Mazinaw Rock facts for kids
Mazinaw Rock is a huge cliff, about 100 meters (328 feet) tall. It's located in the Addington Highlands, a beautiful area in south-central Ontario, Canada. This amazing rock stretches for about 1.5 kilometers (nearly a mile) along Mazinaw Lake. It's a famous landmark inside Bon Echo Provincial Park, attracting many visitors.
Mazinaw Lake is very deep, reaching 145 meters (476 feet). This makes it the third deepest lake in Ontario, not counting the Great Lakes. The rock itself is made of granite, with dark streaks called dykes. Some parts of the rock are great for climbing, while others are not as strong.
The name "Bon Echo" for the park comes from Mazinaw Rock. The rock creates a very loud echo, especially during thunderstorms or fireworks. "Bon Echo" means "good echo" in French. The cliff face also has over 260 ancient pictographs. These are drawings made by Indigenous peoples long ago. This is the largest collection of visible pictographs in Canada. The word "Mazinaw" comes from the Algonquin language, meaning "painted rock."
Near the bottom of the rock, there's a special carving. It's a tribute to the famous poet Walt Whitman. This carving was made for Flora MacDonald Denison, who managed the park's inn in the 1910s.
Exploring Mazinaw Rock
Mazinaw Rock is a popular spot for tourists and adventurers. There are many fun ways to experience this impressive natural wonder.
See the Rock by Water
You can paddle a canoe or kayak right along the face of the rock. This gives you a close-up view of its massive size and the ancient pictographs. It's a peaceful way to explore the lake and the cliff.
Rock Climbing Adventures
For those who love a challenge, rock climbing is available. The Alpine Club of Canada offers a service that takes climbers by boat to the bottom of the cliff. From there, climbers can start their ascent directly from the boat. Once they finish their climb, they are picked up again by boat.
Hike to the Top
If you prefer hiking, the Cliff Top Trail is perfect. This trail lets you walk to the very top of Mazinaw Rock. From the summit, you get an amazing view of Mazinaw Lake and all the surrounding forests. Once you reach the top, there's also a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) hiking path to explore.
