Ontario Parks | Bon Echo
Size: 8294.00 ha
Year established: 1965
Park Classification: Natural Environment
Cloyne, Ontario
K0H 1K0
Biking
Biking is permitted on park roads only.
Birding
The Peregrine Falcon, a threatened species in Ontario, is often seen nesting on Mazinaw Rock. Great Crested Flycatchers, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers, Common Loon, Turkey Vultures, kestrels and Red-Tailed Hawks are popular bird sightings.
Boating
Powerboats are allowed on Mazinaw Lake but are prohibited on all other lakes in the park.
Canoeing
Kishkebus Canoe Route – 21 km (6 hours) loop, moderate to difficult
This day paddle takes you past indigenous pictographs to the still waters of the nature reserve on the east side of the park. Please note: one portage is 1.5 km.
Joeperry and Pearson Lakes
Spend a relaxing day paddling in motorboat-free lakes or reserve one of the 25 backcountry campsites. There is a 500m portage from the parking lot to the launch.
Mazinaw Lake
Launch your canoe or rent one at the Lagoon to paddle on Mazinaw Lake. Head over to Mazinaw Rock to view one of Canada’s largest visible collections of indigenous pictographs.
Mississippi River Canoe Route – 104 km (5 days), 17 portages, moderate
For more information on this route, contact the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Discovery Program
During the summer park staff offer a variety of fun, interactive educational programs. Join a park naturalist as you explore the hiking trails and stop by the Visitor Centre to learn about the 1920s Bon Echo Inn. Attend a children’s program or bring the whole family to the popular evening shows at the amphitheatre.
Fishing
Mazinaw Lake is a popular fishing lake for Lake Trout, Yellow Pickerel, Small and Large Mouth Bass, Lake Whitefish and Northern Pike.
Hiking
Abes and Essens Lake Trail – 3 interconnecting looped trails: Clutes 3.5 km (1.5 hours); Essens Lake 9.6 km (4 hours) and Abes 17 km (7 hours) moderate to difficult.
Some sections offer panoramic views that are particularly spectacular in fall. Hike for a day or camp at one of the five campsites along the trail (campsite reservations are required).
Bon Echo Creek Trail: 1 km (40 minutes), linear, easy
Take a leisurely walk along Bon Echo Creek.
Please note that this trail is historically closed in the spring and early summer due to wet trail conditions.
Cliff Top Trail – 1.5 km (1 hour), linear, moderate to difficult
This trail is only accessible by water. A ferry service (fees apply) will take you to the start of the trail. Check with park staff as to the current ferry schedule. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available. Stairs and a pathway take hikers to the top of Mazinaw Rock to three observation decks overlooking the lake.
High Pines Trail – 1.7 km (1 hour), loop, moderate
Hikers pass a variety of forest and wetland communities including tall pines, groves of hemlock and quiet forest ponds.
Shield Trail – 4.8 km (2 hours), loop, moderate
Follow a section of the old Addington Road as it crosses the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield where you will see hardwood forests, cedar lowlands and a beaver swamp.
Pet Exercise Trail – 1.4 km (1 hour), loop, easy
Let your furry friend off-leash on this designated pet exercise trail.
Swimming
There are three natural sand beaches recommended for swimming. The Main Beach is located in Lower Mazinaw Lake, South Beach is located in the Day-Use area, and North Beach is in Sawmill Bay campground. These beaches are marked with buoys.
Please note: there are no lifeguards posted at the beaches and pets are not permitted.
Barrier-Free
All comfort stations offer barrier-free access. There is also a wheelchair ramp at the day-use area, Gift Shop and Visitor Centre.
Boat Launch
Boat launches are located near North Beach, the Lagoon, and along Bon Echo Creek.
Comfort Station(s)
Comfort stations (with showers and flush toilets) are located in Hardwood Hill, Midway, Fairway and Sawmill Bay campgrounds and at the Day-Use area.
Day Use
Main Beach and South Beach are popular day-use areas. Both have sandy beaches with buoyed swimming areas (but no lifeguards) and shady areas with picnic tables, hibachis, water taps and comfort stations nearby.
Flush Toilets
Flush toilets are found in various locations in Midway, Fairway and Sawmill Bay campgrounds, the Lagoon and the Day-Use area.
Laundromat
Washers and dryers are available at comfort stations (fees apply).
Park Store
Greystones Gift and Book Shop, operated by the Friends of Bon Echo Park, is located in the historic Greystones building. The Shop features clothing items, souvenirs and books.
Groceries are available outside of the park in nearby communities.
Ice and firewood are available for purchase at the park gatehouses.
Picnic Shelters
There is one picnic shelter in the park located at the Lagoon. The shelter is available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Rentals
Canoes, kayaks and SUP’s are available for rent. Please contact the private canoe concession contractor, “Bon Echo Outfitters” at 1-800-985-2571.
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are also available through the PARKsmart PFD Lending Program (requires a refundable deposit).
Visitor Centre
The park visitor centre is located in Dollywood, one of the original cottages from the Bon Echo Inn era. Learn more about the indigenous pictograph site, the history of the Inn, and the wildlife in the park.