The Entertainer in Bon Echo offers a focused, three-pitch trad climb that invites climbers into a rugged vertical playground on Ontario's rocky shores. From the moment you step off the boat and onto a small ledge, the wall demands attention and a careful approach. The initial scramble upward to a larger ledge sets the tone—gear placements are available but demand a cautious touch as you navigate sections of loose, patchy rock. This first pitch, rated around 5.7, follows a route that snakes rightward on fractured stone before converging on a crack beneath the left side of a prominent pillar. The climb then ascends directly, confronting a brief blank section before easing near the pillar’s top where a solid belay can be built.

Pitch two intensifies the experience with a finger crack that pulls you skyward for several body lengths. Precision and patience are key here—nuts and small cams earn their keep as you make upward progress. Exiting the crack, a tricky leftward traverse skirts a few pitons and a bolt, guiding you toward a small tree clinging under a leftward-arching overhang. Just above this natural anchor point lies a ledge bearing a mix of aged pitons and fresh 1/2" bolts, giving ample security for a belay.

The final pitch is less clearly defined but offers varied moves that challenge route-finding skills. Whether you climb up and left or diagonally past a bulge just above the belay, the route ultimately leads to a large ledge. From there, climbers scramble left around a big tree and up toward a small overhang. Pulling through this roof marks the end of the climb. A cluster of large bolts on the ground nearby provides a solid option for building a final belay or rap anchor, seven meters from the cliff edge.

Situated along Bon Echo’s scenic waters, this route combines the rugged feel of traditional trad climbing with the subtle thrill of exposure to the lake’s breeze and sounds. The approach and descent are straightforward but require steady footing and a good sense of route management. Standard rack to #2 cam sizes is recommended, with nuts adding extra security in the finger crack section. Loose blocks and unfamiliar protection placements mean vigilance is essential, especially when leading the first pitch.

Although the route plays at a moderate 5.9 PG13, its challenges come less from crux moves and more from reading the rock, protecting uncertain spots, and balancing confidence with caution. The Entertainer rewards climbers who appreciate the process as much as the summit: it’s a climb that puts you in close contact with Bon Echo’s natural character and tests your trad skills without overwhelming them. Ideal for early season ascents when the granite is dry and the wind carries the whispers of the lake, this route offers a memorable taste of Ontario’s south bouldering region.