S03E09 Bon Echo Provincial Park Review

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Cell Phone Service: Bell, Telus, Koodo and Virgin Mobile. Virtually no service. Might get the most basic of service at the main beach or on top of Mazinaw Rock. Rogers and Fido have excellent service. If you've been to this park please let us know your experience with cell service especially if you're with a provider other than the ones mentioned.

[@deenam3317]

You two are so wonderful and sold me on all of the parks we have visited so far. I LOVE your channel- the sounds, no ridiculous banter, your voices.. you were meant to do this! Thank you so much for all these beautiful videos and reviews!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thank you so much! We're glad you're not sick of us yet because we have a lot more videos coming out this year.

[@thetrailerman9738]

I couldn't agree more with this post, a truly wonderful couple who make fabulous professional videos so informative like watching them , will watch several in a row so relaxing . Please keep them coming, hope to bump into you someday :)

[@lindas.5432]

I met you briefly with my dog, Badger, a border collie here at Bon Echo. You very kindly gave me a "Camping with the Coles" magnet which I will be putting on the back of my camper (with silicone to make sure I don't lose it. ) I have been coming to Bon Echo since I was a little girl. (60 odd years) It hasn't lost its beauty in all that time. We are leaving for Algonquin tomorrow for a week at Mew Lake. Rest and relax as all the kiddos are back at school. It will be quieter. Yay! Thanks again .

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It was nice meeting you and Badger. Don't worry about the magnet, it'll stay on even in the rain. The only time mine ever came off was when I was pressure washing the trailer. We're going to Algonquin, Canisbay, in a couple of weeks. We hope the fall colours are good then. Have fun and happy camping!

[@brianprice1383]

We As A Family Did Bon Echo In 84-86 And Loved In, It Is Different Now But Still Beautiful

[@willymueller4587]

Great video, will be on our camping list, thanks

[@laureenkarry2856]

Another great video, thank you for all the work you put into your reviews. And hats off to you for doing the Cliff Top in that heat!!! But the view IS worth it :) Bon Echo is also a favourite & I will always return, glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Much appreciated!

[@garyzdj]

Yup, I would agree with the 9ish, we camp up in the Hardwood hills area and never really stayed down at the main camp due to crowding, Yes lots to do and see there, water is great for swimming and boating, great hikes and views, I would like to add a very clean campground, the staff and campers make sure of that as well I believe. Great video, and Happy Camping Coles.

[@AstroBackyard]

Excellent review! Planning our 2022 trips now - this was so useful! Thank you!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your bookings.

[@youngjukim9270]

Love your channel. My family started a tenting camping last year after few years of staying at cabins and yurts. Watching Camping with the Cole became our routine before our trips. Keep up the good contents, hopefully we will bump into you guys one day!!😂

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That is awesome! If you see us out there don't hesitate to say hi.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks for the video guys. I am heading to Bon Echo at the end of the month. I will be doing some canoe camping. Just like you, I film all of my adventures so thanks for the video I appreciate it.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I don't know why you call yourself The Lazy Camper. We used to do that kind of camping and it certainly isn't for lazy people. It's a lot of work. We're soft now and enjoy the comforts of a travel trailer and electricity. Good luck with your channel.

[@VanlifeMidlifeRocks]

So happy to have found you :) We currently explore mainly in Western Canada in our classB, but look forward to exploring your area one day soon. For now we’ll follow your adventures!

[@sherronwalls3560]

Love Bon Echo really enjoyed this after a long day at work. You really captured the greatness of this place. Love the cooking parts keep it up love seeing the food parts afterall camping offers time for great food.

[@sherronwalls3560]

Totally agree about vault toilets really annoying

[@louisag5410]

Two ‘9s’ in a row…you guys are on a roll…. Another informative and enjoyable video…Thanks!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That part of the province has some really nice provincial parks. The feel of the north without going too far north. We love it. Glad you enjoyed the video. Happy camping!

[@carolandkenlunney5430]

Bon Echo is a favorite of ours. We always go to the Hardwood Hills.( we like the seclusion) . Back in 2002 Ken and I got married on top of the Rock ( where you were saying about a payoff for the climb). That year the park went above and beyond and gave us a loop in Hardwood Hills as the group camping ( the loop where the cabins are now, on Bon Echo Lake) at that time didn't accommodate tent trailers. It was the year of the Opsue Strike and the park lost it's May 2-4 weekend . ( which was earlier) and we got married on the 25th. Hardwood Hills wasn't open at that time( once again because of the strike but they cleared out the first loop for us and our guests.)..they gave us the keys to the gate and let us party on. Great Review

[@croakingtoad4472]

Thanks for the great video. We're heading to Bon Echo in a few days and look forward to trying out some of the things you guys did on your trip.

[@L_mantzio]

Love your channel!!! Found you in the Ontario Facebook group and so glad I did!!!! We're trying to narrow down our go to list for this summer and you guys have been a HUGE HELP!!!! Thanks for the info and tips on Ontario parks!!!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad we were able to help you out. Happy camping!

[@monikakochalskamalinowski8885]

We love Bon Echo! We were there this past weekend. Great review as always! 9 - well deserved

[@mannyn4159]

Great video as usual. Particularly this one cause we're going the weekend of September 17th. We got very lucky and scored site 121. You both do a wonderful job explaining everything about the parks you go to. Looking forward to your next one. Again great work.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks a lot. I'm sure you'll have a great time at Bon Echo. Happy camping!

[@robertpearson8798]

The day before we left site 114.

[@patriciadelorme9006]

Thank you for sharing! My camping group (the Ladies Camping Crew - mother, aunt, & cousin) were scheduled this year (2022) for Bon Echo, however it has been rescheduled for 2023. I’m even more excited for next year to camp at this park. Love the content. Great job!! 🎉

[@sparky-pp4dq]

Great video! It will be on our list for next years camping season

[@manondesrochers5729]

I absolutely love your video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@annapacheco5996]

Great video guys. 👍👍

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@donmcconnery5080]

Always enjoy your videos, but this one was your best so far. You keep getting better and better all the time. I know this area quite well but have never been to the park. Hopefully get there next year, doing Lake of two rivers in a couple of weeks. Thanks again for the great review.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We appreciate that! I'm sure you'll have a great time at Lake of Two Rivers in a couple of weeks. We'll be down the road from you at Cansibay then. Hopefully the fall colours will be showing. Happy camping!

[@OutdoorsygalO]

I think we’ll go there this summer.🥰 Thanks guys!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It's a great park!

[@mikestephenson2887]

Can’t wait to go back to Bon Echo. Been years. We have a res for fall colour camping with our trailer. Thanks again Coles for a great review!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

You're going to have a great time.

[@robertjordan7323]

Thanks for the tips ! Now that we have kayaks, we went across the lake to check out that hiking trail you featured on the video. Great view.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Do you know if the Mugwump Ferry was bringing people across? They weren't doing it when we were last there during COVID.

[@robertjordan7323]

@@CampingwiththeColes We did see a boat picking up people from the dock when we arrived. I'm not sure if a ferry or that was the tour boat?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

@@robertjordan7323 great, thanks.

[@mbirch1593]

I would agree with your rating....beautiful park. Interesting that the pit toilets are still closed (we were there on Thanksgiving weekend last year). We particularity loved the off leash pet trail.

[@robertpearson8798]

There used to be group campsites on Bon Echo Lake but they were replaced with cabins (more profit I guess). The General store in Cloyne also has scooped ice cream. There used to be one of those coin operated binocular pedestals like they have at Niagara falls on the observation deck on the cliff-top trail. We always wondered who got to go up there regularly to empty the change!

[@ashyrh]

Thanks so much, guysl I love your videos ❤

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@davidabreu1718]

music is always on point great upload as usual keep up the great work

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Much appreciated. Happy camping!

[@RichardTurpin-ge3uq]

Off to Bon Echo we go. Love your videos.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Have fun!

[@sadiyagul4986]

Your camping videos are very informative and proper.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thank you very much!

[@damienwg8829]

The waterslide song always comes out on the best parks lol. Great vid as always, just returned from charleston lake going off your reviews.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Hahahaha, good for you to recognize that song from the Pog Lake video. I love that song and was waiting for the opportunity to play it again. I guess I was saving it for another great park. Happy camping!

[@Verrecchia23]

we already eyed that site earlier last year and now we will be booking it tomorrow mornng when booking opens. stop by August 8th at site 115 to shoot the crud if you want. thanks for the video

[@cwqrpportable]

Thanks to this video and your advice, I was able to book site 115 at Bon Echo for July 25 to August 1. We're so excited! Love being able to go to the 4:09 mark of your video and check out the site. Thanks Cheryl and Ben! We love all your videos on Prov Parks.....

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Wow! That's a nice site! Good size with real close beach access. You'll have a great time. Happy camping!

[@cwqrpportable]

@@CampingwiththeColes Thanks

[@adelah]

hey there!!!! i am wondering - how close is that vault toilet to the site 115? Id love to book that!

[@cwqrpportable]

@@adelah We stayed 0n 115 last summer and I honestly can't even remember any vault toilets other than the ones at the bottom of the hill along the lake shore. No issue. However, the site is kind of a weird one to fit your RV on to. It's sloping, for the most part, and if you can find a level spot, it's quite a distance form the power outlet. Make sure you take a LONG power cord (75'+). Also, if you don't like people cutting through your site to get to the beach, then this will be a great site for you. We had one lady boldy walk by us when we were sitting eating lunch and said " you don't mind us cutting through here do you?". Lol I won't booked the site again; the proximity to water is not worth the aggravation of the trespassers.

[@kimdouglas8826]

Love hearing your reviews!! We actually just got back from Bon Echo and had the extact same campsite. It was great.. we had no bikes so we walked everywhere. we have a dog and not happy with the dog swimming area. She couldn't go anywhere on the beaches even on leash so that was a major restriction which was disappointing. Probably not going back for that reason.. looking for better dog swim area. Sandbank was a great one though and thanks for your review on that one as well.. take care and keep them coming :)

[@lindaleblanc1959]

great video tons of great info on the park keep the videos coming ,i noticed your cook top you are using we bought a 17' black stone what a game changer and very compact check them out for next years camping season.

[@wint4516]

Yes I concur with you , on the pay off at the end of a hike. I love ❤ that view. Thanks for sharing. Ps we have Fido ( Rogers) 😀

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I thinking you're rubbing it in with the Fido remark. 😋😁

[@stockhound205]

Did the park this weekend, 100% agree with 9/10. The park was great. Stayed in Midway "radio free", best site i've even been at. We canoed the Maz and fished Snyder, then attempted the Essens Lake trail. The trail was rough, with a lot of elevation changes, rocks and roots, we needed proper footware which we lacked. We settled for the High Pines trail, which was nice but lacked water features. The Maz lake was nice, cold and deep, drawings were cool, lots of water traffic, watch those waves, but beautiful. There was no room at the dock for the Clifftop trail, we'll have to do that next time. We ended the day at the Maz store for some icecream and wood. Good tip, the wood is $10 and near double the size of a standard bag and dry! Day two we attempted the inlet from Buck Bay to Semicicle, whoever has The Adventure Map for Bon Echo, Semicicle is a dense marsh, not a little lake. We checked out Joe Perry, the Shield Trail and Bon Echo lake. The cabins are more remote then I thought. We had an amazing time, the kids loved it and there's still so much to do. Can't wait to go back, this will have to be an annual repeat for the next few years at least. Thanks for the inspiration to check it out, best camp trip to date with the kids, it was a total win. Go check out Bingamens, that was quite the experience, overall good, just lacked privacy. Cheers.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We're so glad that you had such a great time there. Thanks for letting us know.

[@johnstam4955]

It was great to meet the both of you in person at Bon Echo. We agree with your score of 9

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Great meeting you too. Did you catch a glimpse of yourself and your wife in the video canoeing?

[@richardquittenton4791]

bon echo is the best! you guys know your sites too. nice video

[@ginetteblier]

Sunshine Rock is a popular spot just past the walk-in sites (Sawmill Bay). Check it out next time. You'll enjoy that I'm sure. We paddle there but you can walk to it. Thank you for doing these reviews. They're a great way to see the parks we haven't been to AND revisit some on the off season too😊.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I don't think we ever made it that far to get to Sunshine Rock. Well be sure to check it out next time. Thanks for the tip!

[@OutdoorsygalO]

Thank you so much for saying “pickerel!” 🥰🇨🇦 That orange mushroom sure looked like chicken of the woods - yum! 😋 Such a beautiful park! We’ve been enjoying your videos in Ontario Provincial Parks. Have you considered doing KOA Campgrounds? We are booked into one soon because everything was booked up at a Provincial Park near where we are going. Dang!

[@suzannegooley5872]

We were there in August, not far from your site. We really enjoyed the park and you did a great review! One thing worth noting (which you probably didn’t experience) was there is a very long wait to get a rental (canoe, kayak) etc. I arrived at 9:40am on a weekday and waited 2 hrs to rent a canoe. They ran out shortly after me. Just something to know if you don’t have your own water gear.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for letting others know with this video comment. It's not something that we really thought of as we have our own kayaks and SUP. It's something I might consider reporting on in future videos. Happy camping!

[@jacobpierunek2900]

I was on site 323 earlier this year and absolutely loved it. Best site there by far!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We sure loved it. Happy camping!

[@robertpearson8798]

We had friends of 373 the same time you were there. We were on 114 in Sawmill Bay. I think 115 is the best site in the park, unless there's a cool wind coming off of the lake (at least in September, might be great in high summer).

[@robertpearson8798]

Of course, you may have been there earlier than the upload date of your video.

[@huazhang4043]

Thank you, its a great review. subed!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the sub!

[@robertpearson8798]

The new dump/fill station is a vast improvement as well.

[@tarashafik8528]

Great video!!! we do tent camping and I'm just wondering if the pit toilets were closed, does that mean all campsites were relying on the comfort stations? was there a huge line up and were they kept clean?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It was about half of the vault toilets that were closed. I don't know if you can find out in advanced which ones are closed. The comfort stations are always more comfortable for the toilets than the vault toilets anyway. If you need to be close to a toilet I'd try to get close to a comfort station just in case.

[@chrystalbateman2995]

Great review! Subscribed.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bennysworld16]

Great very Informative video thanks for sharing 🏕️🏔️🫡

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@01AceAlpha]

Bon Echo is on our hit list! We just enjoyed our first camping trip as a family(my first time in 30 years since going with my parents) to Killbear. We survived and loved our 2 week escape with 3 young children. We are hoping to upgrade our trailer. I’m interested in your thoughts of 12v fridges vs propane/electric. Cheers from Niagara!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We're glad you're back to camping and now with your own kids. Killbear is a great. We haven't looked much into the different kinds of fridges. We've boondocked a few times and even with using very little power inside, our RV battery only lasts a day. It was like that with our old trailer and with our current trailer. The thought of running a fridge on that battery too means we would have to run a generator a lot more than we do now. Using solar isn't really an option for us as we camp mostly in provincial parks and the sites are usually too densely wooded to get much out of solar panels. But again we haven't looked into it too much. We encourage you to do lots of research to make sure it's what works best for your situation. Happy camping!

[@robertpearson8798]

Killbear is a great park as well but aptly named.

[@agnibhachaudhury1913]

Quick question: what is the name of the tent that we see at 4mins 11 seconds?

[@ginacardarelli4877]

Great video I see you have not tried Charleston Lake Provincial Park Near Lansdowne Ontario its a great park

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We were at Charleston Lake PP last season and we loved it. That area of the province has some of the best provincial parks. Here is a link to our video if you want to see it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKLak4SPmNiIrbs

[@jeremystringer7110]

Beautiful review! Excuse my ignorance but you kept referring to sites being “radio free”. I’m not familiar with this term. What does it mean?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That means you can't have any music or radio playing outside. If you have an RV you can play it inside but no one should be able to hear it from outside.

[@TheCoonluv]

I love watching all your videos, if you can would you be able to recommend in your videos which sites are for large RVs (32 feet +).

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for watching. We usually book a site for up to 32 feet if we can. Sometime we go down to 25 feet but usually in parks that we are familiar with. We'll keep your suggestion in mind. Happy camping!

[@cwqrpportable]

Thanks for the nice review; we'll be going there. How has your Ecoboost F150 been? I see your Ecoboost is a 2017 or earlier. Has it been dependable? Thanks

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It's a 2016 F150 3.5L Ecoboost. No problems with it. Very dependable. Highly recommended.

[@cwqrpportable]

@@CampingwiththeColes Nice! Thanks for the reply. I have a 2018 F150 with the 3.5 EB as well...... 68,000 kms and love it. Powerful, smooth and fast and gets pretty decent mileage. I watch and enjoy all your reviews and videos. I especially like how you detail what each park has in terms of sites, serviced sites, dump stations, beaches, dog beaches, etc. Thanks again........ I appreciate the amount of work you put into it.

[@sadiyagul4986]

Would you recommend Algonquin canisbay or bon echno for camping in July ?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Both are great! You can't go wrong either way.

[@sadiyagul4986]

@@CampingwiththeColes thanks a lot

[@chantalpike8316]

Hows the fishing there?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I didn't see many people fishing, most people on the water were sight seeing. In my research of the park it sounded like the fishing was pretty good, especially for pickerel. It's a very deep lake, so some pretty big fish.

[@coling9803]

322 soon

[@ktownc936]

Wow great video but the music was trash

[@CampingwiththeColes]

LOL! Thanks for watching.

[@woody3590]

The park is over crowded and the lake over developed.The fishing is crap now

[@itsbeertimenow]

Cell service: Rogers / Fido / chatr / freedom 2 bars lte