Frequently Asked Questions
This page is to help you plan your stay at The Sanctuary Inn, an AirBnb-style accommodation in Val Marie, SK!
1. What is your cancellation policy?
We are a small business and just starting out. If you need to cancel your trip, we require at least a 14-days notice in advance for cancellations or rescheduling and your booking deposit will be fully refunded (Please note, we charge a $25.00 cancellation fee and if you paid with a credit/debit card, the 3% processing fee will not be refunded.
To cancel or reschedule, please contact us by Phone +1 306 900 0443 and/or +1 639 831 7007 or by replying to this email at TheSanctuaryInn@outlook.com.
Cancellations with less than a 14-days notice in advance: Please note, the booking deposit you paid cannot be refunded for any reason such as illness or injury, mechanical issue, power outage, or any other reasons which are beyond our control i.e. a power outage or emergency. We highly recommend you insure your trip with a traveller’s insurance for any unforeseen circumstances. As a small business, we are unable to provide refunds or return deposits for any cancellation with less than a 14-days notice in advance.
2. Is the water potable?
Yes! We test it quarterly through the public health region. It is hard water with high mineral content but it is safe to drink (and we do drink it!). Our frequent testing has shown it is free from coliforms and E. coli.
3. What kind of heat do you have in the suites?
Each suite has a high-efficiency heat pump with a remote control. In addition there is a small baseboard heater in the bathroom and an extra space heater available.
4. Is The Sanctuary Inn pet-friendly?
Yes! We charge $35 per night. A second pet is an extra $15/night. Maximum 2 pets per suite.
We ask that you clean up after your dog on our property and around town. Ask us for a tip on a nearby dog walking trail!
Our town by-laws state that quiet time is between 11:00pm and 7:00am. We ask that you be respectful of other guests and neighbours. Dogs barking during this time will not be tolerated and your booking will be cancelled, without refund.
5. What time is check-in and check-out?
We offer check-in from 4:30pm to 9:00pm. When you arrive, just call 639-831-7007 and we will meet you there in a few minutes. Check-out is at 11:00am. We are fully booked during the high season and this allows us enough time for cleaning.
If you are arriving after hours, please let us know and we can make arrangements.
6. Do you consider one-night stays?
7. What about housekeeping?
As an AirBnB-style accommodation, we do not offer housekeeping. If you have garbage or recycling, just let us know and we will swing by to grab it. Each suite has its own broom and dustpan for spills during your stay.
8. Is there a barbecue?
Yes! There is a propane barbecue available for your use at all of our accommodation options.
9. Do you have guest laundry?
10. What Services are Available in Val Marie?
Gas Station: B&A Petroleum is located near the corner of Hwy 4 and 18
Electric Car Charging: Behind the Grasslands National Park Visitor Centre. There are two charging options there.
Restaurant: The Val Marie Bar & Cafe - located on Centre St and advertise their hours as 11am-9pm Tuesday to Sunday. Check their Facebook page for closure notices.
Groceries: The VM Grocery and Liquor Store - located on Centre St and are opened Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and carries some basic items as well as alcohol. The Bracken Co-op is located 15 minutes away and has an excellent selection of fresh produce, meats and all the essentials. They are opened Monday to Saturday
Spray Park: Located in the Val Marie Campground and open daily during daylight hours.
Gift Store/Museum: Prairie Wind and Silver Sage - Friends of the Grasslands is opened seasonally.
9. When is the best time of year to visit Grasslands National Park?
Anytime is great! Here is a summary of the highlights!
- April: Cooler weather is great for hiking. Spring birds have come back and the sharp-tailed grouse are dancing!
- May: Spring wildflowers are in bloom! Best time of year to look for grassland songbirds. Small groups of bison are often visible from Ecotour.
- June: Best time of year for wildflowers! Reptiles are starting to make their appearance and songbirds are still singing! This can be the windiest time of year.
- July: Best time of year to look for Burrowing Owls as their chicks are peeping out of the nests! Best time of year to look for short-horned lizards and prairie snakes. This time of year, you are least likely to see bison as it is the rutting season.
- August: A lovely time to visit the park as wildlife seem to be extra active as the summer heat starts to cool. This is the best time of the year for astronomy! Most wildflowers are done by now.
- September: While many birds have started their migration, it is the best time of year to look for some unusual migratory birds passing through. It is also the best time of year to look for bison! There are often sightings of the large herds! Reptiles are still out and about and this is a great time of year to see these rare creatures.
- October: Deer are starting to herd up for the winter and it's amazing to see them in numbers. Cooler weather means hiking without ticks, snakes or wind. It can be lovely!