Ottawa 
Arrowhead Provincial Park is a great visit any time of the year, but in winter, the famous skate trail nestled along the snow laden trees is not the only thing that you can do to enjoy the crisp and clear winter air.
Trip planning:
During December and January the park is open from 9am up to 5pm, while in February the park closes at 5:30pm. During March the park only closes at 6pm. During Fire & Ice Nights, the park is open until 9:00 p.m. The park is located 7km north of Huntsville.
The entrance fee varies from $18 pp on weekdays to $21 per person weekends. There is the alternative option of buying a winter pass. Skate, snowshoe and skate ski rentals are also available at the shop in Birches parking lot. Additional fees applies for cross country skiing.
For conditions: Call 705-789-5105
Park Hours:
December Mid to Late March (December 11, 2020 to March 27, 2021)
Arrowhead Holiday Hours
December 24: 9am-1pm
December 25: CLOSED
December 26: 9am-5pm
December 27: 9am-5pm
December 28: 9am-5pm
December 29: 9am-5pm
December 30: 9am-5pm
December 31: 9am-5pm
January 1: 9am- 5pm
December & January: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
February: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
March: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Cost:
2020-21 Winter Season: A daily vehicle permit ($18 weekdays, $21 weekends)
Daily ski permit — this is a per-person cost
- Ages (6-17): $7
- Ages (18 to 65): $15
- Ages (65+): $10
Skate, snowshoe and skate ski rentals are available at Arrowhead’s Visitor Centre.
TOP THINGS TO DO DURING WINTER
I. Camping
Spend a night in one of the cabins that is available. Doing an overnight visit is extremely popular during the peak seasons and it is recommended that you book well in advance. Remember to pack your warm slippers and sleeping bag, then enjoy a cosy night in one the cabins. The winter camping season is from December 11, 2020 to March 27, 2021.
II. Skating
Ice skating has never been as special as what Arrowhead has to offer. The skating trail is 1.3km long and offers magnificent scenery even during day time. The best time to visit the ice skating trail is during weekdays as Saturdays tend to be busy.
If you love to skate but not really feel like going a long way, the park offers a skating rink. Not as exciting as the trail but still lots of fun!
Skate Trail Hours when open: Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
III. Fire and Ice Nights
**Not available in 2020-21 season due to COVID-19**
Skating along snow laden evergreen trees is an absolutely stunning experience, but what about skating the same route during a torch-lit night? Known as the Fire and Ice skating evenings, you can skate on a torch lit trail from 6pm to 9pm on select evenings every month. On the day hours of Fire & Ice Nights, the Ice Skating Trail will be open from 11am – 3pm.
IV. Tubing
**Not available in 2020-21 season due to COVID-19**
Delight your inner child by tubing down the trail. You can find a nice fire pit on top, to warm yourself up before continuing the adventures. The park provides tubes, so you don’t have to bring your own.
V. Snowshoeing
Have you tried snowshoeing? If not , Arrowhead park is a great place to start. The classic marked trail runs about 8km. The unmarked trail runs through the mature hardwood forests and is a winter wonderland to see!
VII. Hiking
Don’t let the cold keep you from taking a breathtaking hike in the park. There are 5 different hiking trails that the park offers, weather permitting. There are shorter trails and the longest one is about a 3 hour hike.
VI. Explore the park on skies during Full moon Ski nights
**Not available in 2020-21 season due to COVID-19**
There are a variety of skiing opportunities at the park – a total of 33 km of groomed nordic ski trails including 11 ski-skate trails.
VII. Skijoring
**Not available in 2020-21 season due to COVID-19**
How exciting is it to know that you can now enjoy your favourite time of the year with your dog? If your dog weights more than 30lbs and are full grown you can have so much fun with skijoring.
VIII. Join for Muskoka Loppet
**Not available in 2020-21 season due to COVID-19**
This event is held once a year and is a definite must for all ages. The cross country skiing competition offers various races, starting from 5km is great fun for the whole family!
IX. Enjoy the Winter Scenery
Snow laden trees, icicles glistening in winter sun, quietly flowing waters fighting against old man winter, makes a winter trip to the park a dream winter getaway for the winter loving soul.
For more information, see Here.
