Bon Echo Provincial Park Things to Do

There are over 260 pictographs along the cliffs near the water, according to the Park. The natives told their life stories using these red rock paintings. The pictographs are not difficult to spot from a boat or canoe.

The massive Mazinaw Rock rises 100 meters above Lake Mazinaw.

The best way to view it from land is from the narrow passage point, which can be reached if you follow the shore from the canoe rental place.

Here is a list of the available park activities. This information is from the Bon Echo Provincial Park website (see link below).

Backcountry
To savour the beauty and solitude of the wilderness, hike to one of the five sites along the Abes and Essens Lake overnight hiking trail. Twenty-five canoe-in campsites are located on Joeperry and Pearson Lakes. At each campsite, you'll find a picnic table, tent space and a toilet nearby. Joeperry Lake has the added bonus of a sandy beach.

Education :
During the summer and fall, park staff offer guided hikes, evening programs, campfires and children's activities.

Fishing :
Lake trout, yellow pickerel, small and large mouth bass, lake whitefish and northern pike.

Wildlife Viewing :
Due to its location, Bon Echo offers a unique chance to see species typical of both northern and southern Ontario, such as deer, moose, black bear, red fox and beaver.

Boating :
Power boats are prohibited on all lakes in the park except Mazinaw Lake.

Swimming :
Two sandy beaches are good for swimming. There are no lifeguards.

Other :

Friends of Bon Echo Tour Boat :
Take a boat tour of Upper and Lower Mazinaw lakes for a close-up view of majestic Bon Echo Rock. On its long, flat face, see native pictographs, ancient cedars and a chiselled Walt Whitman verse. Tours run daily during July and August and you can make reservations at Greystones Gift and Book Shop or by calling (613) 336-9863 a few days in advance.

Mugwump Ferry :
Take this ferry across Mazinaw Lake to Bon Echo Rock and the base of the Cliff Top Trail. The ferry runs daily in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall.

Fall Festival of the Arts :
To celebrate the fall explosion of colour, the park hosts an annual fall festival featuring a craft exhibition and sale, hikes, boat tours, photography workshops, artist workshops and an outdoor barbecue.

It's an amazing view from high up on the cliff, 100 meters from Lake Mazinaw, one of the deepest lake in Ontario.