100 Metre High Bon Echo Rock
Bon Echo Art Show and Sale
Only a Few Miles Away – Well Worth a Day-Trip!
Bon Echo Provincial Park is a well known multi-use park established in 1965 from a gift of land by Canadian playwright Merrill Denison. Just north of Cloyne on Highway #41 this is a must-see during your stay at Fernleigh Lodge. During the summer months the Park is busy with all kinds of activities. Take the Mugwump Ferry across Mazinaw Lake to climb the Cliff Top Trail. Take the Wanderer Tour boat for an interpretive ride along the face of the majestic Mazinaw Rock to learn about its formation. Park Interpreters will point out and explain several Aboriginal pictographs during the tour.
Canada’s Largest Collection of Accessible Aboriginal Pictographs
Native pictographs adorn Bon Echo’s Mazinaw Rock face. Over 260 have been identified but over the centuries they have started to fade. Many are still clearly visible. Take the Wanderer Tour boat ride (children welcome) for a 45 minute tour to explore this native artwork seldom seen anywhere!
The Majestic Mazinaw Rock
At a height of over 300′ high above the water the Mazinaw Rock can be seen for miles. Formed from a fault line it is said that the rock face extends another 300′ beneath the water! Mazinaw Lake is the second deepest inland lake in Ontario with a maximum depth of 475′! The rock face is roughly 1 kilometre long. You can climb to the top via the Cliff Top Trail. Take the Mugwump Ferry to the dock at the base of the cliff. The view is spectacular from the top!
The Bon Echo Art Exhibition and Sale – Over 20 Years Strong!
With its striking views and varied moods, Mazinaw Lake has drawn artists to its shores for hundreds of years. In honour of that artistic spirit, the Friends of Bon Echo Park are excited to present their annual Art Exhibition and Sale. Traditionally the event is held the last weekend in July.
This three-day long event will feature 40 artists displaying original art on the theme of “Canadian nature, wildlife and countryside.”
Come take in the art, enjoy the barbecue and confectionery tents, and check out the many exciting activities also taking place over the weekend, including the Sciensational Sssnakes show, Group of Seven event, face painting, skink colouring contest and other children’s activities. For the most up-to-date information visit: The Friends of Bon Echo Website.
Visit the Interpretive Centre/Museum & Greystones Gift and Book Store
Located directly across Mazinaw Lake from the famous Rock, the Interpretive Centre and Greystones Gift & Book Store will provide insight into this gem of a Provincial Park. Learn about the rich history of Bon Echo. Talk to Park Staff about wildlife within Bon Echo and the ancient cedar trees – over 900 years old! Art, books and Bon Echo clothing/souvenirs can be seen and purchased at Greystones – once a cottage of the Denison’s. Greystones purchases held fund Bon Echo Friends services such as ferry operation and children’s programs within Bon Echo.
Hiking Galore
Several hiking trails exist in Bon Echo including the Bon Echo Creek Trail (1 km), the High Pines Trail (1.7 km), the Shield Trail (4.8 km), the Abes-Essens Trail (up to 17 km) and the Cliff Top Trail. Visit the Interpretive Centre for self-guided tour brochures.
