Bon Echo Tab - 2022

BON ECHO

Canoe and Kayak Rentals

New in 2022: Ontario Parks is now operating the canoe and kayak rentals at Bon Echo. Rentals for Mazinaw Lake and backcountry camping are arranged at the Bon Echo Paddle Centre located at the Lagoon.

Mazinaw Lake: Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are available to rent up to 4 hours, 8 hours, or in 24 hour increments.

Backcountry camping on Joeperry and Pearson Lakes: Canoes are available in 24 hour increments.

WHAT’S INSIDE

• Payment can be made by cash, debit, or credit.

• Rental includes paddles, PFDs, and a safety kit.

• Renters must be at least 16 years of age and must agree to all terms of the Equipment Rental Agreement.

• All equipment must be rented and returned during Paddle Centre hours of operation.

Please visit the Bon Echo Paddle Centre or a Gatehouse for hours and prices. Rentals on Mazinaw Lake are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Welcome!

Thank you for joining us during the 2022 operating season at Bon Echo Provincial Park. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are one of our many returning patrons we trust you will safely enjoy and appreciate one of the province’s most stunning landscapes. The desire to connect with nature and recreate is at an all time high and truly reinforces the importance of protected places in the Province of Ontario. The boundaries of Bon Echo Provincial Park permanently protect over 20,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, rich human history, and rugged beauty. Our team of park staff, park hosts and Friends of Bon Echo Park strive to manage this natural environment park in a manner that encourages the protection of significant natural and cultural resources while also providing opportunities for sustainable and high quality visitor education and recreation. This balanced approach ensures the natural environment and cultural resources remain intact and viable for present and future generations.

Indigenous Significance

Mazinaw Rock with its rugged beauty, magnificent pictographs and surrounding lake remains a special sacred place for Indigenous peoples and is situated within the traditional area of Anishnaabek and Algonquin communities. This sacred place provides an important link to their ancestors and remains a vital part of the communities today. I encourage everyone to learn more about this rich Indigenous history and respect this place as being sacred. Remember this when looking at the fragile pictographs and when hiking the Cliff Top Trail.

Bon Echo Paddle Centre

New in 2022, Ontario Parks will be operating the Bon Echo Paddle Centre to provide watercraft rentals and learning opportunities to improve your paddling skills. We are offering a Canadian made rental fleet of canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The Bon Echo Paddle Centre office is in the Lagoon on the shore of Mazinaw Lake, near the Main Beach. A fleet of canoes will also be available to rent on Joeperry Lake for the canoe-in campsites. Experiencing the park while paddling on the water is a healthy and sustainable way to recreate

Water Safety – It’s Your Responsibility

1. There are no lifeguards on our beaches. Water safety is your responsibility at all times.

2. Take the steps to be safe around water. Learning how to swim and water survival techniques help keep us all safe.

3. Always supervise children and non-swimmers by watching them when they are in or around the water.

4. Ensure children and non-swimmers wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in or around the water.

5. Swim in only designated swimming areas. When the water is rough, or conditions are not clear – STAY OUT! Never swim alone. You should

and a meaningful way to connect with nature. Our experienced Bon Echo Paddle Centre team is dedicated to providing helpful advice and instruction to make your paddling experience safe, memorable and fun. Please refer to the front cover of the tabloid for more Bon Echo Paddle Centre details.

Trail Running Race

We are pleased to be hosting the Monster of Mazinaw trail running race on September 24, 2022. The park has partnered with Happy Trails Racing to offer a variety of challenging trail race distances from 10 km-60 km. No matter if you are a participant, cheer as a spectator or volunteer as race support, the fall season is a tremendous time of the year to enjoy the park. Visit https://www. happytrailsracing.com/ for more details about this event and their trail race series.

Bon Echo Team

Our talented and hardworking 65 member team takes pride in maintaining park facilities for over 230,000 park visitors during our 6 month season. With this volume of visitors, it can be challenging to maintain the park facilities, but we are committed to ensuring your visit is enjoyable. Should you have a problem or concern during your visit I would encourage you to contact a staff member as soon as possible. This will allow us to address your situation before you leave the park. There is also an opportunity to leave your comments online at https:// www.ontarioparks.com/contact/email or on the back of your campsite permit. They will be reviewed by our park staff. We appreciate hearing about your experience whether it is positive or one that could be improved.

We wish you an enjoyable and safe visit to Bon Echo Provincial Park.

Clark Richards

always swim with a buddy.

6. Using a floatie? Offshore winds often blow inflatables out into dangerous waters. Ensure inflatable rafts or toys are used in shallow water areas only and pay attention to changing wind conditions.

7. Be responsible. Avoid substance use when involved in water-related recreational activities.

8. Protect your neck. Never dive into shallow or murky water.

9. If you suspect a drowning or any other type of water emergency, call 911 and contact the park office immediately.

Be PARKsmart

Park Superintendent

Travel Back in Time to the Bon Echo Inn

Did you know some of your favourite provincial parks like Bon Echo, Sandbanks, and Presqu’ile have hosted the summer vacations of nature-lovers since the turn of the century?

By the end of the 1800s, pioneer society was changing. Increased prosperity led to a growing interest in summer resorts and leisure activities. Resorts became the popular hangout for the well-to-do.

Over 100 years ago, Bon Echo became home to the ultimate summer recreation destination: the Bon Echo inn.

Building a nature-lovers’ retreat

Dr. Weston Price and his wife Florence fell in love with the area in 1899 and decided to build an inn opposite Mazinaw Rock.

The couple envisioned it as a healthy and comfortable retreat, where naturelovers could escape the summer heat of the cities. Dr. Price felt Bon Echo inspired the mind and rejuvenated the body. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to get lumber, nails, and other supplies to build a resort in 1900 and 1901? The Bon Echo Inn opened in the summer of 1901. It was a three-story structure with 50 beds and verandas all around it, with a magnificent view of Mazinaw Rock. Surrounding the inn were five cottages near the shoreline, tent platforms, a boat house, windmill, 9-metre water tower, and a dock on each side of a narrow channel connecting upper and lower Mazinaw Lake.

Are we there yet?

Reaching Bon Echo in the early part of the 20th century involved travel by rail, horse and buggy (later by car), and by boat.

One would leave Montreal or Toronto by train in the morning, and get off at the train station in Kaladar around 2 p.m. In 1906, a return train ticket from Toronto to Kaladar was $5.75!

Staff from the inn would be waiting to take guests by horse-drawn carriages over a road to the south end of Mazinaw Lake. Guests transferred to a boat for a ride up the lake to the inn’s dock. They would arrive at the inn around 4 p.m.

Exploring the Inn

The bottom floor had a dining room, lounge, reception room, sitting room, and kitchen. The upper two floors had bedrooms. Rustic décor was everywhere, with furniture and ceiling beams made from birch poles with the birchbark left on. Kitchen gardens supplied some of the food for guests, while local farms supplied

Explore Bon Echo with Discovery Staff

Guided Hikes, Children’s Programs and Evening Programs

Join Discovery staff at our park programs. Bring a child to our fun & interactive kids’ programs or learn about flora & fauna at an evening program. Check park kiosks for our What’s Happening in Bon Echo program information, social media, or ask park staff for updates. COVID-19 health & safety measures will apply.

Boat Tours on Mazinaw

The boat & ferry to the Cliff Top Trail won’t be in operation this year.

The Hidden Wonders of Bon Echo

Explore the Visitor Centre and discover some of Bon Echo’s rich cultural and natural history. Enjoy the interactive displays and learn about the pictographs, Bon Echo Inn, Peregrine Falcons, and more. COVID-19 health and safety measures will apply.

milk, eggs, vegetables, cheese, and meat. Fruit came from local orchards.

In 1906 it cost $9-15 per week to stay at the inn, and that included all meals! This may sound inexpensive to us today, but at the turn of the century these rates restricted the inn’s clientele to wealthy guests.

In 1910, the Prices sold the inn to Flora MacDonald Denison for approximately $12,000.

A place for artists and thinkers

Under Flora’s ownership, the inn opened for the 1911 season with several changes. The tone of the new inn was intellectual, but not stuffy. As a visitor you might attend a lecture on Walt Whitman or be part of a discussion on the suffragette movement with Charlotte Perkins Gilman, an American author and lecturer for social reform. You could listen to a band play at dances or enjoy a poetry reading. Outdoor activities included tennis and croquet. Guests could hire a boat for the day for a leisurely tour of Mazinaw Lake or enjoy a picnic at the top of the cliff.

After Flora’s death in 1921, her son Merrill and his wife Muriel took over the inn in the spring of 1922.

The inn was now much more artistic, rather than progressive. Merrill was a member of the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto, and associated with artists from the Group of Seven, like A.J. Casson and Arthur Lismer. Merrill commissioned the artists to make promotional materials for the inn. Several of them stayed at the inn or in one of the cottages while they worked.

Since Merrill was a playwright, the theatre played an important part of life at the inn under his management. An outdoor theatre was built on the beach below the inn. If you enjoyed drama, visitors and some staff would get together to think up an idea for a skit. The group would work it into dramatic form, get a few actors, and present it with costumes at the outdoor theatre.

The demise of the inn

The Bon Echo Inn, and other early resorts, experienced difficult times in the late 1920s. The inn closed in 1928, and Merrill suffered from a lack of capital after 1929, shortly before the Great Depression.

In September 1936, lightning struck the Bon Echo Inn. The whole building was consumed by flames and the Bon Echo Inn was no more. Dollywood (now the Visitor Centre), Greystones (now the Friends store), and Cabin on the Hill are the only buildings remaining from the inn.

The inn and remaining buildings are recognized by the Ontario Heritage Trust as provincially significant for the well-known artists who painted and sketched here and for Flora’s ideals.

You Can Be a Part of the Team!

Bon Echo is home to some amazing wildlife like Five-lined Skinks & each species contributes to the park’s biodiversity. While canoeing, hiking, or relaxing at your campsite, keep your eyes and ears open for birds, plants, etc. Come to the Visitor Centre and tell us what you saw or record your sightings in iNaturalist or eBird.

Bringing firewood when you travel to or from your favourite provincial park may seem harmless but can spread invasive species such as insects, plants and diseases. Many of these species are hidden in the wood and are difficult to detect. Millions of trees have already been infected. Help us reduce the spread by;

• Leaving firewood at home

• Purchasing kiln-dried firewood where available

• Buying local

If you move firewood out of an area regulated for a quarantined pest without prior approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) you could face penalties of up to $50,000 and/or prosecution.

For more information on firewood movement restrictions and the latest updates about emerald ash borer and other regulated pests, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca or contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.

Roofed Accommodations

Looking for a hassle-free camping experience? Try a yurt, camp cabin, Cabin on the Hill, or an Exploration Tent. Check in time is 4 pm and check out time is 10 am for all roofed accommodations.

Yurts

A yurt is a semi-permanent insulated tent structure mounted on a wooden platform. Each yurt can accommodate a maximum of 6 people. Campsites 148, 153, & 157 in Sawmill Bay campground and campsites 701-704 near South Beach have yurts. All are barrier free/wheelchair accessible.

Each yurt is equipped with:

• 2 sets of bunk beds

• Electricity and electric heat

• Table & chairs

• Outdoor propane BBQ

• Fire pit & picnic table

What to bring:

• Bedding

• Pots & pans

• Dishes & cutlery

Other information:

• One vehicle is included in the site fee

• Cooking is not permitted inside the yurt

• Pets are not allowed in the yurt or on the campsite other than the yurt on site 153

Fees:

• Per Night: $111.87 (includes H.S.T.) with a 2 night minimum

• Site 153, when 1-2 dogs present, an additional flat fee of $45.20 (incl. H.S.T.) is applied with a 2 night minimum.

Yurt (Biome) - 157

This yurt is equipped with:

• 2 sets of bunk beds

• Table & chairs

• Outdoor propane BBQ

• Propane heat

• Fire pit & picnic table

What to bring:

• Bedding

• Pots, pans, dishes & cutlery

Other information:

• One vehicle is included in the site fee

• A maximum of 6 people is permitted

• Pets are not allowed in the yurt

Fees:

• Per night: $152.55 (includes H.S.T.) with a 2 night minimum.

Exploration Tents (Campsites 158 & 160)

Each tent is equipped with:

• Sleeping platform with 4 mattresses

• Table, chairs, & shelving unit

• Outdoor propane BBQ

• Picnic table & fire pit

What to bring:

• Bedding

• Pots, pans, dishes, & cutlery

• Lanterns, no electricity

Other information:

• One vehicle is included in the site fee

• Pets are not allowed at these sites

• Maximum of 5 people

Fees:

• Per Night: $111.87 (includes H.S.T.) with a 2 night minimum.

Camp Cabins

12 camp cabins are available to rent on the shores of Bon Echo Lake. Each cabin accommodates a maximum of 5 people and all are barrier free.

Each cabin is equipped with:

• 1 bunk bed with a double & single mattress and 1 bed with a queen mattress

• Table & chairs

• Electricity and electric heat

• Small fridge, microwave, kettle and BBQ

What to bring:

• Bedding

• Pots, pans, dishes & cutlery

Other information:

• One vehicle is included in the site fee

• Pets are not allowed at, or in, the cabins, other than camp cabin 612

Fees:

• Per Night: $152.55 (includes H.S.T.) with a 2 night minimum

• Camp cabin 612, when 1-2 dogs present, an additional flat fee of $45.20 (incl. H.S.T.) is applied with a 2 night minimum.

Cabin on the Hill

The cabin comes equipped with:

• One bedroom with a double bed

• Two pullout sofas

• Hot & cold running water

• Electricity and electric heat

• Stove, fridge, microwave, kettle

• Indoor washroom facilities including a shower stall

• Outdoor propane BBQ, picnic table, firepit

What to bring:

• Bedding

• Pots, pans, dishes, & cutlery

Other information:

• One vehicle is included in the site fee

• Pets are not allowed in or at the cabin

• A maximum of 6 people is permitted

Fees:

• Per night: $242.95 (includes H.S.T.) with a 2 night minimum. A 6 night stay is required in peak season.

Call the Ontario Parks reservation line at 1-888-668-7275 or reserve online at www.ontariorparks.com

Camper Information

Service Location(s)

Firewood & Ice Firewood vouchers are redeemed at the woodyard.

Ice is available at main gate and the pre-registration gatehouse.

Drinking Water Available at water taps throughout the campground and at comfort stations.

Trailer Dumping & Fill Station A trailer dumping & fill station is located near the pre-registration gate.

Comfort Stations Located in Sawmill Bay, Midway, Fairway, and Hardwood Hill campgrounds & in the day-use area.

Laundry Washers & dryers are located in Sawmill Bay, Midway & Fairway comfort stations.

Other Information

Firewood vouchers must be purchased at a gatehouse before going to the woodyard.

Collecting and burning dead & downed trees and branches are prohibited in provincial parks as these activities remove valuable soil nutrients and wildlife habitat.

Drinking water is tested daily.

An additional fill station is available after the pre-registration gatehouse.

Each has hot & cold running water, showers, flush toilets, & electrical outlets. Do not cook anything in the comfort stations.

There is a small fee to use washers & dryers & to purchase soap. Change is available at gatehouses.

Garbage Disposal Dumpsters are located in all campgrounds. Garbage bags are available at gate houses. Do not put any garbage down the vault toilets.

Recycling Containers are located in all campgrounds. Firewood bags are NOT recyclable. Reuse or put them in the garbage.

Grey Water/ Sink Waste Grey water is the waste water from your sink, washtub, or shower. It can be discarded at any vault toilet or at the trailer dumping station.

Public Phones Pay phones are located near the administration office & at the trailer filling station.

Additional Vehicle Parking Lot Located between woodyard and pre-registration gatehouse.

Campsite Check Out Time Campsites must be vacated by 2:00 pm on your departure date.

Do not wash dishes at water taps or in the comfort stations. It contaminates the drinking water. Do not throw out grey water on or off your campsites. It is unsanitary & attracts animals.

These pay phones require a calling card or credit card.

2 vehicles are permitted on your campsite where space allows. Additional vehicles must park in the Additional Vehicle Parking Lot with permits clearly displayed on the vehicle dashboard.

Early departures must be processed no later than 12 pm to ensure a refund for the night and you must be off the campsite by 2 pm.

Beaches Main (Day-Use) Beach, South Beach, North Beach Beaches are not supervised. You are responsible for the welfare & safety of your children. Do not remove grey mud from beaches. Removal of a large amount causes holes which then become a safety issue. The mud may cause a rash if applied to large areas of the skin.

Alcoholic Beverages

Drinking or displaying an open container of an alcoholic beverage is only permitted on a registered campsite.

Radio Free Areas Midway and Hardwood Hill Campgrounds, Joeperry Lake, Abes & Essens Hiking Trail, and the Camp Cabins.

Messages

Campground Safety

A message board is located at the preregistration gate house.

Respect your fellow campers by not playing radios & other portable sound systems in these areas. Radios in other areas should be at a reasonable volume.

Messages can be posted on the board. Urgent telephone messages relayed to staff will be delivered to your campsite.

Visitors often walk or bike on our busy roadways so drive with extreme caution and obey the posted speed limits.

Bicycles Bikes are allowed on park roads only. Bikes are not allowed on hiking trails, beaches, or in the picnic areas.

Barrier Free Facilities All comfort stations have barrier free facilities. Main Beach area has a wheelchair ramp to the beach.

Hydro Usage and Generators

Gas/Propane They can be purchased in the nearby town of Cloyne or Northbrook.

Groceries/ Camping Needs Camping essentials & limited groceries are available in Cloyne. Northbrook has a grocery store.

Generators may be used between the hours of 8 am- 8 pm. Due to increased hydro costs, please monitor your use at electrical sites. Avoid using your generator early in the morning and late at night as the noise keeps people awake.

Greystones Gift Shoppe and Café sells 1 pound propane canisters. Drop off empty propane canisters in the orange containers near the garbage dumpsters.

Greystones Gift Shoppe and Café carries some camper needs such as sunscreen, bug spray, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and aspirin.

Power Boats Permitted on Mazinaw Lake only. Electric motors are not permitted on other lakes in the park.

Canoe-in Campsites

Do you prefer to canoe to your campsite and enjoy paddling around a lake? If you do, then reserve a campsite on the west side of the park on Joeperry or Pearson Lakes. A 500 metre portage takes you from the parking lot to the canoe launch. 25 scenic campsites are along the shores of Joeperry and Pearson Lakes. Each site has:

• tent space

• fire pit

• picnic table and a dedicated thunderbox (outdoor toilet)

A short portage to sites on Pearson Lake is only available during high water levels. At other times, it is advisable to access the sites by the west side of the island. Bon Echo Paddle Centre rents canoes in the park and have some available at Joeperry Lake. The Centre is located in the Lagoon. Rental includes paddles, PFDs, and safety equipment. You must be at least 16 years old to rent a canoe.

Wondering what do you do with your empty propane cylinders?

Ontario Parks strongly encourages visitors to use refillable propane cylinders and to reuse them as many times as safe to do so. This helps to keep our parks litter-free and reduce waste!

Safely disposing of your propane cylinders ensures that any remaining gases will be captured and the metal, valves and other elements will be recovered and reused.

Because of risks to people and the environment:

• Don’t discharge leftover propane into the atmosphere, even if the cylinder comes with a device to do this.

• Don’t deposit any propane cylinders into your blue box.

• Don’t put cylinders in the garbage.

• When it comes to the environment, we all have a responsibility!

Do not leave your pet alone

Camping with Your Dog

When you bring your dog to the park, it’s a new territory for your furry friend and may result in new behaviours such as excessive barking. New surroundings, wildlife, and lots of people and vehicles can be very confusing. A confused and upset dog may cause atypical behavior such as biting people who get too close.

Rock Climbing

During your stay in the park, you may see rock climbers scaling the face of Mazinaw Rock. These climbers are usually members of the Alpine Club of Canada and have registered to climb. These people are highly trained, knowledgeable, equipped with the proper climbing equipment, and are only permitted to climb on designated routes. This helps protect the unique rock formation and the species

Staff receive a high number of complaints each year about barking dogs and dogs on beaches.

All Ontario Provincial Parks have regulations to ensure people and their pets have a safe and enjoyable stay. The following are things to keep in mind:

• Barking dogs sometimes make excessive noise and disturb many park visitors. Wildlife may also feel threatened by the barking. Please do not permit your dog to make excessive noise or disturb other people.

• Pets must always be on a leash no more than 2 metres (6 feet) long. Dogs off leash can run into unexpected encounters with animals like bears and skunks and become injured. Dogs off leash may also follow their predatory instincts and chase and kill other wildlife such as chipmunks and birds.

• Dogs and other pets are not permitted in designated swimming areas or on beaches for public health reasons. Dogs are also not permitted in a posted prohibited area.

• You must clean up after your pet and don’t leave your pet unattended for any length of time.

Park visitors who fail to comply with any of the pet regulations may be subject to a fine and possible eviction from the park.

Bon Echo has a small, designated Pet Swimming Area located between the Bon Echo Creek Bridge and South Beach. A Pet Exercise Trail is located near the parking lots at South Beach. Your dog can be off leash on this trail if it is well behaved.

that live on it. Climbers not registered with the local Alpine Club must check in at the park office before climbing. Climbers will be asked to sign waivers.

No one else is permitted to climb or scale Mazinaw Rock at any time. Jumping off the rock is strictly prohibited.

Summary of Provincial Park Offences

There is one basic rule in Ontario Parks: Have respect and consideration for your fellow visitors and the park environment. The following table lists some of the more common laws enforced in provincial parks. Under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 the registered permit holder is responsible for the conduct of all campsite occupants and could be charged with an offence based on the actions of the occupants of the registered campsite The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 and other legislation governing behaviour in provincial parks can be reviewed at provincial park offices and on the e-Laws website at www.ontario.ca/laws. These laws are enforced by provincial park wardens who have all the power and authority of a member of the Ontario Provincial Police within a provincial park. Many of the listed offences could result in eviction from a provincial park. Evicted visitors are prohibited from re-entering any provincial park for a period of 72 hours. Minimum fines listed below do not include court costs or victim fine surcharge.

If you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume liquor (beer, wine, spirits) only on a registered campsite.

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that liquor is properly stored while in a vehicle. Liquor must be in a container that is unopened and the seal unbroken or is packed away and not accessible to any person in the vehicle.

No person under 19 years of age can possess or consume cannabis.

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that cannabis is properly stored while in a vehicle or boat. Cannabis must be in its original packaging that has not been opened or cannabis must be packed in baggage that is fastened closed or is not otherwise readily available to any person in the vehicle or boat.

Provincial parks are established to provide a setting for peaceful and natural experiences. Rowdy behaviour, which includes excessive noise, or obscene language or gestures, is not permitted. You cannot disturb any other person or interfere with their enjoyment of the park any time of the day or night.

Operation of an audio device (such as a radio, stereo, TV, etc.) in a radio-free area is prohibited.

Do not maintain or store potential wildlife attractants, including food or beverages, food preparation or storage equipment, cooking devices or utensils, garbage or recycling products, scented products or any other item in a manner that is likely to attract wildlife.

Deposit all garbage and litter in the containers provided to discourage wildlife from becoming pests. Campsites and/or facilities must be kept clean at all times to eliminate potential hazards to parks visitors and minimize human-wildlife conflict.

Vehicles

• Unlawfully take motor vehicle into park or possess or operate it

• Speeding –more than 20 km/hr

• Operate vehicle off roadway

• Disobey stop sign

Off-road vehicles are not permitted in provincial parks because of the environmental damage they cause.

$ 125.00

$ 100.00

$ 125.00

$ 85.00 (plus 3 demerit pts)

Licenced motor vehicles may be operated on roads only. You must follow the rules of the road and remember that the Highway Traffic Act applies on all park roads. Each vehicle in the park must have a valid provincial park permit. Bicycles are only allowed on park roads and on designated bike trails.

vehicles must park in a designated area and must have a valid park permit. Where a physical park permit is issued, it must be prominently displayed on your vehicle. Pets

For the protection of wildlife and other park visitors, your pet must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 2 metres at all times. You must ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife. You must also ensure your pet does not interfere with others’ enjoyment of the park. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area, on the beach or in a posted prohibited area at any time

To maintain the park as a natural setting, the removal of natural objects is prohibited. All vegetation, wildlife and natural features are protected in provincial parks. Cutting any live growth or damaging any natural or other object is prohibited. You may not take any fallen or dead wood from a provincial park for the purpose of a campfire or other such intent.

You are required to vacate and remove all property from your campground campsite or interior campsite by 2:00 p.m. on the date your permit expires so that others may have access to it. The maximum length of stay on a provincial park campground campsite is 23 consecutive nights and 16 consecutive nights on an interior campsite to ensure park visitors have an equal opportunity to enjoy our campsites and limit environmental impact.

Camping Equipment / Persons

• Place more than 3 pieces of shelter equipment on campsite

• Place more than one tent trailer, travel trailer or self-propelled camping unit on campsite

• Excessive number of persons occupying campground campsite / interior campsite

Campfires

• Start or tend fire other than in fireplace or designated place

$ 75.00

Without a limit on the amount of camping gear allowed, campsites would quickly deteriorate, becoming larger, eventually destroying the surrounding vegetation. The maximum number of campers allowed per campground campsite is six persons and the maximum number of campers allowed on an interior campsite is nine persons.

Fireplaces are designated by park staff for safety reasons. Restricting fires to these locations greatly reduces the risk of forest fires. For the prevention of forest fires, a park superintendent may give notice of a fire hazard and implement a fire ban. At any time during a fire ban no person is permitted to have a fire unless otherwise stated by the park superintendent.

Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited in provincial parks at all times. They constitute a fire hazard and disturb visitors and wildlife who wish to enjoy the park in a peaceful manner.

Only registered campers are allowed in a provincial park during the posted hours of

Fines are subject to change. This is not a complete listing of offences; please refer to the specific legislation.

Ticks and Lyme Disease Explore Area Attractions

Do ticks and Lyme disease make you wary of going outdoors? By being aware of ticks and understanding the role they play in spreading Lyme disease you are taking the first step to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Bon Echo Provincial Park is a nature-lover’s paradise. Once you arrive you may never want to leave. But for those of you looking to explore outside the park gates, there are a number of great attractions and outdoor activities we’re sure you’ll enjoy here in Lennox & Addington County.

If you’re looking for details about the area’s paddle routes, hiking trails, or fishing hot spots, be sure to check out www.NaturallyLA.ca. You can also find information about pristine night skies, local museums, as well as a long list of area events. Plus, if your campfire dinner didn’t turn out as well as you had hoped, you can also find info about nearby restaurants, so you don’t go to sleep hungry.

Below is a short list of destinations. Talk to park staff for more details about things to do in the area.

Cloyne Pioneer Museum & Archives

14232 Highway 41, Cloyne | 10 km south Bon Echo

Learn about the local area at the Cloyne Pioneer Museum & Archives. You’ll find hundreds of artifacts, including books, clothing, photos and documents that illustrate how the area evolved from its lumber industry beginnings in the 1850s, through the ups and downs of the mining booms, and learn about the long-held importance of tourism in the region.

You’ll enjoy the growing collection of Bon Echo artifacts, including a 1920 sketch by Merrill Denison. The Pioneer Museum & Archives is operated by the Cloyne and District Historical Society and is open from July to Labour Day. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted. Learn more at pioneer.mazinaw.on.ca.

L&A Forest Trails

100 John Street, Flinton | 28 km south of Bon Echo

The Lennox & Addington County Forest Trails in Flinton is a great destination for mountain bike riders. Less than a 30 minute drive from the park gate, riders will be immersed in the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield’s landscape of tall pines and granite.

When exploring the Forest Trails, you’ll experience 6 kilometres of logging roads and single-track trails designed with bermed curves and elevations that incorporate the natural terrain of the forest.

The L&A Forest Trails are always open and admission is free. Visit www. CountyTrails.com for more info.

L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area

7980 County Road 41, Erinsville | 41 km south of Bon Echo

The L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area is the most southerly point in Ontario that offers a night sky experience very similar to what was available more than 100 years ago.

The DSVA is a perfect destination for anyone looking to observe the natural wonder of the stars. The DSVA hosts laser-guided stargazing tours and astrophotography events on weekends from May through September. Check out the website for the full schedule.

The L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area is open year round. Admission is always free. Find out more at www.DarkSkyViewing.com.

Bonnechere Caves

1247 Fourth Chute Road, Eganville, ON

Looking for an adventure? Spend some time at Bonnechere Caves. Stairs take you underground where you can see fossils and stalactites. Bats may also be seen. It’s cool underground so bring a sweater or light jacket. Low-heeled shoes & a flashlight are also recommended. A picnic area is available. Call toll-free at 1-800-469-2283 for more information.

Your valid camping or day-use vehicle permit from Bon Echo gives you free entry to other provincial parks for day-use.

There are many different species of ticks and not all of them carry Lyme disease. The most common tick you may encounter is the American Dog Tick, which does not carry Lyme disease. The only tick that carries Lyme disease in Ontario is the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick, Ixodes Scapularis. Both ticks can be found in wooded areas or tall grass habitats. In Ontario, Blacklegged ticks are most commonly found in rural areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Blacklegged ticks are known to feed on migratory birds and as a result, they can be transported throughout the province. Therefore, while the potential is lower the further north you go, it is possible for people to encounter Blacklegged ticks, or to be infected with Lyme disease from the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick, almost anywhere in the province.

Ticks feed slowly, and an infected tick must feed on a person for at least 24 hours in order to infect them with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Because of this delay, prompt detection and removal of ticks is one of the key methods of preventing Lyme disease. If you become infected from a tick bite, symptoms usually begin within 1 - 2 weeks, but can take as long as one month to begin. The “classic” symptom is a bulls-eye rash that can develop anywhere on the body; however, this rash may not occur in all cases. Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, stiff neck, jaw pain, and sore muscles. If untreated, problems with the heart, nervous system, and joints can occur months or years later. Lyme disease is easily treated in the early stages so seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

When you are out in tick habitat you can better protect yourself by taking a few precautions:

1. Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks.

2. Wear light coloured clothing so you can detect ticks before they attach.

3. Use insect repellent containing “Deet” (please follow manufacturer’s directions). Apply it to your exposed skin and outer clothing.

4. Conduct a tick check. Look on your clothes, body and pets. Pay close attention to your groin, scalp and armpits.

5. If you find a tick on your body, properly remove it and place it in a container. Visit www.etick.ca for tick identification. Additionally, you may contact your family doctor for questions on Lyme disease and follow-up.

By following these simple suggestions, you can have a safe and enjoyable time exploring Bon Echo.

For more information, please consult the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease

These Blacklegged Ticks Ixodes scapularis, are found on a wide range of hosts including mammals, birds and reptiles.

Blacklegged Ticks Ixodes scapularis are known to transmit Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi, to humans and animals during feeding, when they insert their mouth parts into the skin of a host, and slowly take in the nutrient-rich host blood.

DO

Found a Tick?

• Use fine point tweezers

• Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible

• Gently pull the tick straight out

• Disinfect the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water

• Save tick (alive if possible) in a jar, with a piece of damp paper towel for identification (www.etick.ca)

• Watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if you feel unwell or if you cannot safely remove the tick.

DON’T

• Grasp around bloated belly and squeeze the tick

• Use a match, heat or chemicals to try and remove it

• Twist the tick when pulling it out

Blacklegged Tick Ixodes scapularis on a blade of grass.

Photo by: Jim Gathany, CDC

2021 Poetry Contest Winners

1st Place-Youth Category - Jules Mah, Markham, ON

Hello from Bon Echo!

No more tablets, no more fights but we have mosquito bites.

Let’s have a peach down at South Beach.

Playing cards and throwing frisbees

Watching chipmunks climbing trees

Swimming in Mazinaw Lake, did you run into a ratsnake?

Why does my mattress not fill, at 451 Hardwood Hill?

How come this road seems longer every time?

Pave that road to Joeperry next time.

Eating bacon and eggs with daddy long legs.

Now we got to fly bye bye see you next July.

Bon Echo 2022 Poetry Contest

We are looking for poems that reflect your vacation at Bon Echo. Poignant moments, hilarious escapades, exciting adventures and tranquil timeswhat are your favourite memories? You could win a prize donated by the Friends of Bon Echo and have your poem printed in next year’s park tabloid!

Age categories are Youth (12 & under), Young Adult (13-15), and Adult (16+). Submitted poems will not be returned and become the property of Bon Echo Provincial Park.

All entries must have your name, telephone number, address, and age category written on the back of each poem.

Entries must be received by December 1, 2022.

Entries may be dropped off at the Park Office or mailed to Bon Echo Provincial Park, Attention: Poetry Contest, 16151 Hwy. 41, Cloyne, Ontario, K0H 1K0.

1st Place- Adult Category - Julianne and James Thornton, Hamilton, ON A

Return To The Rock

To the stillness of Lake Mazinaw

Begin a journey to a sacred place

Go through water and time to stand in awe

At the majesty of the sheer rock face

Far above, forever clasping at stone

They have been present for a thousand years

White cedars still standing there all alone

They have far outlived all their youthful peers

The waves chant their never-ending song

A melody sings in hollows of rock

The echoing voices pull you along

To the place where the stones and water talk

Painted there, that ancient ochre sigil

Drawn by your fellow, oh so long ago

Standing steadfast in its endless vigil

Holds a message that you may never know

Whether you understand in whole or part

Hold its secret with you deep in your heart

From the stillness of Lake Mazinaw

Remember the mystery that you saw

Park Host Information

Park hosts are volunteer ambassadors for Ontario Parks. Their main role is to provide hospitality services such as helping visitors and distributing information on the park and local area. Park hosts are meant to supplement and enhance the visitor’s experience as well as support the park staff.

Park hosts are located in Fairway Campground at campsite #300B from June 18 - October 16. They will also sell firewood at certain times during the operating season.

2022 Bon Echo Special Events

Saturday, July 2 - Sciensational Sssnakes!

Learn more about the reptiles we have in Bon Echo from Sciensational Sssnakes! staff. Two interactive presentations on snakes & other reptiles will include things you can do to protect these species.

Times: 11 am & 1 pm

Location: Amphitheatre

Wednesday, July 13 - David Archibald

Join songwriter & children’s entertainer David Archibald for an energetic & interactive show for the whole family. Hear the 2 songs he wrote about Bon Echo as well as other songs in this 1 hour show.

Times: 7 pm

Location: Amphitheatre

Saturday, July 16 - Traditional Teachings

Members of Ardoch First Nation are back to provide a little insight into their culture and history. Join staff, elders, and traditional people for some sharing & learn some Algonquin words. Dogs are not permitted at this event.

Times: 2 pm

Location: Childrens’ Program Area

Campers and day-visitors!

Please help us keep parks clean and dispose of all garbage correctly.

Garbage can result in human-wildlife conflict and become a hazard to park visitors.

We suggest bringing a garbage bag with you to collect your trash and dispose of it at park designated garbage and recycling areas before heading home.

We appreciate and encourage park-lovers who are committed to protecting our environment for the future.

Saturday July 23 & Sunday July 24 - Festival of the Arts

Various artists will be showing and selling their works at this Friends of Bon Echo event. Enjoy live music.

Times: 10 am – 4 pm

Location: South Beach

Monday August 8 - Ontario Turtle Trauma Centre

Meet real-life turtles as part of the interactive presentation by staff from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. Learn how you can help protect these reptiles.

Times: 1-2:30 pm

Location: Childrens’ Program Area

Please note times and dates may change & additional events may be added. Contact the park office (613) 336-2228 for updates & more events.

Treaty Making

Bon Echo Provincial Park

is one of 13 operating Ontario Provincial Parks within the 36,000 square kilometer area that is the Algonquin Settlement Area subject to treaty negotiations involving Ontario, Canada, and the Algonquins of Ontario. All 13 parks will continue to be available for public enjoyment. Learn more about the treaty-making process at ontario.ca/algonquinlandclaim

Lost in the Park

Having someone go missing in the park can be a terrifying experience. Here are a few tips to ensure your friends or relatives will be found quickly.

1. First, report a missing person to any park staff member.

2. Know the following about the missing person:

• name and age

• campsite number

• location last seen

• hair colour

• eye colour

• skin colour

• clothing colour and style

• any known illnesses

• can the person swim

3. When a person is lost, it is VERY IMPORTANT that someone remains at the campsite in case the individual returns. If he/she finds the site empty, he/she may leave again to look for friends or relatives.

4. If you become lost, remember the following:

• stay where you are and hug a tree

• you may become more disoriented if you wander around

• when you hear your name being called - answer loudly

Remember - it is important to know your campsite number. Do not hesitate to ask any park staff for assistance - we are here to help.

Discourage uninvited guests

Bon Echo’s Top Ten

See how many of the following you can do during your visit:

1. Paddle the Mazinaw at sunset

2. See some Indigenous pictographs

3. Explore Joeperry Lake

4. Find and read the 3 interpretive signs on rock cairns. Hint- One is about the Bon Echo Inn

5. Read the Historic Sites & Monuments Board plaque at the tour boat dock

Bears are attracted to anything that looks or smells like food. Items like unwashed utensils, food packaging, toiletries and trash are tasty treats for bears.

Be BEAR WISE when camping:

looks

• Don’t leave food or scented items unattended on your campsite

• Pack and store these items in your vehicle, out of sight, with windows closed

• Clean food preparation areas promptly after use

• Routinely take your garbage to the park’s waste depot

Let's all be Bear Wise

Always call 911 in an emergency Call 1-866-514-2327 to report a sighting ontario.ca/bearwise

6. See a Peregrine Falcon

7. Stargaze on South Beach

8. Hike the Cliff Top Trail

9. Go to the Visitor Centre & Greystones

10. Attend an interpretive program

Backcountry hikes in Bon Echo

Are you looking for adventure in Bon Echo? Are you hoping to see remote areas of the park? If you said yes we recommend you explore the Abes and Esssens Hiking Trail or the Kishkebus Canoe Route.

Abes and Essens Hiking Trail

• The Abes and Essens Hiking Trail is a rugged series of three loops that progress into the heart of Bon Echo’s interior. Each loop builds on the last for distances of 3.5, 10, and 17 km respectively. They circle Clutes, Essens, and Abes lakes and can also be turned into a canoe route with some portaging.

• A parking lot is across the road from the trailhead.

• The most difficult section of the trail is the back of the third loop where the trail crosses a marsh.

• Look for large boulders called erratics on the Clutes Loop. You can expect to find a variety of wildlife including beavers and keep an eye open for moose scat. Beautiful rivers and streams as well as a spruce bog can be found on this trail.

Kishkebus

Canoe Route

• Kishkebus is a 21 km canoe route that loops behind Mazinaw Rock. It starts and finishes in the lagoon. The route travels through Mazinaw, Kishkebus, Shabomeka, and Semicircle lakes, then out Campbell Creek.

• The most difficult section of the trail is the 1.5 kilometre portage between Mazinaw and Kishkebus lakes. For this reason we recommend going north from the lagoon and doing the portage first,

Take the Tr

while you are feeling fresh. When on the trail look for birds like Osprey and Common Loons and aquatic wildlife such as frogs and turtles.

What to Bring

• Bring lots of food and water on the trail and expect to eat at least one full meal while hiking and paddling.

• Wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather and have proper hiking shoes/ boots for both trails.

• Sunscreen and bug spray are a must. Pack a map & check the weather report before you leave.

• Lastly make sure to travel with a group and let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back.

If these hikes sound a little tough, it’s possible to get a taste of each hike. On the 1st loop of the Abes and Essens Trail you will see exposed rock, wetlands, and hopefully some wildlife. If you do the Kishkebus Canoe Route backwards, you will paddle up scenic Campbell Creek, see some beaver dams and possibly some beavers.

Features Cardinal flowers in August

Panoramic view

Kettle Lake forming into a spruce bog

Hardwood forests, cedar lowlands and beaver swamp

Observation decks provide breathtaking views of Mazinaw Lake

Variety of forest and wetland communities

Aquatic plants and animals

Designated off lead pet exercise trail

Trail Guides

Moderate to difficult Sturdy footwear required

Moderate

Moderate to difficult Sturdy footwear required Steeper sections have stairs with handrails

Moderate to difficult 1.5

The Abes & Essens Trail brochure, Kishkebus Canoe Route brochure, Cliff Top, Shield, and High Pines Trail Guides are available at gatehouses, and Greystones. Proceeds from sales assist with the development and printing of updated trail guides and trailhead signs. For more information on trails, please stop by the Visitor Centre and talk to our Discovery staff.