The Wanderer Boat Tour in Bon Echo Provincial Park
From the first moment I saw the 330-foot-tall Mazinaw Rock, I only wanted to get closer. Every time I saw boaters and paddlers along the cliff face, it only made me long for our time on the water.
We spent much of our first days at Bon Echo Provincial Park exploring the trails, so the boat tour and kayaking were being saved to give our legs a break while at the Park.
The Visitor Center
Before heading on your boat tour (or paddling adventure), make sure to explore the displays dedicated to interpreting the pictographs on Mazinaw Rock and a replica of one of the paintings.
You’ll also find numerous photos with information explaining what they are believed to represent and the meaning of the spiritual dreams painted on the rocks.
Greystones Gift Shopped & Cafe
We purchased our tickets at Greystones for both the Wanderer Boat Tour and the Mugwump Ferry ride to the Cliff Top trailhead. Friends of Bon Echo run the store – all proceeds go right back into the park!
Wanderer Boat Tour
The boat cruised along the shoreline while the guide spoke about Bon Echo Provincial Park’s history and pointed out highlights during the 45-minute interpretive tour.
We saw the Visitor Centre, Greystones, Cabin on the Hill (roofed accommodation) and a few campsites from the water. The tour boat coasted past rocky outcrops, kayakers, and campers out for a swim before crossing Mazinaw Lake to the cliffs.
During the return alongside Mazinaw Rock, our tour guide taught us about this region’s natural and indigenous history, stopping beside the cliffs when it was safe to have a closer look at the rock formations and pictographs.
Two hundred and sixty pictographs have been painted on the rockface. You might not be able to spot them all, but you can certainly take the time to appreciate the ones you can find when you’re paddling on the lake instead of the limited time available on a boat tour.
Of the many incredible rock formations we marvelled at, Turtle Head really stood out – it’s easy to see where its name came from!
In many nooks and cracks in the rocks, trees were growing. There were some small and ancient trees whose roots were clinging to the bare cliffs.
Sunset on Mazinaw Rock
We returned to the Narrows to watch a natural wonder unfold. As the sun’s rays touched the granite, its colour saturation increased until the rock glowed in golden shades before it faded into darkness.
I watched canoers paddle into the dying light for a unique perspective on Mazinaw Rock – I instantly wished I was on the water as well! Perhaps next time!
Not only does Bon Echo Provincial Park have a plethora of activities for day-trippers, but there are also many options for overnight adventures!
From Hiking to Paddling, easy access to backcountry camping, plus glamping options from cabins to yurts, Bon Echo has it all.
With such a variety, you’ll be able to find the right site for your level of comfort and exploration goals!
📍 Bon Echo Provincial Park, Ontario.
🌲 Traditional Lands of the Anishinabeg ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, and, Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin).
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