Experience multi-pitch climbing on a 100 metre high granite cliff rising vertically out of the water. The routes are all traditional, ranging from 5.0 to 5.11, with the most popular routes in the 5.4 to 5.9 range.
Don’t let the low grades fool you; most of these routes were put up by hard climbers decades ago, when 5.9 was the hardest grade conceivable. Consequently, many routes are rated one or two grades below current standards. Many classic routes are very exposed so even at easier grades the experience is exhilarating. There are no sport routes and no top roping routes. The exposure and length of routes at Bon Echo make for an adventure unlike any other in Southern Ontario.
The Toronto section maintains the Wally Joyce Hut on Mazinaw Lake and operates a boat to ferry climbers to and from the climbs. The newly renovated (2018) hut is one of greatest attractions of the Toronto section offering swimming, hiking, and a wood fired sauna. It is comfortable and an excellent place to meet other climbers and get information on the climbs.
Download the Bon Echo Guidebook here. For further information contact the Bon Echo Chair – Mark Hurst at bonecho@alpineclubtoronto.ca or join the Bon Echo Rock Climbers Facebook group.
