FAQ
Find out more about Vacationville Birch Bay and the Birch Bay Area, from the most asked question from our renters over the years.
Q–Do you have daily maid service?
Answer – The unit is clean upon your arrival and Vacationville will clean again upon your departure. You can schedule daily or a mid stay clean with Vacationville but there will be an additional charge.
Q–Will I have a cleaning fee charged to my credit card upon my departure?
Answer – All additional fees such as sales tax, lodging tax, cleaning fee, booking fee, and so on have been included in the total amount.
Q–What are your additional fees and can you explain what they are used for?
Answer -Besides state sales and lodging taxes we have a) Booking Fee-this is what Vacationville receives for booking the property, b) Cleaning Fee-this is a fee used to pay for the cleaning of the property upon your departure. Labor, laundering linens, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags…this fee is the same if you stay one night or ten nights. The fee is based on the size of the property. c) Cancelation Protection-this fee is to cover a cancelation due to an immediate family member that may suffer an injury or illness that prevents travel. It also covers airport closures along with road closures. It is 4% of your rental amount. d) Damage Protection-this covers minor, accidental damage to vacation rentals. A few examples, a glass or plate is broken, there is a small spill on the carpet that needs steam cleaning, face clothes are stained from women’s make up and can not be used again, a lost remote and so fourth. These fees are non negotiable.
Q–Are sheets and towel included in the rental?
Answer – All vacation rentals have sheets for every bed and a sofa bed if the rental has one. You also are provided bath, hand and face towels as well as bath mats. Kitchen towels and dish clothes are also included.
Q–Will I have a washer and dryer in my vacation rental unit?
Answer – Every vacation rental does have a washer and dryer, accept at the Cabana Club. The Cabana Club does have coin-operated laundry on property located in the clubhouse. No laundry detergent is provided.
Q–Are there BBQ’s in my vacation rental propriety?
Answer – All vacation rental properties have a propane BBQ. Should you run out of propane during your stay please contact Vacationville and we will exchange the empty tank for a full one at no charge. Charcoal or portable BBQ’s are not permitted.
Q–Is there high speed Internet or Wi-Fi connection available in my vacation rental property?
Answer – Not every unit has Wi-Fi. If the property does have access to Wi-Fi it will reflect in the property description. There is free Wi-Fi at the Shores Restaurant, the Bay Café, and other area eateries and coffee shops.
Q–Will I have a fireplace in my vacation rental property?
Answer – Most vacation rentals have fireplaces in them. Some are gas and some are for burning presto logs only. Check the property description to see what type of fireplace the vacation rental has. Burning wood or driftwood is not allowed.
Q–Will I have access to a pool or hot tub?
Answer – For those staying at Jacobs Landing the pool and hot tub are indoors and open daily year round. For those staying at The Cabana Club, the pool is outdoors so it is only open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. The hot tub is indoors and is open daily year round. Other properties outside these two complexes do not have pools or hot tubs unless listed for the particular unit.
Q–What are the check-in and check-out times for my vacation rental unit?
Answer – Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check out is at 11:00 am sharp, as we need time to prepare the room for the next guest. Early check-in or late departure may be arranged if there is no one using the property before your stay or after. Please call your Vacationville representative to see if this is possible.
Q–Vacationville has a 4-night minimum during peak season; will you make an exception to this rule?
Answer – That would depend on the owner, the unit, and what time of year it is. It never hurts to ask so please consult a Vacationville representative.
Q–I know you can crab as well as clam dig in Birch Bay, but how do I know if it is a Red Tide or not?
Answer – Red Tide is a toxin that can affect shellfish at different times of the year and it always varies. Please call the Red Tide hotline at 1-800-562-5632 for more information.
Q–Do I need a license for crabbing or clam digging?
Answer – Yes, you do and they can be purchased at Bay Center Market in Birch Bay during your stay. You will need a photo ID to obtain your license.
Q–How far is the beach from my vacation rental property?
Answer – That depends. Most vacation rentals we represent are directly across the street from the beach or right on the beach. Please consult your Vacationville representative for further information.
Q–Can we bring pets?
Answer – Vacationville has a NO pet policy. There is a $500.00 fine if a pet is found on the property or there is evidence a pet was in your unit or vehicle.
Q–Can we smoke on the balcony or the patio?
Answer – All vacation rentals are no smoking properties. You cannot smoke on the balcony or on the patio. Smoking at the property is cause for eviction.
Q–Are there golf courses in the Birch Bay area?
Answer – Yes, there are some wonderful award winning courses. Semiahmoo Golf Course 360-318-2000, Grandview Golf 360-366-3947. Loomis Trail 360-332-8128, Dakota Creek 360-366-3131 to name a few
Q–Is there snow skiing close to Birch Bay?
Answer – Mount Baker is about 1.5 hours from Birch Bay and offers tremendous skiing. It is noted for an early season starts and many times records the most snow depth in the US.
Q–How far is Canada and do I need a passport?
Answer – Birch Bay is about 8 miles from British Columbia and the Canadian Border and yes you must have a passport to enter Canada.
Q–Where can I get information on Canada?
Answer – You can go online and look for information on British Columbia. Or, when traveling to British Columbia through the Peace Arch border and enter BC you will see a large tourist information bureau on your right hand side. They have an excellent supply of maps and will assist in direction along with currency exchange.
Q–Do you offer Extended-Stay rentals with a monthly rate at Vacationville?
Answer – During our Shoulder Season many of our vacation rentals will rent out on a monthly basis. We have more furnished properties available than unfurnished properties. Please contact a Vacationville representative for availability and extended stay rental rates.