Bon Echo Tab 2023

BON ECHO

Canoe and Kayak Rentals

2023: Ontario Parks is 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 Lake: 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.

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 2023 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 reinforces the importance of protected places in 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 way that encourages the protection of significant natural and cultural resources while also providing opportunities for sustainable recreation and high quality visitor education. 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 continues to be a vital part of the communities today. I encourage everyone to learn more about this rich Indigenous history and respect this sacred place. Remember this while looking at the fragile pictographs and hiking the Cliff Top Trail.

Wind Storm 2022

Weather events are dynamic and can have a lasting impact on our park landscapes. The widespread wind event that occurred across regions of southern Ontario in late May of 2022 unfortunately caused significant damage in the park. It was the most extensive wind damage recorded in park history with numerous large tracts of mature forest uprooted or broken off mid-stem. The campground was laden with crisscrossed trees and a park closure was necessary to make the area safe. Park staff and specialized contractors put forth a major effort to re-open the park three weeks after the severe wind event. Within the park, the western portion was the most impacted. In 2023, some of the more remote park areas will remain closed as roads, trails, and campsites are cleared and made safe. Buildings and utility infrastructure will also be repaired. For the latest restoration and closure updates, see the Alerts section on the Bon Echo Provincial Park web pages www.ontarioparks.com/park/bonecho/alerts.

The patchwork of open forest landscapes will remind us for years to come of the force of severe weather events and we’ll learn how our southern Canadian Shield forest ecosystem will recover.

Bon Echo Paddle Centre

Last year Ontario Parks introduced the Bon Echo Paddle Centre to provide watercraft rentals and opportunities to learn some paddling skills. In 2023 we have added tandem kayaks to the existing 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 is a healthy and sustainable activity and a meaningful way to connect with nature. Our experienced Bon Echo Paddle Centre team provides 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.

Bon Echo Team

Our talented and hardworking 65 member team takes pride in maintaining park facilities for over 230,000 park visitors during the course of 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. You can also leave your comments online at ontarioparks. com/contact/email or on the back of your campsite permit. They are 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

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 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.

Park Superintendent

The Storm that Changed Bon Echo

When a massive derecho storm tore a path through Ontario on May 21, 2022, Bon Echo Provincial Park was directly in its path.

What is a derecho? It’s a long-lived, fast-moving thunderstorm with straight line winds that cause widespread damage. With this type of storm, the worst comes within a couple minutes of it hitting.

I was working in the Visitor Centre when the storm hit, and it seemed like only moments between the first few drops of rain and the sound of massive pine trees hitting the forest floor. Along with my fellow colleague, Emma, and a dozen park visitors, I sought shelter in the Visitor Centre.

We watched through foggy windows as a white pine crashed onto the porch of Greystones Gift Shoppe and Café (the park store) where only moments before, campers were seeking refuge from the rain. Luckily, visitors were quickly ushered inside before the tree fell.

As the storm subsided, we were able to check on those in Greystones and get a clearer picture of just how much the forest around us had changed. The storm left the park without power, water, and cell service. Every roadway in the park was blocked by trees and large branches.

The western side of the park was hit particularly bad, with branches and trees making it look like there was no road at all. Areas of the park resembled a logging operation more than a provincial park. I was incredibly thankful there were so few injuries considering the amount of damage the park experienced.

It was amazing to see how the Bon

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.

Boat Tours on Mazinaw

The boat tour & ferry to the Cliff Top Trail will be operating. Check Greystones Gift Shoppe and Café or the Friends of Bon Echo web site for more information.

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.

Echo staff, campers, and surrounding community came together in the aftermath of the storm. Chainsaw crews from multiple parks including Balsam Lake and Kawartha Highlands, and local volunteer fire crews, came to help clear roads and debris from people’s property.

A local arborist and his family were also quick to help clear roads. Park visitors were incredibly understanding and supportive during the storm, and the subsequent evacuation, even though many had damage to their equipment or vehicles due to the storm. Everyone really went above and beyond to get the park back up and running as soon as possible.

Although Bon Echo may look different than it once did, this storm has offered an opportunity for regeneration. Many of the trees that fell were large mature trees or those that were sick and dead. With an opened-up canopy, new growth will compete for light and create a healthy forest community with trees of different ages and sizes. While it is sad to see how greatly impacted our beloved park was, nature is resilient and knows how to bounce back.

When visiting Bon Echo this season, you’ll likely see some remnants of the derecho storm. While your initial reaction may be one of sadness or shock, I hope visitors will also feel a sense of appreciation and respect for those that were impacted, those that helped the park re-open, and a sense of hope and wonder for how this event will shape the future of the park we love.

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.

Ontario Parks | Bon Echo

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: $114.13 (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: $155.94 (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: $114.13 (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: $155.94 (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: $248.60 (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

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.

Firewood

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. Hardwood Hill is closed for 2023.

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 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. Hardwood Hill and Abes and Essens Hiking Trail are closed for 2023.

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

Campground Safety 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 Lake

A 500 metre portage takes you from the parking lot to the canoe launch. 21 scenic campsites are along the shores of Joeperry Lake.

Each site has:

• tent space

• fire pit

• picnic table and a dedicated thunderbox (outdoor toilet)

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!

Ontario Parks | Bon Echo

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.

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.

Ticks and Lyme Disease Explore Area Attractions

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 https:// naturallyla.ca/explore/cycling/ 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 https://naturallyla.ca/explore/dark-sky-viewing-area/

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. Ontario Parks | Bon Echo

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.

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, if the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, 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

2022 Poetry Contest Winners

1ST PLACE YOUTH CATEGORY

VIKA NINO, WINDSOR, ON

2ND PLACE YOUTH CATEGORY AVA MCCRACKEN, ORLEANS, ON

Adventures in Bon Echo The Super Moon

When the sun glows, and the rain comes at the Narrows the rainbow forms.

Canoeing to Bon Echo Lake, then refresh yourself at Mazinaw Lake. The group of seven sitting at the fire, to feel inspired.

I will be brave to climb the Mazinaw Rock, and take wonderful photographs to the Indigenous pictographs. Walking in the trail, you will find a snail.

I enjoy eating a peach, while I am relaxing in the beach.

We love going to Bon Echo, because you can make the biggest Echo!

I’ll see you next time, I hope you enjoy it every time.

Knock knock on the trailer door time to go see stars galore Hop out of bed bring something warm don’t forget bug spray there’ll be a swarm Hop in the car turn on the heat once we’re there there’ll be a warm treat Now where there oh look at that!

Papa says he’s never seen a moon like that Mama says it’s a super moon oh look I see a loon

The moon’s so bright on this very special night I wish it could last forever Mama & papa say it’s time to go but how I loved this lovely show.

Bon Echo 2023 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 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, 2023.

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.

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.

1ST PLACE-ADULT CATEGORY

PHILIP BERRY, NAPANEE, ON

An Ode To The Shield Trail

Oh rugged and rocky Shield Trail

Does your name refer to the Canadian Shield

Where settlers tried to prosper-many to fail?

Brutal hardships caused many to give up and yield.

What shield are you hiding behind?

Why are you so difficult to manage?

Let’s dig deeper to see what we can find.

What was in your nature to cause such damage?

Yes, Oh Shield Trail you are an area full of hardships.

The Ice Age left you barren with thin, rocky soil.

You are easy to look at but hard to come to grips.

Many a settler found you as their counter foil.

Oh Shield Trail you are now but just a short path

Through land created by glaciers long ago.

Thou should not fear human disdain nor wrath

Instead, enjoy the eager hikers peaceful and happy glow.

Yes, Shield Trail, don’t worry nor despair.

Once you were full of trials and tribulations

Now mankind will smile and show they care.

Enjoy their feet upon your trail, feel the adulations.

How you have changed your persona from days of old.

You have become a vibrant colourful ecosystem.

Thy name has invoked visions of nature to behold.

Oh Shield Trail, you have become a lovely gem!

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 19October 15.

2023 Bon Echo Special Events

Sunday July 2, Sciensational Sssnakes!

Learn more about reptiles 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

Saturday, July 8, Traditional Teachings

Members of the Ardoch Algonquin community will provide a little insight into their culture and history. Join elders and traditional people for some sharing & learn some Algonquin words. Dogs are not permitted at this event.

Times: 2 – 3:30 pm Location: Children’s Program Area

Saturday July 15, Paddling Puppeteers

Families will have fun and learn about our natural & cultural history while watching a puppet show by The Paddling Puppeteers. Meet some colourful puppets and characters while attending this 45 minute show.

Times: 7 pm Location: Amphitheatre

Friday July 21 & Saturday July 22, Festival of the Arts

Various artists will be showing and selling their works at this Friends of Bon Echo event. Enjoy live music. Stop in for a hot dog, sausage, or hamburger at a BBQ from noon- 2 pm.

Times: 10 am – 4 pm Location: Main Beach

Saturday July 29, Speaking of Wildlife

Would you like to see some wildlife up close? Join staff from Speaking of Wildlife for a close encounter with some animals native to the Bon Echo area. Bring family and friends to this one hour presentation and learn some amazing things about Ontario wildlife.

Times: 1 pm Location: Amphitheatre

Saturday September 23- Walt Whitman Marathon Reading

Join the Friends of Bon Echo Park for a live rendition of Walt Whitman’s epic poem “Song of Myself”. Learn more about the history of Whitmanites in the park area and their dedication to his “democratic ideals.”

Times: 1 pm – 3 pm Location: Pumphouse Beach

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

Ontario Parks | Bon Echo

Treaty Making

Ontario’s first modern treaty is being negotiated right here

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.

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 NEW 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

6.

8.

9.

See a Peregrine Falcon

7. Stargaze on South Beach

Hike the Cliff Top Trail

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 (closed in 2023) or the Kishkebus Canoe Route.

Abes and Essens Hiking Trail - Closed in 2023 for clean up after storm.

• 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 to the Trails

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. If you do the Kishkebus Canoe Route backwards, you will paddle up scenic Campbell Creek, see some beaver dams and possibly some beavers.

Trail Guides

The

Guides

sales

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.

Camping Opportunities

© King’s Printer for Ontario (English)

ISSN 1916-6435 ISBN 978-1-4868-6692-2 (PRINT, 2023 ed.)