Camping, Hiking, Boating and Swimming
Bon Echo's Mazinaw and Hardwood Hills 500+ campsites are typical of those in the Ontario Parks system. Grassy or lightly wooded lots are set back from unpaved access roads and are backed by natural, untended land—generally conifer-deciduous forest in this park. Both campsites host a large number of RV accessible lots. Electricity is also available to 130 campsites. All sites are located close to a source of running water, as well as a latrine or flush toilet. Comfort stations with washrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are available at major campgrounds. There is also a radio-free area, a Visitor Center, Gift Shop, and the Mugwump Ferryboat for crossing the river to hike the Cliff-Top Trail to Bon Echo Rock.
In addition, accommodation in heated yurts is available in the Sawmill Bay camping area. The yurts are an alternative to tenting or RVs, accommodating up to 6 and providing a more protected environment for less hardy visitors.
Cutting and collecting firewood is prohibited on these sites to prevent environmental disturbances or damage. Firewood must be purchased at camp offices. Due to the Emerald Ash Borer firewood may not be brought to the Park.
Bon Echo is known for its "backwoods camping" experience, almost unique in this part of Ontario. The "Abes and Essens" trail in the northern reaches of the site hosts several campsites, each equipped with nothing more than a picnic table, and a roughly delineated campfire area. Unlike other areas of the park, none of these sites have access to running water, electricity, or any other park service. Disturbing these sites is also discouraged, although the collecting of deadwood and digging of pits to properly dispose of waste is recognized as essential in these isolated areas, and is tolerated if done carefully.
Augmenting the ruggedness of the experience, Abes and Essens is regarded as a strenuous trail. The terrain is, in places, very rough and uneven, often with shield rock jutting up as on the Bruce Trail. Depending on the loops and paths one takes, the hike will take between 2 and 7 hours. The trail features three loops of four, nine and 17 km, which intersect at various points, allowing one to navigate the trail in many different ways. The paths are not bold, preserving the ecology of the trail, and can be confusing at times, although the way is marked by flags on particularly difficult sections. Due to the length and difficulty of the trail, it is not recommended for the ill-prepared (or overpacked) camper, nor the unfit or inexperienced day-hiker.
Other, less strenuous hiking trails include the Shield Trail and the High Pines Trail, as well as the path that leads up along the top of Bon Echo Rock, which provides a stunning view from its designated viewing areas above the narrows of Mazinaw Lake.
It is possible to rent boats and boating paraphernalia at camp offices to explore the lakes and waterways.
Bon Echo Park has beaches along Mazinaw Lake, including North Beach (at the southern end of North Mazinaw), South Beach and New Beach (both at the northern end of South Mazinaw). The beach waters are generally at their warmest in August, and swimmer's itch is not uncommon.
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Famous quotes containing the word swimming:
“Awareness of having better things to do with their lives is the secret to immunizing our children against false values—whether presented on television or in “real life.” The child who finds fulfillment in music or reading or cooking or swimming or writing or drawing is not as easily convinced that he needs recognition or power or some “high” to feel worthwhile.”
—Polly Berrien Berends (20th century)