicle, our tour guides will use their discretion to determine whether the tour should continue. We encourage everyone to have a great time, but if any member of your group is highly intoxicated, we will ask them to remain in the vehicle. If that is unacceptable, the tour will not continue.
For Saturday tours during the summer, it is advisable to book at least 6-8 weeks in advance. If you’re booking a large group, then we advise you to book 3+ months in advance. For weekday tours during the summer, it is best to book 2-3 weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings are dependent on the availability of a guide.
