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Paddling to Mazinaw Rock.
Words by Steve Fennell
Approximately three hours east of Toronto and two hours west of Ottawa, Bon Echo Provincial Park is an RV-friendly destination with accommodating campgrounds, a number of facilities, not to mention preserved forests and scenic lakes - it’s a place where just one trip is not long enough to explore it all.
Look into the Past
Spanning 66 sq km (25 sq mi) outside of the rural community of Cloyne, Bon Echo may not be as large as Algonquin or Killarney, but it encompasses the signature beauty that Ontario is known for, and shares some of the province's rich, natural history. A perfect example is its insightful past is illustrated through more than 260 ancient red ochre pictographs located at the base of Mazinaw Rock, a massive 100 m (328 ft) cliff overlooking Mazinaw Lake.
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It's easy to escape the crowds at any one of the campsites.
Representing a variety of symbols including spirits, canoes, and animals that cover 65 rock faces over an area of 2.5 km (1.5 mi), the pictographs are best observed by canoe, kayak, or other types of watercraft. To preserve and commemorate their significance, the area was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1982. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the lake and cliffs as you peacefully paddle among the quiet, rugged shore.
What also makes this part of the park interesting - especially for birders - is its home to many species including Great Crested Flycatchers, Red-Tailed Hawks, kestrels, Common Loons, and the Peregrine Falcons (known as the fastest animal on the planet), which commonly stand guard along the cliff face.
A Fisherman’s and Paddler’s Paradise
Anglers, too, will be amazed by Mazinaw Lake. It’s not only the largest in the park but it’s one of the deepest in Ontario with a depth of 145 m (476 ft). Trolling, casting and even downrigging to reach cooler depths are common among die-hard anglers who drop a line for yellow pickerel, small/largemouth bass, lake whitefish, lake trout, and northern pike. While powerboats are permitted to reach the more active areas, they are prohibited on other lakes in the park - but they can be explored by kayak or canoe.
Destination Ontario
A closer look at Mazinaw Rock.
If you’re serious about paddling, you’ll want to plan a day away from your RV site and hit the 21 km (13 mi) Kishkebus Canoe Route. It takes about six hours (with one portage) and leads past the Mazinaw pictographs to the calm waters of Kishkebus Lake on the park’s east side. Like other still water lakes in Bon Echo, Kishkebus consists of a glacier-hewn stone bottom, which makes the water incredibly clear.
Other lakes to visit include Joeperry, which has a nice beach (and at times is less crowded than the waters and the sandy shores of Mazinaw), and the campsites on Abes, Clutes, and Essens lakes are accessed from the Abes and Essens Hiking Trail.
Hiking and other Highlights
To leisurely enjoy the park, there are a variety of trails for all ages and skill levels. A popular hike - rated moderate to difficult - is the Abes and Essens Trail. It consists of three interconnecting looped routes including Clutes (3.5 km (2 mi)), Essens Lake 9.6 km (6 mi), and Abes, which is for the more dedicated as it spans 17 km (11 mi).
Destination Ontario
The fishing is excellent for northern pike, lake trout, and pickerel.
At the end of each trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the region’s rich forests and lakes. If you plan a trip in the fall, you’ll also be amazed by the vibrant, pastel-coloured landscape. Less difficult hikes include the easy-rated 1 km (.6 km) Bon Echo Creek Trail (1 km (.6 mi)), which is often closed in spring and early summer due to wet conditions, and what is called the Pet Exercise Trail loop that’s 1.4 km (.9 mi.)
Some other highlights include the Bon Echo Lagoon, which is home to the Bon Echo Paddle Centre where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, or enjoy a walking path along the shore. Children’s programs and events at the amphitheatre also take place throughout the season.
Boat tours of the area from the dock near the Visitor Centre have been available in recent years but will not take place in 2022. Select events are also supported by the Friends of Bon Echo Park, which is committed to the preservation of the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Yevhenii Dubrovskyi
There are a variety of scenic hikes for all skill levels.
RV Camping and More
In addition to backcountry camping, two RV-friendly campgrounds can accommodate a variety of models. The Mazinaw Lake Campground consists of three campgrounds including Sawmill Bay, Midway and Fairway, each one has sites that offer power, potable water, comfort stations and nearby laundry facilities. Water access and the Visitor Centre are only a short distance away.
For a more rustic experience, set up your rig in a maple-beech forest in the Hardwood Hill Campground. It can accommodate tents or tent-trailers and while power is not available, there is a comfort station with washroom facilities close by.
Although it’s always best to come prepared with the proper gear, food and other essentials for any remote RV trip, the community of Cloyne has a general store, a few casual dining options, fuel, and even a service centre in the event repairs are needed to your tow vehicle or motorhome. Quilts and other artisan crafts can be found at the Skoot House and the kids will enjoy the Land o’ Lakes Rescue Petting Farm.
A well-rounded trip that provides a great summer getaway, Bon Echo Provincial Park is easily accessible for any type of RV trip. Once here and settled, you’ll be captivated by history, its preserved nature and the number of activities suited for your family. For more information about the park, camping fees and other attractions visit www.destinationontario.com or www.ontarioparks.com
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