The Guided Boat Tour

An immersive voyage that brings you face-to-face with ancient Indigenous pictographs and the towering Mazinaw Rock for a perspective only accessible from the water.

Duration:

45 minutes

Capacity:

27 passengers per trip

Safety:

Transport Canada regulated vessel and certified captains

Narrated:

Yes (Ontario Parks staff)

Tickets:

$30 pp/$15 (for ages 2-12)

Pets:

Service animals only. No other pets permitted. Documentation may be required in accordance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Overview

Discover why the Mazinaw Rock is a National Historic Site on this expertly narrated voyage. Step aboard the Tour Boat for a front-row seat to the largest collection of visible Indigenous pictographs in the Canadian Shield, featuring over 260 red-ochre paintings. You will feel the true scale of the 100-metre cliffs as our captains share the legends of the rock, the geology of the Shield, and the captivating history of the park, culminating in our signature “Echo” demonstration.

Tour Highlights

This is the only wall worth staring at.

From the water, the cliff becomes something else entirely — towering, textured, alive with story. On this guided tour, you won’t just look at the rock. You’ll understand what makes it unforgettable.

Experience Mazinaw Rock from its most dramatic angle, straight up from the lake

See sacred pictographs only visible by water

Witness a 940-year-old cedar growing sideways from the cliff

Hear how a wilderness inn once drew artists and poets to this shoreline

Take part in the echo moment everyone talks about

Prepare for Your Experience

Boarding Location

Boarding takes place exclusively at the Greystones Dock, about a 20 minute drive from the front gate.

Timing

Departure times are strictly adhered to; passengers must arrive at the dock a minimum of 15 minutes prior to departure.

Fast Facts

The cliff stretches 1.5 kilometres along the shoreline
Many pictographs are painted just one to two feet above the waterline, created from birch bark canoes
In 1919, a memorial to Walt Whitman was carved directly into the rock face

What Our Guests Say

    
 
 
       Absolutely a delightful 45 minute tour. Nicole’s enthusiasm is contagious- she’s wonderful.
  
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     Mark Byrnes 
 
 
 
 
      The boat tour was very informative and it was cool to learn about the ancient pictures on the rocks.
  
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     Donna Kasubeck 
 
 
 
 
      We took the Mazinaw Lake boat tour on June 30th. It was excellent! The tour guide Emma was knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. There is lots of history to learn about at Bon Echo Park. We highly recommend you take a summer visit and don’t miss Grey Stones Gift Shop and the Visitors Center.
  
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     Margot Uson 
 
 
 
 
      We went on the tour on Saturday and it was amazing. Very informative and beautiful. Would do it again. Kaitlin was an amazing tour guide. We also took the ferry on Sunday for the hike and steven was very upbeat and a great host.
  
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     ana chiribon 
 
 
 
 
      This was an absolutely lovely way to tour the lake and see Mazinaw Rock and the pictoglyphs up close.  Our guide Emma was knowledgeable, informative, and fun.  Thoroughly enjoyed myself.
  
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     Amy Barron 
 
 
 
 
      Wow what an amazing up close tour of Mazinaw Rock petroglyphs! Our guide, Colleen, provided excellent and knowledgeable commentary to an exceptional significant indigenous site.  We got up so close in the pontoon boat to view the paintings and unique features.  I highly recommend this tour.  You will learn so much and appreciate it jn a special way!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
     Chris Armstrong

Know Before You Go

What to Bring

Warmer Clothing

It is sometimes a bit colder on the water than on the shore. We highly recommend bringing a warm layer or light jacket.

Essentials

Camera for the pictographs, water in a reusable bottle, and sun protection.

Please Note: For the comfort of all passengers, food is not permitted on the vessel.

Accessibility

The Boat tour is ramp-accessible, allowing guests with mobility needs to remain in their chairs during the voyage.

Children and Infants

The Tour Boat is a Transport Canada-regulated vessel, and we provide life jackets for all ages.

FAQs

Do I need a park pass to take the boat tour?

Yes, a valid Ontario Parks vehicle permit or camping reservation is required to enter the park and access the dock.

Is the boat tour safe for young children?

Absolutely. The Tour Boat is a Transport Canada-regulated vessel, and we provide life jackets for all ages.

What happens if it rains?

Tours typically run rain or shine. However, the captain may cancel tours for safety during high winds or lightning.

Can I buy tickets on the boat?

No, all tickets must be purchased in advance through our online portal or at the Greystones Gift Shoppe.

Does the tour stop at the stairs for the hike?

No, the Tour Boat is an interpretive sightseeing tour. To reach the hiking stairs, please book our Ferry Service.

Book Your Ferry Ticket