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This unique geological feature is one of the best sights in the area. The caves were formed by the power of the Bonnechere River over thousands of years and now feature funky rock formations and mesmerizing underground waterfalls. Visits are by guided tour only from spring to autumn. Those visiting in early October might spot bats getting into position for early hibernation.
Bon Echo Provincial Park offers one of the most unique attractions of any Ontario provincial park, home to Mazinaw Lake and its surrounding rugged cliffs, which feature ancient Indigenous pictographs. Campers can take boat tours to see them up close and then hike to the top of the cliffs for an incredible view of the lake. The park also has excellent swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and biking.
Most provincial parks and outdoor attractions near Renfrew operate on a seasonal basis, from mid-May to mid-October. Campers should note that evenings can be pretty cold in May and June, and again in September and October. The mosquitoes and blackflies of Algonquin Provincial Park are legendary in their ferocity in late spring and early summer. Renfrew’s annual Renfrew Fair in September brings live music, carnival rides, and livestock showcases to town, while early October is the best time to admire the autumn colors around Algonquin (which gets very busy with weekend daytrippers).