Everything You Need to Know

Practical information to help you prepare for your stay at Island View Retreat on Big Gull Lake.

Check-in & Check-out

• Check-in: 4:00 PM
• Check-out: 10:00 AM
• Summer bookings: Check in Friday, check out Friday
• You'll receive a welcome email with gate code, lockbox code, and detailed driving directions 1 week before arrival
• The cottage is fully cleaned and inspected before each guest's arrival

What to Bring

• Groceries and beverages — stock up before you arrive (nearest grocery is 30 min away)
• Sunscreen, bug spray, and hats
• Fishing rods and tackle (or buy at Camp's Bay Marina next door)
• Ontario fishing license (purchase at Camp's Bay Marina or online)
• Beach towels (bath towels and linens are provided)
• Board games and cards for rainy days
• Binoculars for wildlife watching
• Firewood is available for purchase locally

Grocery & Supply Stops

• Sharbot Lake (30 min south) — Foodland grocery, LCBO, Beer Store, gas stations, pharmacy
• Northbrook (25 min south) — general store, gas
• Camp's Bay Marina (next door) — bait, tackle, fishing licenses, snacks, ice cream, fuel
• Tip: Do a full grocery shop before leaving Kingston, Ottawa, or Toronto — selection and prices are better

Boat Launches

• Helen Lane (1044 Helen Lane) — east end, off Ardoch Road. Township-maintained, free, with parking
• Thompson Road — west end, off Big Gull Lake Road near Harlowe. Township-maintained, free
• No road permit required for Big Gull Lake
• Camp's Bay Marina (next door) — boat rentals $99–$219/day, fuel dock

Fishing Licenses

• Ontario fishing license required for residents and non-residents
• Purchase at Camp's Bay Marina (next door) or online at ontario.ca/fishing
• Big Gull Lake falls in Fisheries Management Zone 18 (FMZ 18)
• Walleye: 40–50 cm slot size, S-4 / C-2 limit
• See our fishing guide for full species and regulation details

Cell Service & WiFi

• WiFi: 10 Mbps — sufficient for email, messaging, and light streaming
• Cell service: Rogers and Telus have partial coverage. Bell has the best coverage in the area
• Service is intermittent in spots — consider it a feature, not a bug
• Tip: Download maps, playlists, and movies before you arrive

Nearest Services

• Gas: Northbrook (25 min), Sharbot Lake (30 min)
• Pharmacy: Sharbot Lake Pharmacy (30 min)
• Hospital: Kingston General Hospital (~1.5 hrs), Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital (~1.5 hrs)
• Urgent care: Sharbot Lake Family Health Team (30 min)
• Fire/Police: North Frontenac Fire Department, OPP Sharbot Lake detachment

Garbage & Recycling

• North Frontenac operates waste transfer sites — the nearest is the Oso site on Road 509
• Open select days/hours — check the Township of North Frontenac website for current schedule
• Recycling is accepted: paper, cardboard, plastics #1–7, glass, cans
• Please do not leave garbage outside — bears are active in the area

Fire Pit Rules

• Fire pit is lakeside — use only the designated pit
• Check for fire bans before lighting: Township of North Frontenac posts active bans on their website
• Keep fires small and manageable
• Fully extinguish fires with water before leaving or going to bed
• Firewood available for purchase locally — do not bring firewood from outside the region (invasive species risk)

Questions?

If there's anything else you need to know before your stay, don't hesitate to reach out.