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Adventure
Backcountry camping at Bon Echo Provincial Park
In collaboration with Arc’teryx and Ontario Parks
Misty mornings on calm water, loons calling in the distance, and a campsite tucked far away from the busy world—this is my kind of backcountry escape. Bon Echo Provincial Park, just a few hours from Toronto, has all the ingredients for a weekend of paddling, camping, and quiet connection with nature.
Info
Year
2019
Images
Tiffany C., Danny Z.
Info
Year
2019
Images
Tiffany C., Danny Z.
Info
Year
2019
Images
Tiffany C., Danny Z.
Why Bon Echo
Bon Echo Provincial Park is perfect for both beginners and seasoned campers. It’s only two to three hours from the city, but it feels worlds away. The park is known for:
Mazinaw Rock: A towering cliff that glows orange at sunset.
Interior lakes: Peaceful, remote, and best reached by canoe.
Wildlife: Loons, falcons, and fish are part of the soundtrack here.
Beginner-friendly backcountry: Easy routes that make it a great first paddle-camping trip.
Why Bon Echo
Bon Echo Provincial Park is perfect for both beginners and seasoned campers. It’s only two to three hours from the city, but it feels worlds away. The park is known for:
Mazinaw Rock: A towering cliff that glows orange at sunset.
Interior lakes: Peaceful, remote, and best reached by canoe.
Wildlife: Loons, falcons, and fish are part of the soundtrack here.
Beginner-friendly backcountry: Easy routes that make it a great first paddle-camping trip.
Why Bon Echo
Bon Echo Provincial Park is perfect for both beginners and seasoned campers. It’s only two to three hours from the city, but it feels worlds away. The park is known for:
Mazinaw Rock: A towering cliff that glows orange at sunset.
Interior lakes: Peaceful, remote, and best reached by canoe.
Wildlife: Loons, falcons, and fish are part of the soundtrack here.
Beginner-friendly backcountry: Easy routes that make it a great first paddle-camping trip.
Packing light
Backcountry camping means keeping things simple. I packed everything into one bag—the Arc’teryx Alpha AR 35L. It’s lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, which gave me peace of mind on the water. Less gear meant more freedom to paddle and explore.
Packing light
Backcountry camping means keeping things simple. I packed everything into one bag—the Arc’teryx Alpha AR 35L. It’s lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, which gave me peace of mind on the water. Less gear meant more freedom to paddle and explore.
Packing light
Backcountry camping means keeping things simple. I packed everything into one bag—the Arc’teryx Alpha AR 35L. It’s lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, which gave me peace of mind on the water. Less gear meant more freedom to paddle and explore.
What to wear
Layers are everything. Quick-drying and breathable pieces keep you comfortable through changing weather conditions. A lightweight shell, like the Arc’teryx Zeta SL, became my go-to—it’s packable, water-resistant, and perfect over a sweater when the evenings turned crisp.
What to wear
Layers are everything. Quick-drying and breathable pieces keep you comfortable through changing weather conditions. A lightweight shell, like the Arc’teryx Zeta SL, became my go-to—it’s packable, water-resistant, and perfect over a sweater when the evenings turned crisp.
What to wear
Layers are everything. Quick-drying and breathable pieces keep you comfortable through changing weather conditions. A lightweight shell, like the Arc’teryx Zeta SL, became my go-to—it’s packable, water-resistant, and perfect over a sweater when the evenings turned crisp.
Essentials that matter
Dry bags: Lifesavers for keeping clothes and camera gear dry (and yes, they float).
Water filter: Even the clearest lake water needs filtering—my Sawyer system worked fast and easy.
Bug protection: Nets and repellent are non-negotiable in peak mosquito season (June is especially intense—check the Bug Activity Forecast before you go).
Ropes: Surprisingly handy—for hanging food, tying down a canoe, or giving your tent extra stability.
Essentials that matter
Dry bags: Lifesavers for keeping clothes and camera gear dry (and yes, they float).
Water filter: Even the clearest lake water needs filtering—my Sawyer system worked fast and easy.
Bug protection: Nets and repellent are non-negotiable in peak mosquito season (June is especially intense—check the Bug Activity Forecast before you go).
Ropes: Surprisingly handy—for hanging food, tying down a canoe, or giving your tent extra stability.
Essentials that matter
Dry bags: Lifesavers for keeping clothes and camera gear dry (and yes, they float).
Water filter: Even the clearest lake water needs filtering—my Sawyer system worked fast and easy.
Bug protection: Nets and repellent are non-negotiable in peak mosquito season (June is especially intense—check the Bug Activity Forecast before you go).
Ropes: Surprisingly handy—for hanging food, tying down a canoe, or giving your tent extra stability.
Choosing a campsite
I camped at Joeperry Lake, though Pearson Lake is another great option. Both are paddle-in sites with privacy, forest views, and that sense of being tucked away in the wilderness. Waking up here, coffee in hand, while mist rose off the lake was a highlight of the trip.
Choosing a campsite
I camped at Joeperry Lake, though Pearson Lake is another great option. Both are paddle-in sites with privacy, forest views, and that sense of being tucked away in the wilderness. Waking up here, coffee in hand, while mist rose off the lake was a highlight of the trip.
Choosing a campsite
I camped at Joeperry Lake, though Pearson Lake is another great option. Both are paddle-in sites with privacy, forest views, and that sense of being tucked away in the wilderness. Waking up here, coffee in hand, while mist rose off the lake was a highlight of the trip.
Camp meals
Food tastes better outdoors. I kept things simple: oatmeal and instant noodles for quick meals, dehydrated snacks for the day, and sausages or chicken skewers roasted over the fire for dinner. There’s nothing like potatoes cooked in the coals after a long paddle.
Camp meals
Food tastes better outdoors. I kept things simple: oatmeal and instant noodles for quick meals, dehydrated snacks for the day, and sausages or chicken skewers roasted over the fire for dinner. There’s nothing like potatoes cooked in the coals after a long paddle.
Camp meals
Food tastes better outdoors. I kept things simple: oatmeal and instant noodles for quick meals, dehydrated snacks for the day, and sausages or chicken skewers roasted over the fire for dinner. There’s nothing like potatoes cooked in the coals after a long paddle.
Things to do
Paddle the lakes: Calm, glassy water makes for peaceful mornings.
Relax on the beach: George Lake is a great spot for swimming and picnics.
Explore Mazinaw Rock: Paddle right along its base to see ancient pictographs. At sunset, the rock lights up in a fiery orange glow.
Hike the Clifftop Trail: An easy 1.5 km climb that rewards you with sweeping views over Mazinaw Lake. The trailhead is just a 10-minute paddle from the Bon Echo Outfitters lagoon (or take the ferry).
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 117 m
Things to do
Paddle the lakes: Calm, glassy water makes for peaceful mornings.
Relax on the beach: George Lake is a great spot for swimming and picnics.
Explore Mazinaw Rock: Paddle right along its base to see ancient pictographs. At sunset, the rock lights up in a fiery orange glow.
Hike the Clifftop Trail: An easy 1.5 km climb that rewards you with sweeping views over Mazinaw Lake. The trailhead is just a 10-minute paddle from the Bon Echo Outfitters lagoon (or take the ferry).
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 117 m
Things to do
Paddle the lakes: Calm, glassy water makes for peaceful mornings.
Relax on the beach: George Lake is a great spot for swimming and picnics.
Explore Mazinaw Rock: Paddle right along its base to see ancient pictographs. At sunset, the rock lights up in a fiery orange glow.
Hike the Clifftop Trail: An easy 1.5 km climb that rewards you with sweeping views over Mazinaw Lake. The trailhead is just a 10-minute paddle from the Bon Echo Outfitters lagoon (or take the ferry).
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 km round trip
Elevation gain: 117 m
Why it’s worth it
Backcountry trips at Bon Echo aren’t about rushing from place to place. They’re about slowing down—listening to loons at dusk, watching the stars stretch across the sky, and feeling the rhythm of paddling as you move through quiet lakes.
It’s close enough for a weekend trip, yet far enough to reset your mind. For me, it was the perfect balance of adventure and calm—a reminder that sometimes the best escapes are the simple ones.
Why it’s worth it
Backcountry trips at Bon Echo aren’t about rushing from place to place. They’re about slowing down—listening to loons at dusk, watching the stars stretch across the sky, and feeling the rhythm of paddling as you move through quiet lakes.
It’s close enough for a weekend trip, yet far enough to reset your mind. For me, it was the perfect balance of adventure and calm—a reminder that sometimes the best escapes are the simple ones.
Why it’s worth it
Backcountry trips at Bon Echo aren’t about rushing from place to place. They’re about slowing down—listening to loons at dusk, watching the stars stretch across the sky, and feeling the rhythm of paddling as you move through quiet lakes.
It’s close enough for a weekend trip, yet far enough to reset your mind. For me, it was the perfect balance of adventure and calm—a reminder that sometimes the best escapes are the simple ones.