Paddling in the Cliff’s Shadow in Bon Echo
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, and after riding the Wanderer Boat Tour, I was reading for some kayaking!
The Visitor Center
Before heading on a 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.
Wanderer Boat Tour
Tickets at Greystones Gift & Book Shop 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!
The boat cruise will go along the shoreline while the guide spoke about Bon Echo Provincial Park’s history and pointed out highlights during the 45-minute interpretive tour.
Paddling on Mazinaw Lake
With options to launch your own paddle craft or rent a canoe, kayak or supboard from the Bon Echo Paddle Centre Office at the lagoon, it’s easy for anyone to explore Upper and Lower Mazinaw Lake.
When we paddled through the Narrows channel toward Upper Mazinaw Lake, we encountered big waves and heavy chop caused by the lake’s deep waters rising to the shallow Narrows. Water was constantly cresting over the kayak and soaking me – so thankful my camera was safe in a diving case!
Two hundred and sixty pictographs have been painted 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.
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.
If you’re looking for an extra challenge, try the Kishkebus Canoe Route (1.5 km portage and 21 km paddling loop, moderate to difficult) around the rock to the nature reserve on the east side.
Other paddlers report that this is an all-day adventure, taking, on average, seven hours, so make sure you set off early! Also, depending on the time of year – and beaver activity – there may be unmapped portages to navigate low waters and dams.
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!
As we gazed up at the rockface, we caught sight of rock climbers on the cliff face and hikers waving from the viewing platforms along the Cliff Top Trail – those little people really gave perspective on how big Mazinaw Rock really was.
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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