Bon Echo Provincial Park is but one of hundreds of provincial parks located throughout Ontario. We feel that Bon Echo is unique among them though, mainly because of the iconic Mazinaw Rock wall, studded with hundreds of Indigenous pictographs, and the history behind the Park’s use.
Conveniently located within 1 ½ hours of Kingston, the Park features stunning scenery, crystal clear lakes, and many options for outdoor activities to partake in. As a year-round cottage rental company, representing private rental cottages throughout Ontario, we here at CottageLINK Rental Management get asked what there is to do in the nearby area all the time! While staying at your Eastern Ontario cottage rental, why not plan a day trip to Bon Echo Park? If your visit is planned for the spring months, here are ways to jumpstart summer with these spring activities in cottage country!
Here are some of the top things to do at the park:
Explore the Mazinaw Rock at Bon Echo Provincial Park
One of the main attractions, and a must see at Bon Echo Provincial Park, is Mazinaw Rock. Be sure to take some time to view the famous rock face, over 100 meters tall, adorned with over 260 Indigenous pictographs, making it a significant cultural and historical site. Paddle up close to it to view from the water, or hike to the top of the rock to see the pictographs up close and learn about the Indigenous history of the area.
Go for a Swim at Bon Echo Provincial Park
Go for a swim! Bon Echo Park has several beautiful lakes, of which three have natural sand beaches and are great 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, but there is no lifeguard.
Hike the Bon Echo Provincial Park Trails
There are many different hiking trails within the Park, ranging from easy to difficult, and even a pet-exercise trail where you can let your furry friend off leash to enjoy nature to the fullest. If you’re fit and up to a challenge, take the Cliff Top Trail! This trail is rated moderate to difficult, and is accessible only by water, but canoe and kayak rentals are available in the Lagoon if you don’t have one of your own. It’s rated moderate to difficult. From the water, stairs and a pathway will take you to the top of Mazinaw Rock, where there are three observation decks overlooking the lake.
Visit the Remains of the Bon Echo Inn at the Park
Over 100 years ago, The Bon Echo Inn was built as a resort getaway for wealthy pioneers who wished to experience life in the Ontario wilderness in a comfortable fashion. Built on a scenic point with a magnificent view of Mazinaw Rock, the Inn became a very popular getaway, attracting guests from as far away as the U.S. Reaching it back then, before Ontario’s extensive road and highway system was built, was a rather daunting trip by train, horse and buggy, and a ferry run by the Inn’s staff members to take you to your final destination by boat. Once arrived, the guests enjoyed their leisure time swimming, fishing, boating, and just relaxing on the verandah.
The Inn was in operation until it closed due to declining business in the late 1920’s, and unfortunately was subsequently almost completely destroyed by a lightning strike which caused a fire in 1936. Today, only three buildings remain, one of which is pictured above, now functioning as the Visitors Centre.
Exhibits in the Visitors Centre show the history of immigrating settlers in the area. Also displayed are close ups of the pictographs found on Mazinaw Rock along with a replica of one of the paintings, and descriptions of the likely meanings of the spiritual dreams depicted. This is helpful for guests unable to see the pictographs up close on Mazinaw Rock!
Go Camping at Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo Park has changed a lot over the years, and now there are over 530 campsites to choose from, so you can choose your preferred level of comfort. Options range from car and tent camping to RV luxury accommodations, cabin camping, including the above “Cabin on the Hill” (one of the surviving Bon Echo Inn buildings), or hike in and camp at one of the walk-in campsites and get a little more distance from your fellow campers. These spots book up and reservations are highly recommended, which you can book up to five months in advance of your trip.
Go Fishing at Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo Park is a great spot for fishing. The park has several lakes and streams, some of which are reachable by car, and others that you can hike to, and you’ll find plenty of fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, lake trout, perch and more. Be sure to refer to the fishing regulations prior to your visit, or stop in at the park office for more information. You can bring your own fishing gear or rent it at the park.
Rent a Canoe, Kayak, or Stand Up Paddleboard to Explore the Park’s Waterways
Bon Echo Park offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, and even stand up paddleboards, so if you don’t have your own to bring you can still explore the park from your rental of choice. Make your arrangements for a daily rental and enjoy paddling through some of the park’s waterways, Bon Echo Lake, Joeperry Lake, Rainey Creek, and Mazinaw Lake.
Go Birdwatching or Birding at Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo is home to over 200 species of birds, including sandhill cranes, yellow-bellied sapsucker, hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, and tree swallows, just to name a few, and of course, the common loon, which can be found all over Ontario’s cottage country. You can take a guided birdwatching tour or explore the park on your own and see how many species you can spot.
Enjoy a Picnic at Bon Echo Provincial Park
There are several picnic areas to enjoy a scenic outdoor meal. You can bring your own food and drinks, or grab a bite to eat at the Bon Echo Inn’s cafe. The picnic areas have beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding landscape, so you can enjoy a relaxing meal in nature.
Bon Echo Provincial Park is a beautiful and diverse outdoor destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, bird-watching, or historical education, there are plenty of things to do at Bon Echo Provincial Park. From exploring the Mazinaw Rock and swimming in the lakes to hiking the trails and camping under the stars, Bon Echo is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Please reach out to our team at CottageLINK Rental Management to help you find the perfect Eastern Ontario cottage rental to be the home base for your explorations!