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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page! Here, you’ll find answers to common inquiries about Castaways Cottages and Campground. Whether you’re planning your first visit or are a returning guest, we aim to provide all the information you need for a seamless and enjoyable experience. Explore topics such as accommodations, activities, dining, and more to help you make the most of your stay with us. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!

Common Topics:

General Questions

Accommodation Questions

Tours & Activity Questions

Dining & Cooking Questions

Safety & Accessibility Questions

General FAQs

Castaways Cottages and Campground is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, near Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada.

Find directions and more information here.

Geographic coordinates: 60.8571878866218, -115.83893144490135

There is a Hay River Airport with routine scheduled flights offered by Air Tindi and Canadian North.

Yes! You can drive to Castaways via Highway #2 (Hay River Highway) or highway 5 (Fort Smith Highway). 

Please check road conditions here. 

You can reach Castaways Cottages and Campground via phone or email. The contact details are listed on here. 

Our gallery page has photos of everything Castaways. 

Yes, here is a map of Castaways property. 

No. The castaways beach does not have supervision nor life guards. 

Please watch your children and pets. Always enjoy the waters with a buddy. 

Geo coordinates: 60.8571878866218, -115.83893144490135

Find directions and more information here.

We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

48 hours or more before check-in: Full refund.
Between 48 and 24 hours before check-in: 50% refund.
Less than 24 hours before check-in: The cost of one full night’s stay will be charged, regardless of the length of the booking.

Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Accommodation FAQs

Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.

The northern lights are visible from Fall to Spring, with prime viewing from August to April. Learn more about chasing the Northern Lights at Castaways here.

All cabins are equipped with adequate heating to ensure a warm and comfortable stay during the winter months.

Yes, we are a pet-friendly location. When booking a cabin please book a pet-friendly unit. Please know that there is a pet cleaning fee required.

If you do not see a pet-friendly cabin available online please email or call Castaways to request.

Please ensure pets are kept on a leash and cleaned up after

We offer a range of accommodations, including a 3-bedroom Cottages, 2-bedroom Cedar Cabin, cozy Tiny Cabins, and camping stalls.

Yes, Starlink Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the property.

Yes, our 2 & 3 bedroom cabins come with fully equipped kitchens, including a fridge, stove, and microwave. 

Our Tiny Bachelor cabin includes a kitchenette with microwave, minifridge and sink.

Yes, all cabins are equipped with bedding and towels for your convenience. We do ask that you bring your own beach towels.

Campers have access to outhouse, and a communal fire pit. 

At this time, additional beds/cots are not available. 

Our 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom cabins have in-suite laundry for your convenience. 

As of January 2026, there is no minimum stay required for cottage/cabin bookings. 

Tours & Activities FAQs

Castaways is family friendly. Families, classrooms and teams will enjoy our snow tubing, Sherp tours, Ice fishing, self-guided waterfall tours, and more.

We will have more information on kids activities posted soon.

Please contact us if you have specific questions. 

Summer activities include:

Winter activities include:

Yes, we offer rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. 

Yes – Castaways rents ATVs learn more on our ATV Rental page.

 

Castaways FAQ page

A Sherp is an extreme all-terrain, amphibious vehicle known for its unparalleled ability to traverse nearly any surface, including deep snow, swamps, sand, rocks, and water, using massive, self-inflating tires and a unique design that allows it to float and overcome large obstacles. These compact but powerful UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles) are used globally for search and rescue, logistics, defense, and extreme exploration where traditional vehicles fail.

Learn more about our MIGHTY Sherp Tours here. 

No. The castaways beach does not have supervision nor life guards. 

Please watch your children and pets. Always enjoy the waters with a buddy. 

Dining & Cooking FAQs

Yes – All cabins have Kitchens. Our 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom cabins have large kitchens with full size fridge, stove and microwave. Our tiny bachelor cabins have a kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and smaller oven and stove. 

Yes – All cabin have an outdoor BBQ for guests to use.

Our cabins have kitchen facilities for self-catering.

We do not have a restaurant on site, but there are local dining options in Hay River. Castaways may provide a shuttle service for diner with special request. 

Campfires are allowed in designated areas. However, restrictions may apply during dry weather conditions to prevent wildfires, and guests will be informed upon arrival.

The nearest grocery store is approximately 10 kilometers away in Hay River, Castaways may provide a shuttle service by special request.

Hay River you can find multiple shopping options for all of your essential and souvenir needs. 

Safety & Accessibility FAQs

We strive to be accessible for guests, with cabins and facilities designed to accommodate various needs. Please contact us for specific requirements.

Safety is our priority. We have staff on-site 24/7, emergency contact information posted, and regular maintenance of all equipment and facilities.

For the latest updates on Forest Fires in the Northwest Territories, please refer to the official websites below: 

We can arrange shuttle services upon request for an additional fee, ensuring a convenient transfer from the local airport or town. Castaways has a 24-passenger bus. 

No. The castaways beach does not have supervision nor life guards or duty. 

Please watch your children and pets. Always enjoy the waters with a buddy.