Fall is upon us, and fan-favourite Bon Echo Provincial Park is soon to be aglow with changing colours.
But the park operates a little differently in the fall than in the summer.
Planning a fall trip to Bon Echo? Check out our top tips for a fun and frustration-free visit:
- What’s new?
- How much does it cost to get in?
- What are the park hours?
- Which campsites are available in the fall?
- Which washrooms are open?
- Is Greystones operating?
- Are the boat tours available?
- Is the Visitor Centre open?
- Are rentals available?
- What kind of activities are available?
- Are parts of the park closed?
- What should I pack?
1. What’s new?
Bon Echo’s camping and day use season has been extended to December 13, 2026!
That means you can experience this iconic park in a new season!
Backcountry campsites at Bon Echo will be open until October 18, 2026.
2. How much does it cost to get in?
Day use is $18.00 per vehicle.
3. What are the park hours?
Bon Echo is open for day use from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
4. Which campsites are available in the fall?
For the 2026 season, 26 electrical campsites in the Fairway Campground and 12 rustic cabins are available to reserve.
5. Which washrooms are open?
The heated Bon Echo Lake comfort station will remain open until December 13, 2026, which includes washrooms, showers, drinking water, and a dishwash station.
Note: this is the only available potable water in the park past October 18. We recommend bringing a potable water tote to ensure you have access to water at all times.
The park’s administration office has a public washroom during business hours.
Vault toilets are available at:
- Main Beach
- Fairway Campground near sites 361 and 381
Due to freezing temperatures, the water system in the Mazinaw Campground, including the trailer fill and sanitation station, will be closed after October 18, 2026.
6. Is Greystones Gift Shoppe and Cafe operating?
Greystones Gift Shoppe and Cafe, operated by the Friends of Bon Echo Park, will be open until October 18.
The Shoppe features clothing items, souvenirs and books.
7. Are the boat tours available?
Boat tours are available from Friday to Sunday until October 11.
Tickets for the boat tours and ferry are available on the Friends of Bon Echo website.
8. Is the Visitor Centre open?
The Visitor Centre will close for the season on October 18.
However, Discovery programming will continue through the fall. Check the park’s events page and social media channels for more information.
9. Are rentals available?
Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals will be available until October 12.
All rentals on Mazinaw Lake are available on a first come, first served basis. Watercraft cannot be reserved.
Rental periods: up to 4 hours, up to 8 hours, or up to 24 hours. Multi-day rentals in 24 hour increments are also available.
10. What kind of activities are available?
There’s plenty to do during the fall at Bon Echo!
Hiking, paddling, birding — they’re all enhanced by the beauty of fall colours!
Daylight hours are shorter in the fall. Please plan accordingly and finish your hike or paddle before the sun sets.
Once nighttime arrives, the park offers stunning starry skies.
11. Are parts of the park closed?
The Pet Exercise Trail and the South Beach Parking Area will be closed for the 2026 season due to a park campground expansion project.
Loop 3 of the Abes and Essens Hiking Trail remains closed between campsites 529 and 530 due to storm damage. All five campsites on the trail remain open until October 18, 2026.
The road to Hardwood Hill Campground past the Bon Echo Lake Cabins turn off will close after snowfall (this includes areas such as Joeperry Lake and the Abes and Essens Trail.) Cliff Top Trail will close after snowfall.
12. What should I pack?
Fall weather can be unpredictable. Visitors should be prepared for anything and everything!
Pack plenty of layers, including a waterproof jacket and boots.
It’s always wise to pack gloves and a toque. It might not be winter yet, but when the temperature drops, these small items can make all the difference in staying cozy.
A headlamp or flashlight in your pack is a must in case you can’t make it off a trail by sundown.
Reminder: it gets dark early in the fall. Bring along some games to keep you entertained and hot drinks to keep you cozy!
Don’t forget: the comfort station by the camp cabins is the only source of potable water after October 18. Please bring a potable water tote to ensure you have access to water at all times.
