There’s no need to leave Ontario this summer if you’re looking for scenic adventures. One of my favourite Ontario Parks soon opens for the season on May 9, and it’s truly stunning. Bon Echo Provincial Park is a perfect mix of views and hikes, and here’s what you need to know before you go.
Located about three and a half hours from Toronto, north of Kingston, Bon Echo’s biggest draw is the gorgeous 100-metre-high Mazinaw Rock, covered in over 260 Indigenous pictographs. The rock has Canada’s largest collection of this type of pictograph, and seeing them for myself, I can tell you they’re mesmerizing.
The other awesome thing about this park is that there are hiking trails for hikers of all skill levels. Ranging from an easy 1 km to a more challenging 4.8 km, the trails here can be explored by all.
One of the most popular trails is the Cliff Top Trail, which leads to the pictographs, but I will warn you, it’s only accessible by water. The good news is that the park has canoe and kayak rentals, so if you’re up for it, you can cruise over to the stairs and pathway that will lead you to the top of the Mazinaw Rock and also to three observation decks with gorgeous views of the lake.
If you’re bringing your four-legged friend along, check out the Pet Exercise Trail, a designated spot to let your pet off-leash.
Once the warmer weather hits, you’re going to want to spend some time at one of the three natural sand beaches.
The Main Beach is usually the busiest, found along Lower Mazinaw Lake. The South Beach is located in the day use area, while the North Beach is located within the Sawmill Bay campground.
Canoers can make a multi-day trip out of some of the canoe routes, including the Mississippi River Canoe Route. This 104 km route will take around five days to complete, featuring 17 portages.
I highly recommend a trip to Bon Echo – enjoy, Ontario.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Where: 16151 Hwy. 41 Cloyne, Ont.
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