In the first of our series of spotlights on Ontario’s Provincial Parks, Bon Echo stands out as a historical and naturally beautiful opportunity to explore this eastern Ontario leisure location. Found off Highway 41 north of Napanee and Kaladar and 6km from Clyne, Bon Echo’s most well-known feature is the massive Mazinaw Rock rising 100 metres out of Mazinaw Lake and boasting over 260 native rock paintings known as pictographs.

For the active, there are a number of hikes varying in difficulty and length, with a pathway that leads to the top of the rock that offers fabulous views. Canoeists and kayakers can explore the quiet backwaters off the main lake or smaller lakes within the park, and watercraft can be rented from the Park offices. There’s sandy swimming beaches to keep the children happy too. The Mugwump Ferry operating daily in the summer takes visitors across Mazinaw Lake to the Mazinaw rock.

Nearby Smart’s Marina, on Hwy 41 offers boat rentals from a canoe at $25 per day to a pontoon boat at $275 per day. With fishing in plentiful supply on the lake, a full day out will keep the whole family occupied.

Our closest cottage to Bon Echo Provincial Park is Stonewood – a 10 minute drive. Stonewood , on Little Marble Lake, sleeps up to 10 in four bedrooms and is privately located with its own sand beach. A complimentary Park pass will give you access into Bon Echo as many times as you want during your stay. The park is within an hour from many of our other eastern Ontario cottages

Photo of Mazinaw Rock by Napanee Gal on Flickr