Toronto 
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 you can do to enjoy the crisp and clear winter air.
Trip planning:
Arrowhead Provincial Park is open 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. during winter. During Fire & Ice Nights, the park is open until 9:00 p.m. The park is located 7km north of Huntsville.
The entrance fee or daily vehicle permit is $21 per person. There is the alternative option of buying a winter pass. Skate, snowshoe, and skate ski rentals are also available at the shop in Birches’s parking lot.
For conditions: Call 705-789-5105
Park Hours:
December Mid to Late March
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.
Cost:
2025-26 Winter Season: A daily vehicle permit (21 per day, per vehicle.). Buy Parks Pass in Advance.
Skate, snowshoe and skate ski rentals are available at Arrowhead’s Visitor Centre.
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
TOP THINGS TO DO DURING WINTER
I. Camping
In the serene setting of Arrowhead Provincial Park, 13 charming camp cabins offer a rustic winter retreat. Each one-room cabin, adorned with a wooden interior, accommodates five guests with a queen bed and a double/single bunk bed.
For convenience, the cabins include a kitchenette with a microwave and mini-fridge alongside a cozy dining area. Comfort is further enhanced by provided mattresses, a gas barbecue, a picnic table, and a warming propane/electric fireplace. Guests have access to nearby comfort stations and water taps. Visitors must bring essentials like bedding, cookware, and personal items. A 2-night minimum stay is required, extending to 3 nights on long weekends.
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 the daytime. The best time to visit the ice skating trail is during weekdays, as Saturdays are busy.
Skate Trail Hours when open: Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Check the status online before travelling.
III. Fire and Ice Nights
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 6 pm to 9 pm every Friday and Saturday night beginning mid-January.
During the day hours of Fire & Ice Nights, the Ice Skating Trail will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reserve a permit for Fire and Ice Nights in advance by selecting the “Day Use + Fire and Ice Evening Skate” option.
Photo Credit: Discover Muskoka
IV. Snowshoeing
Have you tried snowshoeing? If not, Arrowhead Park is a great place to start, offering over 8 kilometres of marked trails for snowshoe enthusiasts. These trails meander through a breathtaking landscape of mature hardwood forests, presenting a perfect blend of adventure and serene beauty.
This immersive experience in the snow-clad forest is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape and an active exploration in the crisp, snowy environment.
V. Hiking
Don’t let the cold keep you from taking a breathtaking hike in the park. There are five different hiking trails that the park offers, weather permitting.
If you are visiting Arrowhead for the first time, walk to the Big Bend Overlook, showcasing a glacial delta’s interior formed thousands of years ago. The 2km Stubb’s Falls trail weaves through snow-covered forests and past enchanting waterfalls, creating a winter wonderland experience.
VI. Explore the park on the skis
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. Join for Muskoka Loppet
This event is held once a year (Sunday, January 25, 2026 ) and is a definite must for all ages. The cross country skiing competition offers various races, starting from 5km, and is great fun for the whole family!
VIII. Enjoy the Winter Scenery
Snow-laden trees, icicles glistening in the winter sun, and quietly flowing waters fighting against old man winter make a winter trip to the park a dream winter getaway for the winter-loving soul.
For more information, see here.
