⚠️ Don’t forget to check Bon Echo park alerts before traveling. Advisories include boil water advisories, fire bans, beach conditions and a whole lot more useful information that might impact your visit.
Facebook and Website Links
Bon Echo Official website
Friends of Bon Echo Park
Contact Information
Phone: (613) 336-2228
Address: 16151 Hwy. 41, Cloyne, Ontario; K0H 1K0
Opening and Closing: May 13, 2022 to October 16, 2022
Bon Echo Gatehouse: Latitude: 44.89720, Longitude: -77.20950
If you’re looking for information about camping or hiking at this park, we have more information on our partner website – Bon Echo
Canoe & Kayak
Kishkebus Canoe Route – 21 km (6 hours) loop, moderate to difficult
You’ll be able to see some ancient Indigenous pictographs and other unique wildlife on this day paddle of the nature reserve on the east side of the park. Please note: one portage is 1.5 km.
Joeperry and Pearson Lakes
You can spend a relaxing day paddling in motorboat-free lakes or reserve one of 25 backcountry campsites to enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer! There’s 500m portage from the parking lot into launch so make sure you bring plenty of gear with you on vacation as well as explore new trails while enjoying some fishing trips too
Mazinaw Lake
Paddling through the beautiful Mazinaw Lake and viewing Canada’s largest visible collection of Indigenous pictographs is a perfect way to spend your day. Launch or rent an inexpensive canoe from our rental shop before setting off on this journey!
Mississippi River Canoe Route – 104 km (5 days), 17 portages, moderate
For more information on this route, contact the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Paddle Safely
- Plan ahead and check with the park for any specific knowledge you’ll need.
- Be weather aware before and during your adventure, no matter how short.
- Have a plan, and make sure people know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
- Avoid traveling alone, especially if you’re a novice.
- Wear your Personal Flotation Device (PFD), don’t just carry it.
- Attach a good quality whistle to your PFD (no little balls/peas).
- Carry a cell phone or radio (in a waterproof bag that floats).
- Carry safety equipment kit, including buoyant towline, bailer, and waterproof flashlight.
- Recommended are change of clothing/waterproof clothing in a dry sack.
Canoe & Kayak Rental
Canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are available for rent, usually from the location next to the lagoon boat ramp. As far as I am aware, it’s not possible to book ahead and reserve.
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are also available through the PARKsmart PFD Lending Program (this requires a refundable deposit).
Where to Launch
There are three main locations in the park where it’s easy to launch canoes and kayaks.
North Beach
The Lagoon
This is the main boat ramp where it’s easy to launch. Probably the easiest option if you plan to view the pictographs on Mazinaw Rock.
Bon Echo Creek.
This is a great place to start your paddling adventure. There are several places to park, picnic, and launch your canoe. Paddle up the creek and see if you can spot turtles sunning themselves on logs. Alternatively, head out under the bridge into the main Mazinaw Lake.
Tappings Bay Boat Launch
This is a great option when the park is closed. Located about 5 km North of the main park entrance (44.9112, -77.2068) on N. Mazinaw Heights Road. There is limited parking but it’s a really nice paddle past Mazinaw Rock into the Lagoon located inside the park. We discovered this option during Covid lockdown, when park access was closed, thanks to one of the park wardens.
Please Help
We strive to keep the information up to date, but it’s impossible to visit every location regularly. If you find something has changed or you think we’ve missed something important or useful, please Contact Us. We are always happy to include relevant local business information – just a one or two-sentence paragraph and a link to your website, or Facebook page.