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Bon Echo

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Biking

Biking is permitted on park roads only.

Birding

The Peregrine Falcon, a species of concern 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

Power boats 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 21 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 - Closed - The trail is closed in 2023 due to storm damage clean up.

Bon Echo Creek Trail: 1 km (40 minutes), linear, easy
Take a leisurely walk along the 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. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in the Lagoon. 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.