03 November, 2025 0 comments Leave a comment

After a summer spent exploring six provinces, from hiking up hills in Saskatchewan, to walking the cobblestone streets of old Quebec City, to sailing on Bluenose II in Nova Scotia, we spent the fall camping in provincial parks in eastern Ontario.

My husband and I love camping in autumn, when days are sunny, warm, and bug-free, nights are cool, leaves are changing colour, and parks are less busy once the school year has begun.

The highlight of our fall camping season this year was a ten-day stay with friends in Bon Echo Provincial Park, near Cloyne, Ontario. 

The famous geological feature at the heart of this renowned park is Mazinaw Rock. This awe-inspiring granite cliff is pictured above, with the rays of the setting sun making it glow, and the shadows of the far shore beginning to creep up the rock face. 

I was mesmerized by this massive cliff that rises 300 feet (100 meters) above Mazinaw Lake and extends the same distance below the water. My artist's eye was fascinated by how many different colours the rock presents throughout the day, such as the muted violet and rose hues revealed after sunset (above).

In the morning, the sun rises behind the cliff and makes the rock face appear blue and grey. Gradually shadows are displaced as the day progresses. 

As impressive as Mazinaw Rock appears when seen from the campground shore, it is not until we paddled along the base of this majestic cliff in our kayaks that we truly appreciated the sheer size of it. In the photo below, you can barely make out my husband in his yellow kayak at the cliff base.

Mazinaw, named for an Algonquin word meaning 'picture' or 'writing', is the largest rock art site on the Canadian Shield. Along the base of this cliff, Indigenous People created more than 260 pictographs, some dating back thousands of years. The park's name, 'Bon Echo,' refers to the distinct echo that bounces off the sheer face of Mazinaw Rock.

The photo above shows Turtle Rock, a famous point with a rock resembling the head of a turtle, resting just above the lake surface.

Mazinaw Lake is one of Ontario's deepest lakes and has an intriguing history that includes a famous inn that became an artist's haven and wilderness retreat. Several members of the Group of Seven stayed and painted here in the early 20th century. I understand completely why creative people are drawn to this marvel of nature.

The property of the former inn was donated to the province in 1965, which led to the creation of the provincial park.

If you have not visited Bon Echo Provincial Park yet, I hope you get a chance to do so in the near future. You can rent water craft there, or take a narrated tour boat to see the cliff up close. Be sure to stop by the visitor's centre and learn about the historical significance of Mazinaw Rock.

Bon Echo has become one the crown jewels of Ontario's park system, and I am profoundly moved by the powerful magic found here. An overarching theme to my art practice is to bear witness to the beauty of places that matter. 

This park is a natural and cultural treasure. Its stunning views and tranquility have seeped into my soul. I feel compelled to pay homage to this revered landscape, following in the footsteps of many before me. 

My Bon Echo Collection is already underway, as I began the first three paintings while camping in our Airstream. A few of these small pieces will be releasing before the holidays, and more works will continue into next year. It’s a body of work that deserves time to breathe, and I can’t wait to reveal the collection as it evolves.

I made this five-minute video compilation to show you some of my most inspiring photos and video footage taken at Bon Echo. Turn on your speakers, click on the image below and enjoy!

Please contact me if any of these images speak to your heart; I would be delighted to create a custom piece for you in a size that suits your space.

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