FAQ’s

All of our units are well equipped including extra linens, towels both bath and beach towels.

We aim to make your cooking experience an enjoyable one, and therefore, the kitchens are well equipped. They include both large and various small appliances. Units include a fridge, stove, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, blender, sharp knives, pots and pans, dishes, glassware, bowls, cooking and serving glassware, cutting boards, strainers, and various hand gadgets.

In addition, there are basic cooking condiments such as spices, vinegar, oil, sugar, coffee, tea etc. We provide a starter supply of toilet paper, bath soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, paper towels, garbage bags, facial tissue, shampoo and conditioner.  Some kitchens contain even more extensive small appliances including; espresso makers, crock-pot, juicers, rice cooker, griddle, ice cream maker, electric knife, milk shake machine, coffee grinder, fondue pot and equipment, magic bullet, hand mixer, bread machine and more.

If you are looking for something specific, please be sure to ask us and we will endeavor to meet your request. Outside each house there is a BBQ for outdoor grilling. You just need to move in, unpack your suitcase and enjoy all of what Nanaimo has to offer!

Parking is available with all the homes. If bringing a boat and trailer, please be sure to confirm in advance. If you bring your boat, please be sure to also bring your own dock protection ie buoys and tie ups.

Yes, the waterfront homes do have non-motorized watercrafts including kayaks; some have paddleboats, row boat, and canoe.

Please email for more information. The waterfront homes do have some lifejackets, ensure to check about sizing. If using the watercrafts, a liability waiver does need to be completed and signed.

There are bike rentals available upon request.

We strive to do our best to accommodate everyone’s individual needs and preferences. Our check out policy requires that guests check-out at 10:30 AM in order for us to prepare the property for the next guest. 

Check-in time is after 4:00 PM or later as we require the time to prepare the property for your arrival.

If a late check out or earlier check we may be able to accommodate but we cannot guarantee it, however, will make our best endeavor to accommodate there is a fee for these options. Please be sure to ask in advance. 

Prior to your arrival, you will receive a confirmation document from our office with specific check-in processes. We personally like to meet and great everyone at the property. We provide a walk through and orientation of the home and make sure guests know how access specific home instructions. If you have any questions at any time, you are welcome to call or email.

Yes, all of our homes have high speed internet, wifi and a telephone for local calling. Some of the houses also have a guest computer, for surfing for local events, sites and checking emails. All homes have a flat screen TV. The cable channels do have an extensive online channel guide. In some of the homes, there is Netflix, a DVD library, games library, as well as , some rainy day activities.

All our homes are kid friendly. If you have toddlers or small children and require a booster seat, playpen or a cot; please be sure to inquire. We are very family oriented and know that saving time and money and not having to pack these items is very convenient, so just let us know. We are here to help. 

Yes, grocery stores, drug stores, and restaurants are all located close to our rentals. Some houses are within walking distance. Public transit is also a short walk away. In each of the homes, there is a Guest Directory, which provides all specific home details, as well as local sites and attractions. Prior to your arrival, you will receive information about many local favorite places to explore.  If you want any specific information, be sure to ask, we have many resources to assist you in your travels and have in-depth local knowledge.

Our properties are either on Long Lake or within a few blocks walk.  The waterfront houses do have their own lake access and boat dock for guests use.  Some houses do have a private beach.  There are public beaches close by at Loudon Park, or at Brannen Lake Park.  If you want to explore the ocean parks they are only minutes away to Pipers Lagoon, Neck Point Park or Departure Bay Beach.

Nanaimo, Courtney/Comox and Victoria all have airports with direct flights from major Canadian and U.S. cities.  West Jet and Air Canada service these airports.  In addition, there are harbour-to-harbour flights from Vancouver, Seattle and Victoria, by float plane via Harbour Air,  Sea Air, and Sunshine Coast Air or helicopter. 

There is an efficient ferry system offered by BC Ferries between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, making it easy to transport to the Island.

How long is the ferry ride?
1. The Lower Mainland ( Horseshoe Bay ) to Departure Bay in the inner harbour of Nanaimo                 BC Ferries – Time 1 hour 35 minutes.

2. The Lower Mainland (Tsawwassen) to Duke Point (15 minutes south of Nanaimo)                                BC Ferries – 2 hour 15 minutes.

Access through Victoria is an 1 hour and 30 minute drive to Nanaimo.

3. Seattle, W.A. to Victoria Victoria Clipper Ferry – 2 hours and 30 minutes.

4. Port Angeles, W.A. to Victoria   Coho Ferry – 1 hour and 35 minutes. 

5. Anacortes, W.A. to Sidney ( Outside of Victoria )  Washington State Ferries – 3 hours

6. Friday Harbor (San Juan Island), W.A. to Sidney Washington State Ferries                                            – 2 hours and 30 minutes.

7. Bellingham, W.A. to Victoria   Victoria San Juan Cruises – 3 hours.

Yes, all our properties are non-smoking.  There is no smoking of any kind permitted inside of any unit.  Smoking is permitted outside only and guests are to ensure proper disposal.  In fact, City bylaws dictate that there is no smoking inside, outside, on balconies or even within 30 feet of all buildings. Please be mindful. 

If smoking has occurred in any unit, against our policies you will be charged a $400 fee against your security deposit.  

All of our properties have a washer and dryer located in suite.  Laundry soap and dryer sheets are provided.  In addition, there is an iron an ironing board in every unit. 

Our homes are all cleaned by our professional cleaning staff and inspected prior to your arrival, as well as, after your check out.  There are basic cleaning supplies for your convenience during your stay.

We do however ask on your check out date, (as turnover times are very tight), to ensure you start a load of towels in the laundry.  Ensure that your dishes are all ran through the dishwasher, or washed.  That all garbage and recycling is placed in the appropriate bins.  The BBQ must be cleaned after every use.  

If the home was left requiring extensive cleaning above and beyond our normal cleaning times, additional cleaning fees may be charged.  

We pride ourselves in the home being exceptionally well maintained, however you will be provided with a contact number, to call us, in the unlikely event you need our assistance.  We will help you out as quickly as we can. 

Some Lakeview Homes are pet friendly.  Please be sure to inquire which units.   Naturally, we do have some pet ground rules for the rentals.  Most of these rules are just plain common sense; some have evolved from lessons unfortunately we have learned the hard way. When a pet is confirmed, there is a pet fee required.

Yes, we require a signed rental agreement on file for all of our guests and for each booking.  This contract will be completed with the confirmed information from your booking inquiry.  Our website spells out our terms and conditions and as well as listed in rental contract.  We will send our clients a contract which can be electronically signed.

All registered guests must have a credit card authorization on file, this is used for security once check in has occurred to the unit. 

Our rates vary depending on the house, the size of your party and the time of year the reservation is made. Please review our posted rate schedule for specific pricing, or if you require any clarification, please be sure to ask.  We do charge a cleaning fee on each rental, as well as gst.  Please refer to our posted rate schedule to this information.

Our rental rates are based on base occupancy generally of 6 people, with the exception of smaller units which have quad occupancy. This is to ensure our houses are affordable for all group sizes.  We do charge a small fee for additional guests above the base rate, per guest, per night ranging from $15-$25, depending on the home which is booked.  This cost is to cover extra usage and supplies in the home.

We pride ourselves in transparent communication and rest assured there are no hidden fees. 

Currently, the tax for stays under 30 days is GST which is 5% of the cost for the rental, cleaning and pet fee if applicable.   

Any rentals over 30 days are NOT subject to GST tax.

A non-refundable deposit of 40% is due immediately upon booking.  The rental balance is due and payable 30 days prior to your arrival date. All monies paid are non-refundable. 

Our cancellation policy is 60 days.  If for unforeseen circumstances, you do need to cancel your reservation, we immediately make the home available for rental during the cancelled dates. If the unit is re-booked out, then the client will qualify for a returned booking fee, less a $100 processing administrative fee. 

We recommend that you consult your homeowner policy or the perks offered by your gold or platinum VISA card to determine whether or not you already have trip cancellation coverage in place. Failing that, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance and this can be done through your agent.  They should be able to offer you a policy at competitive prices, at the time of booking your vacation.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, America Express, Discover and e-transfer.  Deposits via cheque are accepted if it is processed 60 days prior to check-in.  

We are seeing a large number of US credit cards being declined for cross-border transactions, due to extra security measures taken by the banks, which is great for security, however sometimes causing extra work for clients.  In order to avoid any issues, we suggest you let your bank know that you will be traveling to Canada, or at least anticipate a charge coming through from a Canadian company.  You may want to let them know which dates your travelling as well.  Some banks have implemented a text verification security message.  You can check with your credit card company to and see if this is an option. 

When we email your confirmation document, there will be a due date for the final payment listed.  Final payments are due 30 days prior to arrival.  It helps to put a reminder on your calendar and ensure to send the balance prior to that date.   However, if by chance it has not been received, we will email you a friendly reminder.