Bon Echo Hut Renewal
Bon Echo Hut Renewal
For 50 years the Bon Echo Hut has been providing rock climbers a place for comfort and camaraderie after an exhilarating day exploring the 100-metre granite cliffs of Mazinaw Rock. The hut hosts hundreds of visitors from across the country and around the world every year at one of the most unique climbing venues in North America. The ACC is raising funds for renovating the Bon Echo Hut and we'd like to ask for your support.
Adventure Climbing at Mazinaw Lake
The rock climbing at Mazinaw Lake is some of the finest in Ontario. The area boasts quartzite cliffs up to 100m high that rise vertically out of the lake. The routes are all traditional and range in grades from 5.0 to 5.11, with the most popular routes in the 5.4 to 5.9 range. The exposure and length of the routes make for an adventure unlike any other in the province.
Climbing on Mazinaw Rock. Photo by Colin Huggard.
Overlooking Mazinaw Lake. Photo by Colin Huggard.
Mazinaw Rock. Photo by Colin Huggard.
The Bon Echo Hut on the lake is operated by the ACC's Toronto Section which also operates a boat to ferry climbers to and from the climbs. The hut is an excellent place to meet other climbers and get information on the climbs and also gives access to excellent swimming in the lake and hiking in the area.
The comprehensive Guide to Rock Climbs at Bon Echo, including maps, photos, history and route descriptions, is available online at the Toronto Section's website.
More info on the Bon Echo Hut, including booking information, hut custodian lists and travel planning can be found on the Toronto Section website.
The renovation plan
The hut is a single-room wooden structure with a fireplace and kitchen equipped with propane stoves and a large dining table. There is a sauna located near the lake. The hut is not used for sleeping, but is a day hut and cook shelter for those staying at the campsites immediately adjacent to the hut.
Bon Echo Hut. Photo by Larry Forsyth.
The hut is now 50 years old and and while it's been lovingly cared for by Toronto Section volunteers, it is now in critical need of renovations.
Bon Echo Hut. Photo by Larry Forsyth.
The renovation plan will focus on comfort and function of the hut, with the committee eyeing things such as a new roof, a redesigned kitchen, updated windows, an expanded deck, new cooking and lighting systems and a new wood stove.
Wally's Hut
The revitalized Bon Echo Hut will be renamed The Wallace R. Joyce Hut in tribute to long-time Toronto Section member—the late Wally Joyce. Wally was instrumental in securing the lease of Crown lands on the shores of Lake Mazinaw 50 years ago and his name is on the original lease. In tribute to his contributions, leadership and legacy, the revitalized Bon Echo Hut will be renamed The Wallace R. Joyce Hut.
The revitalized Bon Echo Hut will be named after Wally Joyce.
Support the Bon Echo Revitalization Now
The Toronto Section, in partnership with the National Office, seeks to raise $80,000 for these renovations. Through the support of our members and friends, we've raised $30,000 toward that goal. So, we're not done yet and we still need your support urgently. Please consider making a donation to help us renovate Bon Echo.
For more information, please see our brochure, or donate now by clicking the button below. Contact Jolene Livingston to learn more about donating to the ACC.