Planning a visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park?
Skating through the forest is definitely a winter bucket list activity!
But the secret is out! Arrowhead has quickly become one of the region’s most popular winter attractions so it’s important you plan your visit carefully.
Know before you go! Availability of skating and skiing is weather dependent. Check our Snow Report for ski conditions.
We’ve assembled a list of frequently asked questions and top tips for planning your Arrowhead adventure:
- What’s different this year?
- Do I need a reservation to visit for the day? Or a separate reservation for the skate trail?
- When is the park open?
- I’m a season’s pass holder. Do I still have to reserve a day use pass?
- Is the park hosting Fire and Ice nights this year?
- How do I avoid crowds or lineups?
- What is there to do at the park?
- Do you have any trail tips?
- Is the skate trail / ski trail open?
- How do I get to Arrowhead?
- Where do I park?
- How much does it cost?
- Can I rent skates, skis, or snowshoes?
- Are there washrooms?
- Can I stay overnight?
- Is food available for sale?
- Where can I go if the park gets crowded or is already full?
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1. What’s different this year?
This isn’t new but it’s worth repeating: there’s no need to stop at the old gatehouse for your day use, camping, and Fire and Ice permits! More on that below.
The Lumby Ski Trail will be CLOSED this season due to construction projects in the Lumby Campground, including electrification of campsites and the building of a new comfort station. These improvements are part of Ontario Parks’ ongoing investment in park infrastructure to enhance visitor experiences. There will still be access to the Homesteader, Arrowhead Lake and Beaver Meadow trails. Please follow posted signs and check the updated trail map before heading out.
Our Lookout Trail will be groomed this year as a multi-use trail. That includes Fat Biking, snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and skijoring. The trail is considered moderate and forms a 3-kilometer loop. This is the only trail in the park that will allow Fat Biking and skijoring.
You can get your daily vehicle permit online up to five days in advance.
When you arrive at the park for day use there’s no need to stop at the office and check in if you have reserved and pre-registered online, just go on in and start having fun!
Like last year, 100% of daily vehicle permits will be available in advance. This means we will know in advance if we have reached capacity for the upcoming weekend, and we will provide these updates on our social media channels.
If we have already sold all daily vehicle permits for a certain day, you will not be able to purchase a permit (or use your seasonal pass) at the Visitor Centre / Park Store, and you will not be able to visit the park. Visit us during the week if you are looking to avoid the crowds!
Looking to attend one of our Fire and Ice Nights? You can also reserve your permit online in advance! Be sure to select “Day Use + Fire and Ice Evening Skate” when you reserve. Your Fire and Ice permit is valid for the full day including the Fire and Ice event in the evening.
REMINDER: The Visitor Centre/Park Store is now your one-stop-shop for all of your permit, merchandise, and supply needs! The gatehouse is no longer open to the public.
We have accessible sit skis and ice sledges for ski and ice trails. Our Roe Skate and Classic Trails are rated as accessible and adaptive for skiing, and the sledge can be used on the Skating Trail.
REMINDER: Arrowhead hosts a number of ski races throughout the winter. If you plan to visit Arrowhead during one of these races, you can expect the park to be extra busy. You’ll certainly want to book your trip as early as possible or consider coming another day. Certain trails may be closed to the public during races.
For information on when ski races are being held, please check our social media channels for routine updates or the events on our webpage for detailed information.
Some final reminders:
We are no longer offering ski permits. We ask that our visitors pick up a daily vehicle permit for access to all of the park’s day-use activities, including skiing, skating, and snowshoeing.
Arrowhead no longer offers snow tubing.
Make sure to check back often for up-to-date information.
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2. Do I need a reservation to visit for the day?
If you want to guarantee your spot during Arrowhead’s extremely busy winter season, yes.
We know you don’t want to spend your time driving to Arrowhead or sitting in lines, only to be turned away because we are already full. Check our social media channels for the latest capacity updates.
You can obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance of your trip, beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Make your reservation:
- Online
- By phone at 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) – open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST
Pre-register your reservation prior to arrival to proceed directly into the park – no check-in required! Pre-register at reservations.ontarioparks.com or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).
Your daily vehicle permit includes access to the skating trail (weather permitting), except for our Fire and Ice Nights, which require their own permit.
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3. When is the park open?
The park is open all year long, except on Christmas Day.
Availability of skating and skiing is weather dependent, with skiing typically becoming available in mid-December and skating beginning in January.
Park hours:
- 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Skating Trail hours:
- Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday/Saturday on Fire and Ice night: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Note: The Skating Trail is closed during trail maintenance, which occurs when necessary, depending on the weather. Visitors must vacate the trail during this time to ensure safety.
Visitor Centre / Park Store hours:
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Friday/Saturday Fire and Ice nights
Rental Pavilion hours:
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fire and Ice Days: 9:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m.
Remember: Arrowhead can get EXTREMELY busy during peak times. You can plan ahead by reserving your day use permit up to five days in advance online, and check for capacity updates on our social media channels.
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4. I’m a season pass holder. Do I still need to book a day use pass?
Yes, but at no extra cost.
If you have an annual or winter Ontario Parks permit, you can use the serial number starting with A24- or W24- on your pass to reserve your permit in advance.
Remember that a seasonal permit does not guarantee entrance if the park reaches capacity.
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5. Is the park hosting Fire and Ice nights this year?
Yes, weather permitting. Fire and Ice Nights are held every Friday and Saturday night beginning in late January, dependent on weather and ice conditions of the trail.
You can reserve your permit for Fire and Ice Nights up to five days in advance. When reserving your permit, make sure you select the “Day Use + Fire and Ice Evening Skate” option.
Please monitor our social media channels for updates.
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6. How do I avoid crowds or lineups?
- Plan a weekday trip
- Avoid Arrowhead’s busiest times, which are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Purchase your advance day use permit up to five days in advance of your visit
- Pre-register your reservation online or by phone to skip check-in!
- Proceed directly to the Visitor Centre / Park Store
- Check our social media channels for regular capacity updates
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7. What is there to do at the park?
- Skating: Glide through the forest on Arrowhead’s 1.3 km ice trail
- Cross-country skiing: There are 28 km of classic ski trails and 16 km of skate ski trails, ranging from beginner to expert level
- Snowshoeing: explore the 8+ km of marked snowshoe trails
- Multi-use trail: New this year, our 3-km Lookout Trail will be groomed as a multi-use trail. That includes for Fat Biking and skijoring. This is the only trail where Fat Biking and Skijoring are allowed
- Other winter activities: go for a snowy hike, enjoy winter birding, or winter camping and our 13 camp cabins
- Check out Stubbs Falls and Big Bend Lookout!
We rent equipment for skiing (boots, poles and classic/skate skis), skating (hockey, figure and comfort skates) and snowshoeing (traditional and technical) at the Pavilion, which is located beside the Visitor Centre/ Park Store.
When you need a break, check out the Visitor Centre / Park Store! Grab a hot beverage, browse the store, or grab a seat in the Grand Hall to warm up by the fireplace
Our Roe Skate and Classic Trail is rated as easy and is designated as an accessible trail for adaptive skiing. We offer accessible sit skis and ice sledges to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to use our trails! This equipment is available to rent at the Pavilion.
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8. Do you have any trail tips?
Know before you go! Check our Snow Report for up-to-date trail conditions and availability.
Safety on the trails is your responsibility, as is dressing according to the wintry weather.
Please find below tips for each of our three types of trails:
Skating trail
Please wear a certified, properly fitted helmet.
Hockey equipment like sticks and pucks are not allowed on the trail.
Pets are also not allowed on the trail. They are welcome by the firepit area at the start of the trail.
Strollers with rubber wheels and toboggans are permitted.
Skate Aids are available for new and young skaters free of charge. They are located at the start of the trail and are first come, first served.
Trail maintenance may occur at any time when necessary, and is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during Fire & Ice Nights. The trail must be vacated during these times to allow the Zamboni to clean the ice, increasing the safety and quality of the ice for everyone.
Ski trails
Skiers should be off the trail 15 minutes prior to park closing.
Groomers work on the trail daily – please step off the trail when you see groomers approaching to allow them to safely pass.
For trail quality and the safety of skiers, walking and snowshoeing are not allowed on the ski trails. Pets are also not allowed.
Snowshoe trails
Only snowshoe on designated snowshoe trails.
Avoid walking on concrete or hard surfaces with the snowshoes as this will damage them. Carry your snowshoes to an area with heavy snow and strap them on there for some adventuring!
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9. Is the ice skating trail / ski trail open?
Winter outdoor activities are always weather dependent. Check park conditions before you leave home, as some activities could be closed:
- Check out the Snow Report on the Ontario Parks website (updated daily) for skate and ski trail conditions
- Follow Arrowhead on social media for live updates
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10. How do I get to Arrowhead?
Arrowhead Provincial Park is 7 km north of Huntsville, off Hwy 11. Take exit 226, turn right onto Muskoka Road 3, and then turn left onto Arrowhead Park Road.
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11. Where do I park?
When you drive into the park (particularly on a Saturday), you may see a line up and will have to show your permit to a park warden. Please be patient; park staff are working as fast as possible to get you in to the park!
When you arrive:
- Proceed directly to the Visitor Centre / Park Store – do not stop at the old Park Office
- Watch for park staff or signage to direct you to the appropriate parking lot. Please do not park on the road
- There are multiple parking lots. Be ready to walk 200-400 m to the skating or ski trails
- Reserve online or by phone up to five days in advance – Pre-register prior to arrival to skip the line-ups and check-in process!
Please note: All vehicles entering the park must obtain a valid park permit.
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12. How much does day use cost?
The cost is $21 per day, per vehicle.
If you’re looking to guarantee entry to the park, make sure to reserve your daily vehicle permit in advance online. Permit availability is subject to capacity limits.
If you have an annual or winter Ontario Parks permit, you can use the serial number on your pass to reserve your permit in advance. Remember that a seasonal permit does not guarantee entrance if the park reaches capacity.
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13. Can I rent skates, skis, or snowshoes?
Yes! Rentals are available on a first come first serve basis.
We frequently sell out on weekends, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Rentals are offered in the rental Pavilion beside the Visitor Centre / Park Store.
Rental fees are:
- Snowshoes: $18.00 for 3 hours
- Ice skates $18.00 for 3 hours
- Cross-country skis:
- $35.00 for an adult full day, $28.00 for an adult half day
- $28.00 for a youth full day, $21.00 for a youth half day
- $112.00 or a family full day, $92.00 for a family half day
All prices include tax, and half days begin after 1:00 p.m.____________________________________________________________
14. Are there washrooms available?
Yes. There are washrooms across the road from the old Park Office, at the comfort station near the skating trail, and at the Visitor Centre / Park Store.
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15. Can I stay overnight?
Yes! You can enjoy tent or trailer camping at Arrowhead.
All seven (7) of our winter campsites are electrically serviced and only a short walk away from the winterized comfort station complete with showers, flush toilet facilities, a dish washing station and a winterized trailer water filling station.
We also offer cozy camp cabins, which fill up quickly all winter.
If you are joining a campsite or cabin, be sure to register at the Visitor Centre and let staff know which site you will be staying at. Additional vehicle permits are $14.13/night.
Check our reservation site for availability.
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16. Is food available for purchase?
Arrowhead offers limited snacking options.
We offer a variety of hot and cold beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, juice, soda, etc.), chips, candy and small snacks.
It is recommended you pack a lunch if you are spending the entire day with us.
Grab a seat in the Grand Room at the Visitor Centre / Park Store, or head into the town of Huntsville to try one of many great dining options.
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17. Where can I go if the park gets crowded or is already full?
Mew Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park If Arrowhead is already full, you may want to check out nearby Algonquin Provincial Park. But make sure to check out our blog comparing Arrowhead and Algonquin Park’s winter activities. They both have a lot to offer, but offer quite different experiences! Algonquin has:
- skating (at Mew Lake campground, a one-hour drive from Arrowhead)
- snowshoeing
- cross-country skiing (it’s only a 35 minute drive to Fen Lake Trails, or just over an hour to Leaf Lake)
- a Visitor Centre with museum exhibits, a viewing platform, and bookstore
- For more information, contact Algonquin directly by calling (705) 633-5572
Explore the region
Looking for more attractions, events, and accommodations for your winter trip?
Check out Discover Muskoka or Explorers’ Edge for ideas!
