Length of stay: 3 days
Visited: July 2026
We had some pretty extreme weather this past week with record-breaking temperatures followed by poor air quality from recent wildfires in northwestern Ontario. We had planned to spend a few days at the cabin over the weekend and even booked some time off work. Thankfully we got some much needed rain the day before we were leaving which seemed to clear up the heat, humidity and smoky skies.
Day 1: A Bit of Hiking and a Bit of Canoeing
We left home Sunday morning a bit later than we had intended. It’s been awhile since we visited the cabin and we’ve forgotten how much extra stuff we have to pack when travelling with a toddler. There was a bit of traffic on the road, which would only get worse throughout the day. We made a few stops along the drive to pick up some cheese and garlic cheese sticks from the Mapledale Cheese Factory as well as some groceries near town.
By the time we parked at the top of the hill leading into the cabin it was around 2:30pm. We used to be able to drive into the cabin many years ago, but the road has seen better days. So we normally just walk in with all our stuff now. It’s not a far walk, just under a kilometre, and we could use the exercise, especially after sitting in the car all morning. M managed to walk most of the way in with her backpack (full of stuffies).
It was sunny, breezy and 22°C outside. A nice change of pace from earlier in the week when it was in the high 30s and felt close to 45°C with the humidity. While bug spray was needed, it wasn’t too bad down by the shore where the cabin is located.
We lounged around for the rest of the afternoon, enjoying the nice weather. Dinner was pretty simple: a kale salad (using kale from the garden) and a grilled cheese sandwich with homemade bread and some of the cheese we picked up from the cheese factory. Afterwards we went for a long canoe ride around the bay. This was M’s first time in the canoe. She did pretty well and enjoyed dipping her hands in the water. But she also kept moving around a lot, which made it a bit tricky to balance at times.
We returned to shore with plenty of daylight still left. While the cabin typically provides a great view for watching the sunset, M and I settled down to bed before it got dark outside. Next time.
Day 2: Beach Day at Bon Echo
The lake was nice and calm the next morning. There was a light layer of mist on top of the water that quickly disappeared with the rising sun. The forecast was calling for another beautiful day of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.
We planned to spend the day at Bon Echo Provincial Park which is less than a 10 minute drive from the cabin. So after eating breakfast, we got right to it. We arrived at the park around 9:30am and headed to the Paddle Centre Office. Our game plan was to rent a canoe to paddle to the trailhead for the Cliff Top Trail then paddle around the base of the cliffs to look for pictographs. All canoe rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. And while there were plenty of canoes in the Lagoon when we arrived, there was an issue with the payment system. Some people had been waiting in line since it opened at 9am.
To kill some time in the hopes that the issue would get resolved, we headed to the Visitor Centre. Except that didn’t open until 11am. So we returned to the Main Beach. We planned to go for a swim anyway. And this way M got to spend more time playing in the water and sand, which she didn’t seem to mind.
After a couple of hours it looked like the issue with the payment system had been resolved, except it was now windy and the water was choppy. We’d have to save our canoe ride along Mazinaw Rock for another time. We ate some lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables near the Main Beach then decided to explore on foot. We walked to the Narrows, a small channel where the upper and lower Mazinaw Lakes meet. It also provided a nice viewpoint of the towering cliffs.
We then walked to the Visitor Centre which was now open. It’s located in one of the original cottages from the Bon Echo Inn, a resort that predated the park from the early 1900s. Inside the building there’s a series of exhibits that explain more about the history of the lake and connection of Mazinaw Rock to the Indigenous people, as well as the history of how the park was created. We didn’t stay long though as little M was getting tired and was in need of a nap.
So we wrapped things up and returned to the cabin. We took it easy for the rest of the afternoon. The forecast was calling for rain the next day so we made another trek to the car to drop off some empty containers, our towels from the beach and other things we wouldn’t need anymore.
After dinner we went for another canoe ride when the water was calmer, this time exploring the other side of the lake.
Day 3: More Time at the Beach
The weather forecast was calling for heavy rain throughout the day so we planned to leave early in the morning. By the time we got up the rain hadn’t started, so I made a couple of trips to the car to drop off our sleeping bags, pillows and bags while K heated up some water for tea and coffee then got started on breakfast. Along the walk to and from the car I stopped to take a few pictures of some interesting fungi found along the road.
While it did rain while we were eating, it wasn’t torrential and it didn’t last long. The clouds even started to clear a bit and we enjoyed a bit of sunshine. But by that point we had already packed up most of our stuff and cleaned up around the cabin. M had such a fun time at the beach yesterday so we decided to return to Bon Echo for a couple of hours before heading home.
It was blustery by the beach and the water was wavy. It definitely looked like a storm was brewing. After about an hour and a half the wind picked up so we took that as a sign to pack up. It turned out to be a good decision as after a few minutes of driving it started to pour.
The drive home took longer than expected. Here we thought Toronto traffic wouldn’t be so bad on a Tuesday afternoon. Turns out it’s just always awful. But it’s a drive we’ll have to repeat soon as we’ll be returning to the cabin in a couple of weeks before embarking on our road trip around the Gaspé Peninsula.
L
That family photo is so lovely! How long is M playing the water? If my niblings start swimming in beach, it would take 4 to 5 hours to stop them.😁 my niece just got her sunburn after the beach swimming last week.
I enjoyed watching the canoe and how wonderful and unforgettable it is. I’m happy for M and for all of you.
Im sure I’d love that activity, though I haven’t tried it.
Amazing photos, Linda!
Thanks Hazel! M could spend the entire day playing in the water. It’s funny how kids seem to naturally love being at the beach, either playing in the sand or swimming in the water. It took some getting used to having M shift her weight around in the canoe, but overall it was a successful outing. It’s a great way to get a different perspective of the lake!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
My sisters always have a soft heart to say yes to their kids for this even if the sunburn is expected; after all, it’s for the happiness for their kids. Thanks, Linda and you too. You’re welcome.
Very true. I feel the same. It’s always tough to leave when M is having so much fun.
Bon Echo looks like a beautiful place. Good for you both for exposing M to the beauty and fun of being out in nature. 👏
It’s one of my favourite parks. And thankfully we get to visit often as it’s so close to the cabin. I’m pretty sure our little M would spend every waking hour outside if she could!
Good for her. 👏
A peaceful, beautiful area in which to spend time. Who likes being there the most? —. you, your husband or your daughter?
That’s a tough one!! I’d say it all depends on our mood, the weather or time of year. But generally we all really enjoy our time at the cabin.
Bon Echo looks very scenic Linda and despite the dodgy weather you all seemed to have a good time back at the cabin. I’m sure your lovely little girl enjoyed her first canoeing experience and will be an expert in a few years time!
It’s too bad we weren’t able to rent a canoe at Bon Echo, but spending our morning at the beach was a great alternative. I think our little M would have preferred that more anyway. And we were able to go for a canoe ride back at the cabin, so I’d say it all worked out in the end. And the timing with the rain worked out perfectly too.
Such a beautiful park! I love the huge, beautiful rock formations. M is so adorable and your family photo is beautiful, guys! Frame it. Have a wonderful weekend! 🥰☺️🇨🇦
We ended up returning to Bon Echo a couple weeks later and were finally able to rent a canoe and explore the rock formations in closer detail. And you’re absolutely right about framing family pictures. I’m actually in the process of making a photo album at the moment. There’s something nice about having a tangible copy of a photograph. Enjoy the rest of the weekend as well. Linda
Thank you Linda. ☺️
Summer plans were meant to change. The weather is not always the only thing at fault. Looks like electronics got in the way. I can imagine it would be tough to keep a toddler still anywhere, let alone in a canoe. Good on you for trying. Always nice to get away for a weekend anywhere, when you are still working. You adapted well. Have a great Friday linda. Allan
Very true. Thankfully there are lots of things to do at Bon Echo. I’d say it worked out well as we got to spend more time at the beach (which our little M enjoyed) and we could still go for a canoe ride back at the cabin. But yes, trying to keep a toddler still in a canoe is no easy task!! Thankfully we didn’t tip! Hope you had a lovely weekend.
I love the family photo! Look how happy she is! This sounds like a good time away despite the traffic and other snags along the way.
Thanks! We all enjoyed our time at the cabin and spending time in nature. If only we got do it more often!
M is a little girl now, not a baby at all! She’s adorable. Sounds like a great family getaway. Maggie
Oh I know! It’s crazy how much she’s grown and changed over the summer. It’s been neat to watch. I just wish I could slow down time though!
I love your photo of the canoe sitting on the grass with the sunrise glow in the background and a bit of mist over the water, Linda. Gorgeous. Your family photo is also lovely. M is growing so fast! Even after raising my own two I’m still amazed by how quickly they mature.
Thanks Lynette. I’m typically the first one up in the morning and have come to enjoy how quiet and peaceful everything is, especially at the cabin. It’s crazy to see how much M has grown and changed this past year. Funny how that doesn’t really ever stop, even as they get older.
I remember in a previous post, not so long ago, when you guys were also at the cabin and you mentioned that it would be the last time that it will be just the two of you before your baby’s birth. And now little M carries her own backpack from the car to the cabin and she’s taking her first canoe ride. It’s amazing how fast time flies (I know I’ve said it before, but it feels the older I get, the faster time moves)! And I know who had the best time at the cabin – definitely little M (she’s sooo cute 😊).
Oh I know! It’s wild how much things have changed in just a couple of years. Heck, even in just a couple of months! And you’re absolutely right about how the older we get the quicker time seems to pass by … and that M probably had the best time at the cabin. She likes to spend more time outdoors than us sometimes!
How nice to read about your excursion to the cabin! I loved that toddler M’s backpack was filled with stuffies 😊
We haven’t been able to spend as much time at the cabin as we’d like, but I’m glad we managed to go a couple of times during the summer. M’s stuffies are her favourite toys. They travel everywhere with us now!
Wow, she is such a big girl! I sure don’t miss Toronto traffic…I love our rush hour here in Sarnia 🙂
Oh I know. And you should see how much bigger she is now! Traffic is always awful around Toronto regardless of the day of the week or time of day it seems. It’s one of the main reasons we moved.
Sounds like a very fun weekend, and little M is so cute and growing fast! Love your family photo. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! It’s always nice to get away for the weekend and head up to the cabin to enjoy nature. Our little M had a blast.
M walking the whole kilometre in with a backpack full of stuffies is the detail that got me — that’s the trade every parent makes, hauling twice the gear so the small person can carry the important cargo. And her first canoe ride, hands in the water, wobbling the balance the entire time: exactly how ours went. The payment-system line at the Paddle Centre stings though. Bon Echo’s beach saved the day.
Ha, it’s so true! While walking now takes at least twice as long, it’s been a good excuse to slow down and just enjoy the moment. We weren’t sure what to expect on the canoe ride, but given that we didn’t tip over, I’d count that as a success! It’s too bad we weren’t able to rent a canoe at Bon Echo, but it actually worked out well as we got to spend more time at the beach. You’re absolutely right how it saved the day. It definitely made M’s day!
I love Bon Echo and seeing your return visit made me miss it more. Maybe it’s our camping spot next year although T insists on a week long visit next time. Mapledale Cheese Factory sounds intriguing and I bet the hubby will love it.
M is getting so big and I love that the Stuffies all (or I bet, more like some) come along for the trips too. Love seeing her play and explore and become more independent. The best way to experience summer is through our children’s eyes!
Bon Echo is one of my favourite parks. And it’s super convenient how it’s so close to the cabin. We were hoping to return during the fall to enjoy the fall colours, but not sure the timing will work out. So we’ll be adding that to the list next year too. I love how T is now insisting on a one week minimum for a camping trip!! But hey, goes to show how much he enjoys your family camping adventures.
The stuffies situation is getting out of control. We have to now limit how many can come in the bed, or at day care, or for a road trip. There’s too many of them!! And agreed, one of the best parts about being a parent is experiencing things through your children’s eyes and seeing their wonder and excitement. It definitely gives you a different perspective on things.
Hope all is well. Your trip to the Netherlands must be coming up soon (or has it already happened)?
In the words of Bob Barker, help control the Stuffies population. Have you Stuffy spayed or neutered. 😂
I fly out in 2.5 weeks. I’m excited but also getting separation anxiety. Such a bittersweet opportunity as a parent.
Wishing you three a wonderful Thanksgiving long weekend – and a final dash to your big day together!
Her first of many canoe trips I imagine. Too bad the weather and the payment system didn’t cooperate but having flexibility and not being tied to a plan is good. The canoe picture in the morning with that slight myst is so calming. The fungi are weird and that toddler is super cute! Bernie
I hope so! It would be nice to take her to Algonquin at some point to do some backcountry camping. Hopefully next summer. While we weren’t able to rent a canoe at Bon Echo, it worked out for the best as we were able to spend more time at the beach, which little M enjoyed. We ended up returning to the cabin a couple of weeks later and were able to go for that canoe ride to see the pictographs.
I remember watching about the wildfires in Ontario. It was a good thing that it rained eventually. I always like the stories of your experience staying in the cabin, especially when the weather was nice like this time. Canoeing in such calm water under bright blue skies sounds like a bliss. I’ve done it once here in Indonesia and I remember how fun yet peaceful it was.
Unfortunately wildfires are becoming more common in Canada, which can make travelling or spending time outdoors a bit tricky. Thankfully the smoke cleared by the time we were leaving for the cabin, otherwise we would have stayed home. It was nice to spend some quiet time at the cabin. Canoeing is very popular in Ontario, largely because we have so many interconnected lakes, rivers and ponds. Glad to hear you’ve tried it. It can be peaceful, but it can also be stressful when the weather isn’t ideal!
You got me at Mapledale Cheese Factory! Haha! It’s a shame that your hols didn’t go as planned but something it’s also for the best. It looks like *not so little anymore* M had a blast nonetheless!! The scenery is stunning – as always!
The Mapledale Cheese Factory has become a regular stop for us whenever we visit the cabin! Their fresh cheesy garlic bread sticks are the best. While things didn’t go according to plan, I’d say it all worked out for the best. It was such a beautiful day outside and it was nice to have more time at the beach, something our little M enjoyed. And you’re right, she’s not so little anymore! It’s crazy to see how much she’s grown in a year.
Thank you so much for sharing this awesome experience here, great photos
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. We always have a good time at the cabin. It’s amazing how spending time in nature just put everything in life into perspective.
Lovely.
It’s always a real treat to spend time in nature.
It looks absolutely idyllic, and glad you had manageable weather not scorching 40 degrees! Canoeing round the lakes must be so much fun, and your family selfie is just lovely 🙂
There’s no way we would have gone to the cabin if it was still 40C as there’s no electricity there. Which means no A/C or even a fan! Thankfully things cooled down considerably later in the week and it was actually quite pleasant outside.
Adorable family photo! Sounds like a nice getaway despite the traffic and the rain. Very excited to hear about your trip to Gaspé, that’s a place that’s on my travel radar!
Thanks! We were expecting a lot of rain on our last day, so the fact that we managed to walk back to the car with all our stuff and squeeze in a short visit to Bon Echo before the rain was just a bonus. Our road trip around the Gaspé Peninsula was amazing and the scenery was stunning. I’d highly recommend.
Life-affirming rain and photos. Thank you for these beautiful shares.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. We always have a good time at the cabin, rain or shine. But sunshine is obviously preferred!
🌞
What a lovely family getaway at he cabin, especially M’s first canoe adventure! The combination of hiking, paddling, beaches and quiet cabin time sounds perfect. The upcoming Gaspé road trip sounds exciting! I loved my time there.
We were a bit worried that she wouldn’t want to sit down for long in the canoe, but she surprisingly did pretty well. We had a fabulous time along the Gaspé Peninsula. Quebec is incredibly scenic and we were impressed at how clean and well maintained their parks were.
First canoe adventure seems like a great success! What a perfect time together as a family in a favorite place
You bet! Everyone (mostly) stayed dry, so I’d count that as a win! We’ll have to get her a smaller paddle for next summer.
What a lovely family photo! I hope you printed and framed it! Imagine the adventures M will have to look back on.
Thanks! I’m actually in the process of making a photo album. There’s something nice about having and looking at a physical picture as opposed to it being digital. It’s also a good excuse to actually go through my pictures and get organized!
You took great pictures. I love early mornings when there is mist on the water. I might be having a poetry piece with a misty water pic coming up 🙂 😁. The beach there looks really nice. It reminds me of the beach in Erie. That was nice, too. I’m glad you got to canoe and get that in after all. I love your family photo at the end. Seems like you guys had a great trip.
Thanks for your lovely comment. I’m typically the first one up in the morning and have come to enjoy just how quiet and peaceful everything is, especially up at the cabin. I like the sound of your poetry piece. Seems fitting as this time of year the days are still warm and nights are cool, which tends to create a lot of mistiness in the morning.
The water is so clear. This is amazing to go swimming. Nice to hear that toddler M enjoyed playing with water and sand.
I’m sure our little M could have played at the beach for the entire day! It’s amazing how toddlers don’t need much to keep them entertained.
A lovely place to spend a few days. Love the photos from the canoe, almost feels like we were in it with you. M seems to go right along with your outdoor activities.
Thanks for your kind words. Our little M seems to be in her element outdoors. She had a blast at the cabin and spending time at the beach. All the more reason to visit more often!
Photos of area look cooling .. away from humid summer.
We really lucked out with the weather as earlier in the week it was hot, humid and hazy. But a great way to beat the heat is by being in and around the water!